WHAT IS THE MOVIE ABOUT?
Deva is a 2025 Hindi-language action thriller that follows the gripping tale of Inspector Dev Ambre, a rebellious and emotionally complex police officer. The film, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is a remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film Mumbai Police, but with a different climax. Here’s a detailed look at the storyline:
Plot Overview
Inspector Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a brilliant yet volatile cop, suffers from partial memory loss after a car accident. Before the accident, Dev was on the verge of solving the murder of his close friend and colleague, ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati), who was tragically killed during a gallantry awards ceremony. Dev had informed his brother-in-law, DCP Farhan Khan (Pravesh Rana), that he had identified the murderer but couldn’t reveal the name due to the accident.
As Dev recuperates, Farhan recounts his past: Dev was known for his explosive behavior and emotional struggles stemming from childhood trauma, including his father’s death in the line of duty. Despite his flaws, Dev had a strong sense of justice and was deeply empathetic beneath his tough exterior.
The Investigation
Dev is reassigned to reinvestigate Rohan’s murder despite his memory loss. As he retraces his steps, he uncovers inconsistencies in his previous findings. He revisits evidence, interrogates witnesses, and reconstructs the crime scene. Along the way, Dev discovers that he was working undercover for gangster-turned-politician Prabhat Jadhav (Manish Wadhwa) and had killed a notorious gangster—a secret that strained his friendship with Rohan.
Rohan initially forgave Dev for his betrayal but planned to expose him in a way that would allow redemption. Misunderstanding Rohan’s intentions, Dev assumed he would be exposed and, in a fit of rage and fear, orchestrated Rohan’s murder using a remote-controlled automatic rifle during the awards ceremony.
The Shocking Climax
Dev eventually realizes that he himself is Rohan’s killer—a revelation that shakes him to his core. He confesses to Farhan, who already knew about Dev’s guilt but needed to understand his motive. Dev surrenders to the police, accepting responsibility for his actions.
Six months later, Dev is seen in prison, possibly regaining full memory as his volatile nature resurfaces during an altercation.
Themes Explored
The film delves into themes of guilt, redemption, betrayal, and justice while exploring the psychological struggles of its protagonist. It portrays Dev as a deeply flawed yet compelling character whose internal conflict drives the narrative.
Deva combines intense action sequences with emotional drama but received mixed reviews due to its altered climax and screenplay execution. Shahid Kapoor’s performance as Dev Ambre remains one of its highlights.
What Inspired the Creators to Remake Deva in Hindi?
The decision to remake Deva in Hindi likely stems from several factors that have driven Bollywood’s penchant for adapting regional films:
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Success of Previous Remakes
Bollywood has a history of successfully remaking films from other languages, such as Ghajini (2008), which was a remake of the Tamil film of the same name. These successes often inspire filmmakers to explore similar projects, hoping to replicate the box office magic. -
Accessibility of Regional Content
With the rise of OTT platforms, audiences can now easily access films from various languages. However, many filmmakers believe that a significant portion of the Hindi-speaking audience still prefers watching films in their native language, making remakes appealing for reaching a broader audience. -
Lack of Original Scripts
Some critics argue that Bollywood often turns to remakes due to a perceived lack of original scripts or ideas. Filmmakers might find it easier to adapt a proven story rather than investing time in developing new content. -
Creative and Business Factors
Actors and producers may choose remakes for creative or business reasons. For instance, Vikrant Massey mentioned that he liked the original film and wanted to do something different from his previous roles. Additionally, remakes can be seen as safer bets financially, as they are based on stories that have already proven successful. -
Audience Preferences
Despite the ease of accessing regional films through OTT platforms, many viewers still prefer watching movies in Hindi. Filmmakers like Priyadarshan argue that the audience for regional films remains limited in North India, making remakes viable for reaching a different audience.
In the case of Deva, the original Malayalam film Mumbai Police was well-received for its gripping storyline and emotional depth. The creators likely saw an opportunity to adapt this successful narrative for a broader Hindi-speaking audience, leveraging Shahid Kapoor’s star power to bring the story to life in a new language.
Deva Movie Reviews: Why the Reception is Mixed
The action thriller Deva, starring Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde, has garnered mixed reviews since its release on January 31, 2025. While some viewers loved the high-octane action and Kapoor’s performance, critics have pointed out significant flaws in the movie’s execution. Here’s a breakdown of the reviews, collections, and Shahid Kapoor’s role in shaping the film’s reception:
Why Are Reviews Dull and Degrading?
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Critics’ Complaints
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Many reviewers criticized Deva for lacking emotional depth and relying heavily on style over substance. The story was described as predictable, with flimsy motives and a lack of complexity compared to its Malayalam original (Mumbai Police).
