Deva Review: Shahid Kapoor’s Swag Drives This Action Thriller, But Is It Enough?

Shahid Kapoor steps into the role of a fearless cop in Deva, a remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, directed by Rosshan Andrrews. While the original film stunned audiences with its gripping storyline and unexpected twists, Deva takes a different approach—one that heavily relies on its leading man’s star power. But does it do justice to its source material, or does it fall short? Let’s dive into the review.

Deva Review: Shahid Kapoor Brings the Chaos as a Mafia Cop, But Does He Restore Order?

A Familiar Story With a Missing Edge

Rosshan Andrrews revisiting his own film a decade later is surprising, especially at a time when remakes are losing their charm. The original Mumbai Police left audiences stunned with its shocking climax and compelling narrative. However, in Deva, that defining twist—the very element that made the original unforgettable—is removed, leaving the film without its biggest strength.

So, what remains to draw audiences to theaters? Primarily, it banks on Shahid Kapoor’s charisma and the fact that many North Indian viewers might not have seen the original. But is that enough to make up for the missing intrigue?

Here is the trailer of Deva:-

Shahid Kapoor Owns the Screen

If there’s one thing Deva has going for it, it’s Shahid Kapoor’s commanding presence. Over the years, he has proved his versatility, shining in films like Haider, Jab We Met, and even the polarizing Kabir Singh. In Deva, he channels a mix of his previous roles—playing a rogue cop with a blend of arrogance, swagger, and brute force. He’s not quite Chulbul Pandey (Dabangg), but he exudes a raw energy that keeps the film afloat.

From his grand entry in the high-energy track Bhasad Macha to his action-packed sequences, Kapoor dominates the screen. His portrayal of Deva—a police officer who bends the rules, defies the system, and thrives in chaos—is both intense and entertaining. His chemistry with his two closest allies, senior officer and brother-in-law Farhan Khan (Pravesh Rana) and his protégé Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati), adds depth to his character. However, everything takes a dark turn when tragedy strikes, and Deva embarks on a relentless quest to find the culprit.

A Predictable Mystery With Uneven Pacing

At its core, Deva is a murder mystery. Like any thriller, it presents multiple suspects, but the predictability of the culprit weakens the suspense. While the journey to uncover the truth has its moments, it never reaches the gripping intensity of the original.

One of the film’s biggest flaws is its inconsistent pacing. Certain sequences drag unnecessarily, while others rush through crucial plot points. A tighter edit could have enhanced the impact. Additionally, removing the most shocking element of Mumbai Police while retaining the rest of the story makes Deva feel like a diluted version of the original rather than a fresh retelling.

Supporting Cast and Missed Opportunities

Since Deva is largely a Shahid Kapoor show, the supporting cast doesn’t get much room to shine. Pooja Hegde, playing journalist Diya, has limited screen time and little influence on the story. Similarly, Pavail Gulati and Pravessh Rana deliver solid performances but remain underutilized.

Final Verdict: A One-Time Watch for Shahid Kapoor Fans

Despite its shortcomings, Deva offers moments of entertainment, primarily driven by Shahid Kapoor’s screen presence. The action sequences, high-energy dance numbers, and Kapoor’s magnetic performance make it a watchable experience. However, for those familiar with Mumbai Police, the lack of its most compelling twist might be disappointing.

If you’re a Shahid Kapoor fan or enjoy action-packed cop dramas, Deva is worth a one-time watch. But if you’re looking for a gripping thriller with unexpected turns, the original Mumbai Police remains the superior choice.

FAQ

Which movie remake of Deva?

Shahid Kapoor’s Deva was released On Friday, January 31. The film has collected Rs 5 crore on its first day, according to early estimates. Also featuring Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, and Pravesh Rana, Deva is the remake of the Malayalam film Mumbai Police.