Shahid Kapoor’s much-anticipated action thriller Deva movie finally hit theaters on January 31, 2025. Directed by Raj Mehta, Deva is an official Hindi remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police. The movie follows the intense journey of a Mumbai police officer, played by Shahid Kapoor, as he attempts to uncover the mystery behind his best friend’s murder while battling personal and professional conflicts. With high expectations from fans and critics alike, does Deva manage to do justice to the original? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Plot Overview
The story of Deva movie revolves around ACP Devendra “Deva” Rathod (Shahid Kapoor), a fearless and determined police officer who is on a mission to solve the murder of his colleague and close friend. Just as he is about to reveal the killer’s identity, he meets with a car accident that results in memory loss. Waking up with no recollection of the investigation, Deva must retrace his own steps, uncovering secrets, lies, and betrayals that shake his core beliefs.
While the premise remains similar to Mumbai Police, Deva introduces some modifications to appeal to a broader audience, especially in Bollywood’s mass-entertainment style. The movie heavily focuses on action sequences and dramatic storytelling but alters certain key elements from the original, which has led to mixed reactions from audiences and critics.
Deva Movie Performance and Direction
Shahid Kapoor delivers a strong performance as Deva. His portrayal of a conflicted yet resilient police officer is commendable. Kapoor’s ability to blend action with intense emotional depth has always been his strength, and he does not disappoint here. His physical transformation and commitment to action scenes add authenticity to the role. However, some fans of Mumbai Police might find his portrayal lacking the psychological complexity that Prithviraj Sukumaran brought to the original film.
Raj Mehta, known for his work in Good Newwz and Jugjugg Jeeyo, takes a departure from his usual light-hearted storytelling to direct this intense thriller. His direction ensures a slick, well-paced film, but it sometimes prioritizes action over the deeper psychological aspects that made the original a cult classic. The film’s cinematography by Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti is visually striking, capturing the grittiness of Mumbai’s underbelly, while the background score by Sachin-Jigar adds to the tension and thrill of the narrative.
Screenplay and Adaptation
One of the biggest talking points surrounding Deva movie is its screenplay. While it retains the essence of the original story, some critical aspects have been altered. The most controversial change is the omission of the original’s LGBTQ+ subplot. In Mumbai Police, the protagonist’s identity struggle and unexpected revelation about his own sexuality added an extra layer of depth to the story. However, in Deva, this angle has been entirely removed, which has led to criticism from film analysts who believe it weakens the film’s core message.
The dialogues in Deva movie are sharp and impactful, with several whistle-worthy one-liners. The second half of the movie builds up suspense effectively, but some twists feel rushed compared to the Malayalam version’s more nuanced approach. The climax, which was one of the strongest aspects of the original film, still packs a punch in Deva but may not have the same shocking effect for those familiar with the source material.
Deva Movie Action and Technical Aspects
Deva movie is loaded with well-choreographed action sequences that will satisfy fans of high-octane Bollywood thrillers. From chase scenes through the bustling streets of Mumbai to intense hand-to-hand combat, the film does justice to the action genre. The stunt choreography by Vikram Dahiya ensures that every fight scene feels raw and realistic, reminiscent of Shahid Kapoor’s action avatar in Kabir Singh and Bloody Daddy.
The cinematography plays a crucial role in setting the film’s dark and intense tone. Sudhakar Reddy Yakkanti uses dim lighting, shadow-heavy frames, and fast-paced editing to create a gripping atmosphere. The sound design and background score by Sachin-Jigar enhance the tension, making key moments even more impactful. However, some sequences could have benefited from better visual effects, as certain scenes appear slightly over-stylized.
Box Office Performance
Despite its mixed reviews, Deva movie had a strong opening at the box office, collecting approximately ₹15 crores on its first day. Given Shahid Kapoor’s popularity and the curiosity surrounding the remake, the film is expected to perform decently over its opening weekend. However, its long-term success will depend on audience word-of-mouth.
Trade analysts predict that Deva movie could cross the ₹100-crore mark if it maintains steady footfalls in multiplexes and single screens. However, competition from other Bollywood and South Indian releases could impact its earnings in the coming weeks.
Critical and Audience Reception
The film has received mixed to positive responses from critics and audiences. Here’s a look at some key reviews:
- The Indian Express: “While Deva boasts high-energy action and a strong performance by Shahid Kapoor, it fails to replicate the emotional depth of Mumbai Police.”
- Lensmen Reviews: “A slick action thriller that entertains but lacks the courage to address its original’s bold themes.”
- IMDb Audience Score: Currently standing at 7.2/10, with praise for its action sequences but criticism for its diluted storytelling.
- Twitter and Reddit Reactions: Social media users are divided, with some appreciating the film’s adrenaline-pumping action while others express disappointment over the removed LGBTQ+ subplot.
Final Verdict
Deva is an engaging Bollywood action thriller that delivers in terms of performances, action, and suspense. Shahid Kapoor shines in the lead role, and the film’s fast-paced narrative keeps the audience entertained. However, compared to the original Mumbai Police, Deva feels slightly superficial, as it avoids deeper psychological and social themes that made the Malayalam film a standout.
For fans of Shahid Kapoor and action-packed thrillers, Deva movie is a one-time watch. However, those looking for a thought-provoking crime drama might find it lacking in depth. Whether the film will leave a lasting impact remains to be seen, but for now, it serves as a stylish Bollywood remake that plays it safe.