Deva Story and Direction
“Deva” is a remake of the Malayalam film “Mumbai Police” (2013) directed by Rosshan Andrrews. The film revolves around Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious and abrasive cop who investigates a murder case but suffers memory loss after a major accident. As he retraces his past, relying only on his muscle memory, he discovers unsettling truths about his department and himself. The first half of the film focuses on building the backdrop and characters, keeping the pace slow yet engaging. However, the second half falters with a disoriented plot twist and an underwhelming climax.
Acting
Shahid Kapoor delivers a brilliant performance as Dev Ambre, balancing menace and vulnerability. He portrays the character’s transformation from a roguish cop to a confused, memory-loss victim with remarkable range. Pooja Hegde is effective as his girlfriend, journalist Diya, though her character remains largely unexplored. Kubbra Sait delivers a powerful performance in her brief role as a cop, Deepti, but is frustratingly underutilized. Pavail Gulati and Pravesh Rana lend solid support.
Music and Cinematography
Amit Roy’s cinematography is robust, offering glimpses of his early work with Ram Gopal Varma. The action sequences are impactful and add energy to the storytelling. Jakes Bejoy’s background music is impactful without demanding undue attention, which is a relief these days. The songs “Bhasad Macha” and “Marji Cha Maalik” enhance the film’s mood.
Worth Watching?
“Deva” has its moments, especially with Shahid Kapoor’s performance and some well-executed action sequences. However, the film’s pacing issues and an underwhelming climax might leave some viewers disappointed. If you are a fan of Shahid Kapoor or enjoy police dramas with a touch of psychological thriller, “Deva” could be worth a watch.