Detailed Review of Shahid Kapoor’s "Deva" (2025) – A Stylish Thriller with a Flawed Execution

"Deva," Shahid Kapoor's much-anticipated crime thriller, hit theaters on January 31, 2025, and has since been met with mixed-to-positive reviews. The film, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is a remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam thriller "Mumbai Police" (2013). While it retains the gritty tone and suspenseful narrative of the original, some creative decisions—particularly a change in the climax—have left critics and audiences divided.

Despite these flaws, Shahid Kapoor's intense and layered performance carries the film, making "Deva" a gripping watch for fans of the cop thriller genre.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

"Deva" follows Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a sharp and relentless Mumbai police officer, as he investigates the murder of his best friend and fellow cop, Siddharth Sharma (played by Pavail Gulati). Just as Dev is about to uncover the truth, he meets with a serious accident that leaves him suffering from partial amnesia.

Now, with no memory of the case he was solving, Dev must retrace his steps, putting together the pieces of a puzzle that seems to get darker and more personal with each revelation. However, as he inches closer to the truth, he realizes that he might not like what he finds.

The film is filled with twists, betrayals, and hidden secrets, culminating in an emotionally charged climax that has sparked intense debate among audiences.

Shahid Kapoor – The Driving Force of "Deva"

One of the biggest strengths of "Deva" is undoubtedly Shahid Kapoor's riveting performance. Playing a conflicted, flawed, and determined police officer, Kapoor brings intensity and vulnerability to the role, making Dev Ambre one of his most complex characters to date.

His body language and expressions brilliantly convey Dev’s internal struggle, especially in scenes where he tries to recall fragments of his past.
The emotional weight of the character is well handled, particularly in the second half when Dev realizes some harsh truths about himself.
Kapoor effortlessly balances action sequences with emotional depth, proving yet again why he is one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors.

While the script falters at times, Kapoor’s magnetic screen presence keeps the audience engaged.

Supporting Cast and Performances

The supporting cast plays a crucial role in shaping Dev’s journey:

Pavail Gulati as Siddharth Sharma delivers a solid performance as Dev’s trusted friend and fellow officer. Though his screen time is limited (due to the nature of the story), his presence is felt throughout.
Pooja Hegde plays a journalist who gets involved in Dev’s investigation. While she has a few important scenes, her character feels underutilized.
Ronit Roy plays the Police Commissioner, who supports Dev but also questions his erratic behavior post-accident. Roy is convincing, but the writing doesn't allow his character much depth.
Sanjay Kapoor plays a mysterious political figure, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.

While the performances are strong overall, some characters feel underdeveloped, particularly Pooja Hegde’s role, which could have had more impact.

Direction and Screenplay – Where "Deva" Stumbles

Rosshan Andrrews, who directed the original Malayalam version, makes his Bollywood debut with "Deva". While his expertise in crafting a tense and atmospheric thriller is evident, the screenplay doesn’t always hit the mark.

Strengths:

✔ Fast-paced and engaging first half, keeping the audience hooked.
✔ Well-executed action sequences, particularly the hand-to-hand combat scenes.
✔ Stylized cinematography, with some slick, noir-inspired shots of Mumbai’s underbelly.

Weaknesses:

✖ The second half slows down, with too much exposition.
✖ The climax is significantly altered from the original, making it less impactful.
✖ Some side characters feel irrelevant, especially in comparison to the original film.

While the mystery unfolds grippingly, the final reveal lacks the shock value that made "Mumbai Police" so memorable.

Action and Technical Brilliance

"Deva" features some of the best action sequences in recent Bollywood thrillers.

The opening chase scene through the streets of Mumbai is exhilarating and sets the tone for the film.
A one-take fight sequence in a cramped warehouse is among the highlights, showcasing Shahid Kapoor’s impressive physical transformation.
The sound design and background score by Amit Trivedi add to the tension, making every twist feel more intense.

The cinematography deserves special mention. Vikash Nowlakha’s camera work captures Mumbai’s gritty, neon-lit streets beautifully, creating an immersive experience.

How "Deva" Differs from "Mumbai Police" (2013)

For those who have seen Mumbai Police, comparisons are inevitable.

Key Differences:

Climax Change:
- The Malayalam version had a bold and unconventional ending, which was one of its biggest strengths.
- In contrast, "Deva" softens the impact of the twist, making it more palatable for mainstream audiences.
Action Sequences:
- The Bollywood version emphasizes action much more than the original.
- Some intense chase scenes and fight sequences were added to cater to a wider audience.
Character Development:
- In "Mumbai Police," the protagonist’s moral dilemmas were more deeply explored.
- In "Deva," the focus shifts towards making Dev a heroic figure, reducing the psychological depth.

While these changes make "Deva" more commercial, they also dilute the impact of the original’s hard-hitting storyline.

Audience and Critical Reception – A Mixed Bag

Critics are divided over "Deva".

NDTV (3/5 Stars) – "Shahid Kapoor delivers a stellar performance, but the film loses steam in the second half."
Indian Express (2.5/5 Stars) – "A gripping first half gives way to a predictable, watered-down ending."
Times of India (3.5/5 Stars) – "Engaging and well-shot, but fails to match the brilliance of the original."
Audience Reactions:
- Fans of fast-paced action thrillers are enjoying it.
- Those familiar with Mumbai Police feel it lacks the same emotional impact.

On social media, Kapoor’s performance is being widely praised, while the climax change is the biggest complaint.

Final Verdict – Should You Watch "Deva"?

✅ Watch it if:

You love Shahid Kapoor’s intense performances.
You enjoy stylish action thrillers.
You haven’t seen the original "Mumbai Police".

❌ Skip it if:

You prefer psychological depth over action.
You’ve seen the original and don’t want a less impactful version.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

"Deva" is a slick, well-acted thriller that delivers on action but falls short in storytelling. While Shahid Kapoor shines, the film loses some of its edge by playing it too safe. If you go in without comparing it to the original, it’s still an entertaining watch.

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Detailed Review of Shahid Kapoor’s "Deva" (2025) – A Stylish Thriller with a Flawed Execution