Bollywood has long been fascinated with flamboyant, fearless cops—characters that balance action, style, and mass appeal. From Salman Khan’s Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg to Akshay Kumar’s Rowdy Rathore and Ranveer Singh’s Simmba, audiences have embraced these larger-than-life law enforcement officers. Shahid Kapoor’s Deva attempts to join this league, promising a high-octane thriller packed with action and intrigue. However, despite his magnetic screen presence, the film ultimately falls flat due to a weak second half, unnecessary complexity, and an unsatisfying climax.
The Story: A Promising Start That Derails
Deva introduces us to ACP Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a fearless and hot-headed cop in Mumbai, known for his no-nonsense approach to crime. When he encounters and kills a dreaded gangster, Prabhat Jadhav (Manish Wadhwa), he lets his best friend ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati) take the credit. However, just as Rohan basks in the glory, tragedy strikes—he is assassinated at a felicitation ceremony, shocking Dev and setting him on a path of revenge.
Determined to uncover the truth, Dev dives into the investigation, only to be met with shocking twists, betrayals, and a dark conspiracy that shakes his world. But just as he begins to crack the case, he suffers a devastating injury that wipes out his memory. The rest of the film revolves around his journey to reclaim his past and bring justice to his fallen friend.
While the premise is engaging, the execution falters. The first half of Deva sets up an intriguing cop drama with crisp action sequences and fast-paced storytelling. Shahid Kapoor commands the screen with his stylish entry, intense dialogue delivery, and undeniable charisma. His brooding look, somewhere between his Kabir Singh anger and Haider’s intensity, adds depth to his character. However, as the film progresses, the narrative loses its grip, especially after the intermission.
Direction & Screenplay: A Missed Opportunity
Roshan Andrews’ vision for Deva is clear—he aims for a gritty, fast-paced cop thriller rooted in Mumbai’s underbelly. Unlike many Bollywood films that overuse iconic city landmarks, Andrews focuses on the raw, earthy visuals of Mumbai’s chawls and bustling markets. This gives the film an authentic feel, capturing the essence of the city beyond its glossy exterior.
The screenplay, however, is where Deva stumbles. What starts as a straightforward revenge drama soon becomes overly complicated with multiple twists, some of which feel unnecessary and forced. The second half introduces layers that don’t add much to the narrative but instead drag the pace down. The memory-loss angle, in particular, feels like a convenient trope rather than an organic twist.
A subtle homage to Amitabh Bachchan’s Deewaar is sprinkled throughout the film, with Dev’s character mirroring Bachchan’s morally ambiguous protagonist. The mural of Amitabh in a blue shirt appears in several frames, reinforcing Dev’s internal conflict. However, these references, though interesting, don’t elevate the screenplay enough to save it from its flaws.
Performances: Shahid Shines, Others Falter
Shahid Kapoor is the undeniable highlight of Deva. His portrayal of the hot-headed, stylish cop is both intense and captivating. He seamlessly blends arrogance, aggression, and vulnerability, making Dev an intriguing character despite the script’s shortcomings. His action sequences are performed with flair, and his screen presence alone keeps the film engaging, especially in the first half.
Unfortunately, the supporting cast doesn’t get enough to work with.
- Pooja Hegde, as Dev’s girlfriend and journalist Diya Sathaye, is relegated to a forgettable role with little impact on the story. She appears intermittently but never gets a moment to truly shine.
- Pavail Gulati delivers a decent performance as ACP Rohan but lacks the depth to leave a lasting impression.
- Pravessh Rana, as DCP Farhan Khan, also has a limited presence, adding little to the overall impact of the story.
- Manish Wadhwa, a talented actor, is wasted in the role of gangster Prabhat Jadhav, who is eliminated far too early in the film.
This lack of strong supporting performances makes Deva feel unbalanced. With a more compelling antagonist or a deeper emotional arc, the film could have been much more impactful.
Action & Cinematography: A Visual Treat with Flaws
The action sequences in Deva are undoubtedly stylish and well-choreographed. Shahid Kapoor’s energy adds a thrilling edge to the fight scenes, which are shot with a mix of slow-motion flair and high-impact close-ups. However, the film’s reliance on VFX is disappointing, especially in key moments where practical effects could have delivered a more immersive experience.
Cinematographer Santosh Sivan ensures that the film looks visually stunning. The framing of Mumbai’s narrow lanes, dimly lit alleys, and crowded markets gives Deva a distinctive tone. The use of lighting and color contrasts adds intensity to several scenes, but unfortunately, a strong visual style alone cannot compensate for a weak script.
Music & Dialogues: A Mixed Bag
The soundtrack of Deva is surprisingly minimal, with just one notable track—the title song, which is peppy but not particularly memorable. Unlike other Bollywood cop films that rely on chart-topping anthems, Deva focuses more on its background score, which is functional but not outstanding.
The dialogues, penned by Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal, have their moments but lack the punch needed for a mass entertainer. While Shahid gets some sharp one-liners, the rest of the characters aren’t given much to work with.
Final Verdict: A Predictable Thriller That Wastes Its Potential
At its core, Deva had the potential to be a gripping cop thriller with a mass-appeal protagonist. It had all the right ingredients—an intense lead performance, stylish action, and a raw, gritty setting. However, the film’s inability to sustain its momentum, coupled with an overcomplicated second half and underdeveloped supporting characters, prevents it from reaching its full potential.
Shahid Kapoor does his best to elevate the film, but even his charm and action prowess can’t salvage a story that loses direction. Fans of high-energy cop dramas might still find moments to enjoy, but for others, Deva may feel like a missed opportunity.
