Last Updated on January 31, 2025 by Sandeep
Rosshan Andrrews’ Bollywood debut delivers high-octane action and gripping suspense, with Shahid Kapoor in top form.
Deva’ Review: A Stylish Cop Drama with Shahid Kapoor’s Star Power
After making a mark in the Malayalam film industry with Udhayananu Tharam, director Rosshan Andrrews makes his Bollywood debut with Deva, a gripping cop thriller featuring Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde in lead roles. The film, released on January 31, has been generating buzz ever since its teaser dropped. But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s dive in!
Plot: A Tale of Memory, Vengeance & Justice
Deva follows the journey of Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious and sharp-witted police officer who embarks on a relentless mission to avenge the murder of his colleague, Roshan D’Silva. As he digs deeper into the case, Dev uncovers shocking truths hidden within his own department.
However, his pursuit of justice takes a complicated turn when he suffers partial memory loss after an accident while en route to meet his brother-in-law, Farhan (Pravesh Rana), to expose the real culprit. What follows is a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase, where Dev must fight against time, his fragmented memories, and a corrupt system to uncover the truth.
Direction & Execution: A Mix of Highs & Lows
Rosshan Andrrews, known for his ability to sync intense action sequences with pulsating background music, attempts to bring that same energy to Deva. While the opening sequence sets the stage brilliantly, the first half suffers from uneven pacing, with some moments feeling sluggish. However, the action-packed interval sequence—featuring a thrilling long shot—reignites the film’s momentum, leading to an engaging second half.
While Deva maintains its gritty and intense atmosphere, the screenplay (penned by Bobby-Sanjay, Hussain Dalal, Abbas Dalal, Sumit Arora, and Arshad Syed) lacks the emotional depth needed to make the audience truly connect with its characters. The climax, though stylish, feels rushed, missing the impact it aimed for.
One of the film’s strengths, however, is its well-placed humor—a rarity in cop dramas. And yes, you’ll likely find yourself humming “Marji Cha Maalik” by Shreyas and Jakes Bejoy long after leaving the theatre!
Performances: Shahid Kapoor in Top Form
🔹 Shahid Kapoor is the soul of Deva, carrying the film with his raw intensity and magnetic screen presence. His portrayal of Dev Ambre channels shades of Amitabh Bachchan’s Vijay from Deewaar—a tough yet emotionally conflicted cop battling his demons. From high-octane action sequences to intense dialogues, Shahid nails the modern-day “angry young man” persona.
🔹 Pooja Hegde plays Divya, an investigative journalist, adding intrigue to the story, though her character could have been fleshed out more.
🔹 Pravesh Rana and Pavail Gulati deliver solid performances, but the real scene-stealer is Upendra Limaye, whose brief role brings unexpected humor and charm.
Final Verdict: Is Deva Worth Watching?
Despite its flaws in pacing and emotional depth, Deva succeeds as an engaging investigative thriller that blends action, suspense, and drama. It critiques the police system while celebrating its hero, offering a stylish, high-energy Bollywood entertainer.
At the heart of it all, Shahid Kapoor’s powerhouse performance remains the film’s biggest strength, making Deva a must-watch for fans of action-packed thrillers.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5)
Deva Movie Review, Shahid Kapoor, Rosshan Andrrews, Bollywood Movie Review, Pooja Hegde, Bollywood Thriller, Cop Drama, Action Movie, Bollywood 2024, Shahid Kapoor Movie, Deva Film, Mumbai Police, Hindi Cinema
#DevaMovie #ShahidKapoor #RosshanAndrrews #BollywoodThriller #CopDrama #Bollywood2024 #PoojaHegde #ActionPacked #BollywoodMovies #DevaReview #ShahidKapoorFans #BollywoodFilm
