Deva, a film that promised much with its gritty premise and the presence of Shahid Kapoor in the lead, unfortunately, fails to live up to expectations. Despite a stellar performance from Kapoor, the film’s second half falters under the weight of unnecessary plot twists and unfulfilled character arcs. Here’s a detailed review of the film and why it ends up underwhelming.
A Promising Start, but Lacking Substance
Directed by Roshan Andrews, Deva opens with a classic introduction to its protagonist, Dev Ambre, a tough, no-nonsense cop in Mumbai. Dev is the kind of cop who operates without fear, and his ruthless approach to justice seems to be working for him. His victory over gangster Prabhat Jadhav (Manish Wadhwa) sets up the film’s central conflict. However, things take a turn when Dev allows his best friend, ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulatie), to take credit for the encounter. This act of camaraderie quickly unravels as Rohan is shot dead, leading Dev into an investigation that soon leaves him with amnesia.
Despite the film’s initial potential, things quickly start to slip. The opening scene is marred by poor visual effects, which dampens the excitement. However, Shahid Kapoor’s performance as the troubled, fiery cop quickly grabs attention. He channels the intensity of his previous roles, blending the angsty energy of Kabir Singh with the calculated vengeance seen in Haider. His swag is undeniable, and Kapoor undoubtedly makes for a very compelling on-screen cop.
Mumbai as a Character: The Setting
One of the most notable aspects of Deva is how director Roshan Andrews captures Mumbai. Instead of opting for the typical tourist spots like the Gateway of India, the film takes a more grounded approach by focusing on chawls and areas like Crawford Market. This not only grounds the film in reality but also adds an earthy texture to the storytelling.
Andrews seems to pay homage to Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic role in Deewaar, featuring the legendary actor’s mural dressed in a blue shirt. The reference is subtle but deliberate, as Dev’s character shares a similar sense of conviction in his actions, no matter how morally ambiguous they may be.
When Things Fall Apart
The first half of Deva holds promise, but once the intermission passes, the film begins to spiral into a series of convoluted twists. The introduction of multiple subplots and an attempt to make the investigation more complex does not improve the narrative. Instead, it creates confusion and dilutes the impact of the storyline.
Shahid Kapoor gives his all, but the film’s screenplay does not provide him with enough material to work with. The character of Pooja Hegde, playing Dev’s girlfriend and journalist Diya Sathaye, feels underdeveloped, as does Pavail Gulatie’s role as ACP Rohan D’Silva. Pravessh Rana, who plays DCP Farhan Khan, delivers a passable performance, but none of the supporting characters feel fully realized.
The Film’s Missed Opportunities
One of the main shortcomings of Deva is its inability to strike the right balance between mass appeal and complex storytelling. While the film has the potential to create a high-octane, action-packed drama, it gets bogged down by excessive layers and an overcomplicated plot. Promising character arcs are left unfinished, and what could have been a gripping story ends up feeling predictable and formulaic.
The music in Deva is also underwhelming, with only the title track standing out as a memorable piece. The dialogues by Abbas Dalal and Hussain Dalal are functional, but nothing to write home about.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
In conclusion, Deva had all the elements to be a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat cop drama but falls short due to its over-complicated plot and lackluster secondary characters. Shahid Kapoor’s performance as the fiery, unpredictable cop is a highlight, but even his skills cannot salvage the film’s predictable narrative. With more focus on action and less on unnecessary twists, Deva could have been a standout film. Unfortunately, it leaves the audience wanting more.
