Shahid Kapoor’s 2019 blockbuster Kabir Singh was a remake of the Telugu hit Arjun Reddy, achieving massive box office success. However, his 2022 film Jersey, another Telugu remake, failed to leave a mark. Now, with Deva, the makers strategically avoided highlighting that it is a remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, directed by Roshan Andrews and starring Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya, and Rahman.

Despite the secrecy, those familiar with the original will quickly recognize that Deva retains its core storyline. The original script by Bobby Sanjay remains credited, with additional writing by Abbas Dalal, Hussain Dalal, Arshad Hussain, and Sumit Arora. While the setting has been shifted from Kerala to Mumbai, attempts to refresh the narrative with dance sequences, political angles, and a reworked climax have largely failed to create impact.

Plot Overview: A Cop’s Lost Memory and a Mystery Unfolding

The film opens with ACP Dev (Shahid Kapoor) suffering a serious accident that erases his memory. His best friend, DCP Farhan (Pravesh Rana), helps him recall his past—a fearless, hot-tempered officer who enforces the law with an iron fist.

Dev’s friendship with Farhan and ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavel Gulati) plays a crucial role in the storyline. The Mumbai police are chasing gangster Prabhat Jadhav (Manish Wadhwa), who constantly evades capture. Amid this, Dev falls for Diya (Pooja Hegde), a journalist and daughter of a police constable.

When Prabhat is finally killed, Dev credits Rohan for the success, hoping to boost his respect among colleagues. However, tragedy strikes when Rohan is assassinated on Maharashtra Foundation Day. Dev, now suffering from amnesia, is tasked with solving the case—only to find himself entangled in a deeper mystery.

A Struggle to Build Thrill and Suspense

Directed by Roshan Andrews in his Hindi debut, Deva struggles to maintain a gripping pace, especially in the first half. The film explores Dev’s transformation post-accident, but the screenplay barely scratches the surface of his internal struggle. A dialogue by a doctor—”Before the accident, you were Dev A; now you are Dev B”—attempts to illustrate his personality shift, but the writing fails to delve deeper.

Despite themes of friendship, crime, and redemption, the film lacks the emotional weight and intensity needed for an engaging thriller. Action sequences, particularly the takedown of Prabhat Jadhav, feel underwhelming. The film’s attempt to showcase the gritty streets of Dharavi has faint echoes of Amitabh Bachchan’s Agneepath, but it lacks the same raw energy.

The Climax and Its Shortcomings

A major change from the original is the addition of Diya’s character. However, her presence feels unnecessary and adds little to the plot. Despite being a journalist, she plays no crucial role in the investigation. Even her father, who is left paralyzed after an explosion, is given little emotional depth. Similarly, Dev’s affair with a married neighbor, meant to add complexity, comes across as half-baked.

The climax, reworked from the original, falls flat. It lacks the introspection and psychological depth that could have made Dev’s journey compelling. The emotional moments fail to leave an impact, which is a major drawback for a film that hinges on personal transformation.

Performances and Technical Aspects

Shahid Kapoor, known for intense roles in Haider, Udta Punjab, and Kabir Singh, doesn’t bring anything new to the table. While his transition from aggressive to calm Dev is smooth, it lacks surprise. Pooja Hegde’s role is largely forgettable. Pravesh Rana, however, is well-cast as the composed police officer, while Pavel Gulati fits his role but lacks a strong presence in key scenes.

Supporting performances, including Kubbra Sait, fail to make an impact. The film’s editing by A Sreekar Prasad could have been sharper to tighten the slow narrative. Vishal Mishra’s music is strictly average, while cinematographer Amit Rai beautifully captures Mumbai’s raw energy.

Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

Despite having the foundation of a gripping thriller, Deva fails to create an engaging cinematic experience. Weak storytelling, lackluster emotional depth, and an underwhelming climax make it a forgettable watch. If the screenplay had been tighter, this could have been one of Shahid Kapoor’s standout films.