‘Deva’ Movie Review: Shahid Kapoor Almost Pulls Off This Wild Version of ‘Mumbai Police’
After a long wait, we finally have a mainstream Bollywood flick where the hero's screen presence is so powerful that it makes us overlook the lapses in the logic of the screenplay.
Director Rosshan Andrrews, known for his gripping narratives, adapts his own Malayalam blockbuster Mumbai Police (2013) for the Hindi-speaking audience with Deva, a psychological thriller that is packed with intensity, high stakes, and an intriguing mind game at its core. However, while Shahid Kapoor shoulders much of the film’s weight, Deva struggles to capture the climactic punch that made the original a classic.
Plot Overview: A Twisted Game of Memory and Mystery
Shahid Kapoor plays ACP Devraj Malhotra, fondly called Deva, a fierce and intelligent cop revered for his investigative acumen. The movie begins with Deva successfully solving a high-profile case, only to find himself in a devastating accident soon after. When he wakes up in the hospital, he suffers from amnesia, losing crucial memories related to his last case. His closest confidante, played by Pooja Hegde, and his superior officer, portrayed by a commanding Ronit Roy, attempt to help him piece together his life and the mystery he was on the verge of solving.
As Deva retraces his steps, he unearths secrets that make him question not only the nature of the case but also his own identity and moral compass. The deeper he digs, the more sinister the revelations become, pushing him to the edge of his psyche. The film relies on non-linear storytelling and flashbacks to gradually unravel the enigma surrounding Deva’s accident and the murder he was investigating.
Shahid Kapoor’s Commanding Performance
Shahid Kapoor, with his rugged looks and simmering intensity, is perfectly cast as Deva. The role demands a balance between brute force and internal turmoil, and Shahid delivers an engaging performance, capturing both the swagger of a top cop and the vulnerability of a man grappling with his lost memories. His action sequences are compelling, and he carries the film through its slow moments, making even weaker plot points seem gripping with his sheer presence.
In emotional scenes, Shahid conveys Deva’s confusion, frustration, and growing paranoia convincingly. While the character is similar in spirit to Prithviraj Sukumaran’s portrayal in Mumbai Police, Shahid adds his own flavour, making Deva an unpredictable, almost mercurial presence on screen. His ability to oscillate between determination and self-doubt is one of the film’s strongest points.
Pooja Hegde and the Supporting Cast: A Mixed Bag
Pooja Hegde plays Meera, a journalist with ties to Deva’s past. While her chemistry with Shahid is lukewarm, she does a fair job in scenes requiring emotional depth. However, her character could have been fleshed out more to give the film stronger emotional stakes.
Ronit Roy, as Deva’s mentor and superior officer, is fantastic in his limited screen time. His authoritative presence and no-nonsense demeanour lend credibility to the narrative. Supporting performances by Atul Kulkarni and Radhika Madan also add weight to the proceedings, but some characters feel underdeveloped, failing to leave a lasting impact.
Rosshan Andrrews’ Direction: Stylish but Lacking the Final Punch
Rosshan Andrrews, who directed the original Mumbai Police, ensures Deva retains the edgy atmospherics and moody cinematography of its predecessor. The film is visually gripping, with dark hues and shadowy frames that amplify the psychological tension. Andrrews effectively uses Mumbai’s gritty landscapes to create an air of unease and mystery.
However, Deva falters in its pacing. The second half, which should have been a nail-biting unraveling of secrets, occasionally drags. Unlike Mumbai Police, which shocked audiences with its climactic revelation, Deva takes a more conventional route, diluting the impact of its final moments. While the build-up is engaging, the resolution lacks the gut-punch required to make it truly memorable.
Screenplay and Writing: A Faithful but Slightly Tamer Adaptation
The biggest challenge in remaking Mumbai Police was retaining its psychological depth while making it accessible to a broader Hindi-speaking audience. Deva largely follows the original’s blueprint but simplifies certain aspects, possibly to cater to a commercial sensibility. Some of the hard-hitting elements from the Malayalam version are either toned down or omitted, which affects the film’s intensity.
The dialogues, while effective in parts, sometimes feel generic. The screenplay does a commendable job of keeping the audience guessing, but those familiar with Mumbai Police might find the twists predictable. The climactic revelation, which was the soul of the original, is executed differently in Deva, making it less shocking but still thought-provoking.
Action, Cinematography, and Music: High on Style
The film’s action sequences are choreographed slickly, making them a highlight. Shahid Kapoor, known for his physicality, delivers power-packed stunts that blend realism with cinematic flair. The chase sequences, especially one set against the bustling streets of Mumbai, are particularly impressive.
Cinematographer Santosh Thundiyil captures the noir essence of the story beautifully. His use of dim lighting, long shots, and a constantly shifting focus mirrors Deva’s fractured mental state. The background score by Gopi Sundar heightens the tension, but the film’s songs feel somewhat misplaced, disrupting the overall mood.
Where Deva Excels and Where It Falls Short
Pros:
Shahid Kapoor’s performance: His portrayal of a tormented cop is one of the film’s biggest strengths.
Stylish cinematography: The film’s moody, noir-inspired visuals create an immersive atmosphere.
Engaging first half: The mystery surrounding Deva’s accident and memory loss keeps audiences hooked.
Well-executed action sequences: The physicality of Shahid’s performance adds credibility to the action.
Cons:
A weaker climax: The original’s gut-wrenching twist is diluted, making the ending less impactful.
Pacing issues in the second half: The film loses steam just when it should be at its most gripping.
Underdeveloped supporting characters: Some roles feel like missed opportunities to deepen the narrative.
Tamed-down psychological elements: The Hindi adaptation plays it safer compared to its bolder Malayalam counterpart.
Final Verdict: A Worthy but Not-Quite-Spectacular Remake
Deva is a solid thriller that benefits from Shahid Kapoor’s powerhouse performance and Rosshan Andrrews’ stylish direction. However, it doesn’t quite reach the psychological intensity or shocking brilliance of Mumbai Police. While the film is entertaining and engaging for those unfamiliar with the original, fans of the Malayalam version might find it lacking in depth.
That said, Deva still stands as one of the better Bollywood thrillers in recent times, offering a gripping mystery with a compelling protagonist at its core. If you enjoy stylish crime dramas with a psychological twist, this film is definitely worth a watch. Just don’t expect the same impact as Mumbai Police—because while Deva almost pulls it off, he doesn’t completely nail it.
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