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The film’s pacing was another issue—long stretches of slow storytelling dragged down the intensity, making it feel tedious for some viewers.
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Female characters, particularly Pooja Hegde’s journalist role, were sidelined and lacked meaningful development.
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Comparison to Originals
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As a remake of Mumbai Police, Deva was seen as failing to capture the layered storytelling and emotional weight of the original. Critics noted that Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal lacked the depth Prithviraj Sukumaran brought to his role in the Malayalam version.
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Mixed Execution
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While praised for its visuals and action sequences, critics felt the film missed opportunities to explore themes like guilt and redemption in a meaningful way.
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Box Office Collection
Although official figures are not provided in search results, early reactions suggest that Deva opened to decent box office numbers due to Shahid Kapoor’s star power and fan hype. Social media buzz labeled it as a “rollercoaster ride” with intense action scenes that drew audiences to theaters. However, its mixed reviews may impact its long-term performance.
Shahid Kapoor’s Acting: A Double-Edged Sword
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Praise for Performance
- Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Dev received accolades for his physicality, intensity, and dedication to action sequences. Fans appreciated his ability to carry the film despite its flaws.
- His introduction scene and fight sequences were particularly highlighted as crowd-pleasers.
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Criticism of Repetition
- Critics noted that Kapoor’s performance echoed his earlier roles, particularly Kabir Singh, with similar mannerisms but less clarity in character motivation. This lack of novelty diminished the impact of his portrayal for some viewers.
- When Deva hit theaters on January 31, 2025, it promised a gripping action thriller with Shahid Kapoor at the helm, portraying one of the most complex characters of his career. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and based on the Malayalam film Mumbai Police, the movie had all the elements for success: a layered storyline, high-octane action, and a star-studded cast. But as reviews poured in, it became clear that Deva was a mixed bag—praised for its performances but criticized for its execution. Let’s break it down.
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Why Are Reviews Mixed?
The movie’s storyline revolves around Inspector Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious cop who loses his memory after an accident and must reinvestigate the murder of his close friend ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati). While the premise is intriguing, critics felt that Deva struggled to maintain its grip on audiences due to pacing issues and inconsistencies in the screenplay.
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Slow Pacing: The first half of the film was described as sluggish, with long stretches that failed to build tension effectively. While the second half picked up pace with emotional intensity and suspense, many viewers felt disengaged by then.
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Loose Threads: Critics pointed out gaps in the narrative and character development, particularly for supporting roles like Pooja Hegde’s journalist character.
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Climax Criticism: The altered climax from the original Malayalam film left some fans disappointed, as it lacked the emotional payoff they were expecting.
Box Office Performance
Despite its ₹50–80 crore budget, Deva struggled at the box office, earning an estimated ₹60 crore. While Shahid Kapoor’s star power drew audiences initially, mixed reviews likely impacted its long-term performance.
Shahid Kapoor’s Role: A Saving Grace
Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Dev Ambre was widely praised as one of the film’s highlights. Known for taking on challenging roles (Haider, Kabir Singh), Kapoor brought intensity and depth to Dev—a cop battling memory loss while uncovering unsettling truths about himself and his department.
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Complex Character: Kapoor described Dev as “the most complex character I’ve ever played,” and his dedication to shaping this role over a year is evident in his performance.
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Physicality and Style: Kapoor’s swagger and commanding presence carried much of the film, even when other elements faltered. His action sequences and emotional moments resonated strongly with fans.
However, some critics noted that Kapoor’s portrayal leaned heavily on familiar traits from previous roles, which limited its novelty.
Watch the movie on : Netflix
Audience Reaction to Hindi Remakes
As a remake of Mumbai Police, Deva faced inevitable comparisons with its original version. While Bollywood remakes often aim to broaden regional stories for Hindi-speaking audiences, viewers increasingly expect fresh storytelling rather than direct adaptations. In this case:
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Fans of Mumbai Police found Deva lacking in emotional depth and thematic complexity compared to the original.
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Audiences unfamiliar with the Malayalam film appreciated Shahid Kapoor’s performance but were left wanting more from the screenplay.
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Deva is a film that tries hard to balance style and substance but doesn’t always succeed. Shahid Kapoor’s performance is undoubtedly its highlight, bringing a modern spin to the “angry young man” archetype. However, loose storytelling and pacing issues hold it back from being a truly memorable thriller.
For fans of action-packed dramas or Shahid Kapoor enthusiasts, Deva offers enough entertainment to warrant a watch. But for those seeking emotional depth or originality, it may feel like a missed opportunity. Ultimately, Deva is a thrilling ride that shines in parts but struggles to fully deliver on its promise.
