Deva – Movie Review

Remaking one's own masterpiece for a different audience is always a delicate proposition, fraught with the risk of diluting what made the original special. "Deva," director Rosshan Andrrews' Hindi adaptation of his acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film "Mumbai Police," attempts to bring the psychological complexity of the original to Bollywood's masala sensibilities. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Pavail Gulati, this action thriller walks the precarious line between intelligent storytelling and commercial demands, with mixed but intriguing results.

The story follows Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a ruthless and brilliant police officer who loses his memory in an accident just after solving a high-profile murder case. Now, with his past erased but his reputation intact, Dev must reinvestigate the same case while concealing his memory loss from everyone except DCP Farhan Khan (Pavail Gulati). What begins as a straightforward procedural evolves into something far more complex as Dev discovers uncomfortable truths about both the case and himself. The narrative deliberately obscures whether Dev is hero, anti-hero, or something more complicated entirely.

Kapoor's Intense Metamorphosis

Shahid Kapoor delivers what might be his most physically and emotionally demanding performance, completely inhabiting a character who must appear confident while internally struggling with fundamental questions of identity. The intensity that Kapoor brings to his portrayal of Dev is one of the main reasons this movie works at all, transforming what could have been a generic cop role into something more psychologically complex.

The actor successfully navigates the challenging dual nature of his character—the pre-accident Dev whose reputation precedes him, and the post-accident Dev who must reconstruct his identity while solving a case he supposedly already solved. Kapoor's physicality shifts subtly between these states, showing a man learning to inhabit his own skin while projecting unwavering authority. His action sequences feel genuinely dangerous rather than choreographed, suggesting someone whose instincts remain intact even when memories have vanished.

Where Kapoor particularly excels is in scenes where Dev interacts with people from his forgotten past. The actor conveys confusion and determination simultaneously, making audiences feel the disorientation of encountering familiar faces that trigger no recognition. His courtroom and interrogation scenes demonstrate range beyond his typical romantic lead comfort zone.

Pooja Hegde, while given limited scope in what appears to be a male-dominated narrative, brings dignity and intelligence to her role. Her chemistry with Kapoor feels authentic, and she avoids becoming merely decorative in action sequences. Hegde's performance suggests someone capable of matching Dev's intensity when circumstances demand it.

Pavail Gulati, as DCP Farhan Khan, provides crucial support as the only person aware of Dev's condition. Gulati creates a believable friendship with Kapoor while managing the practical challenges of covering for a memory-impaired colleague. His performance adds emotional grounding to the film's more intense moments.

Visual Spectacle Meets Narrative Complexity

Cinematographer Amit Roy effectively captures the streets of Mumbai, with real-location shoots adding authenticity to the film's urban landscape. The visual approach combines gritty realism with stylized action, creating environments that feel lived-in rather than constructed purely for dramatic effect. Mumbai becomes almost a character itself, with its complexity mirroring Dev's internal landscape.

However, the editing feels somewhat choppy, affecting the film's pacing and occasionally disrupting the psychological tension that drives the story. This technical issue becomes particularly noticeable during transitions between past and present, where smoother cuts could have enhanced the narrative flow.

Jakes Bejoy's score delivers solid mass appeal moments but feels underutilized during key suspense sequences where psychological tension should build gradually. The music works effectively during action pieces but misses opportunities to enhance the film's more subtle psychological elements.

The Challenge of Cross-Cultural Adaptation

Where "Deva" struggles most is in balancing the psychological sophistication of its Malayalam source with Bollywood's commercial expectations. The original "Mumbai Police" was praised for its daring narrative choices and complex character development, but this adaptation sometimes feels weighted down by a dragged-out and incohesive screenplay designed to emphasize mass appeal over psychological depth.

The balance between massyness and thriller elements feels off at times, with commercial considerations occasionally overwhelming the story's more interesting psychological aspects. While Andrrews understands his original material intimately, translating its subtleties for a different cultural context and commercial framework proves challenging.

Performance Versus Execution

The film succeeds primarily due to Shahid Kapoor's committed performance, which elevates material that might otherwise feel derivative. Supporting performances from Kubbra Sait, Upendra Limaye, and Parvesh Rana create a believable police ecosystem where professional relationships feel authentic rather than purely functional.

However, the second half becomes a letdown compared to the pacy first half, suggesting that the adaptation process may have diluted some of the original's narrative momentum. Those unfamiliar with "Mumbai Police" might find the story more engaging, while viewers aware of the source material may feel disappointed by missed opportunities.

A Missed Opportunity for Excellence

"Deva" represents both the potential and limitations of cross-regional adaptations in Indian cinema. While Shahid Kapoor's performance and Rosshan Andrrews' understanding of the material create moments of genuine excellence, the film ultimately feels like a compromise between artistic vision and commercial necessity.

For viewers seeking intelligent action thrillers with psychological depth, "Deva" offers enough compelling elements to justify watching, particularly for Kapoor's transformative performance. However, it also serves as a reminder that successful adaptations require more than faithful recreation—they demand complete reinvention for their new cultural context.

---

SRESTHA ROY - AUTHOR

Srestha is a film writer who explores cinema through sharp reviews, insightful news, and in-depth features. From the magic of the big screen to behind-the- scenes stories, she brings readers closer to the art and industry of film.