Released on January 31, 2025, deva movie review is a Hindi-language action thriller that promised to deliver a gripping, high-octane experience. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews and starring Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Pavail Gulati, the film is a remake of Andrrews’ 2013 Malayalam hit Mumbai Police, but with a reimagined climax. With a runtime of 156 minutes, Deva dives into the gritty world of a rebellious cop navigating a complex murder investigation, layered with themes of memory loss, betrayal, and justice. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive Deva movie review, we’ll explore the plot, cast performances, direction, screenplay, cinematography, music, VFX, strengths, weaknesses, audience and critic reactions, box office performance, comparisons to similar films, and deliver a final verdict with a star rating.
deva movie review details
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Attribute |
Details |
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Title |
Deva |
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Release Date |
January 31, 2025 |
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Director |
Rosshan Andrrews |
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Cast |
Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, Pravesh Rana, Girish Kulkarni, Kubbra Sait, Upendra Limaye |
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Genre |
Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama |
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Runtime |
156 minutes (2 hours 36 minutes) |
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Music |
Jakes Bejoy (score and two songs), Vishal Mishra (two songs) |
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Cinematography |
Amit Roy |
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Editing |
A. Sreekar Prasad |
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Production Companies |
Roy Kapur Films, Zee Studios |
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Streaming Platform |
Netflix (available from March 28, 2025) |
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Censor Rating |
U/A |
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Box Office (Opening Day) |
Estimated ₹5-10 crore |
Spoiler-Free Plot Summary
Deva follows ACP Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a volatile and rebellious Mumbai police officer known for his unorthodox methods and fiery temperament. The story kicks off with Dev on the verge of cracking a high-profile murder case involving his close friend and colleague, ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati). Just as he’s about to reveal the killer’s identity to his brother-in-law, DCP Farhan Khan (Pravesh Rana), a tragic accident leaves Dev with partial amnesia, erasing critical memories of the case.
With his past shrouded in mystery, Dev must piece together fragmented clues to solve the murder while grappling with his own identity. His journey is complicated by his relationships with crime journalist Diya Sathaye (Pooja Hegde) and the murky underbelly of Mumbai’s crime world, where deceit and betrayal lurk at every corner. The film weaves a narrative of suspense, action, and emotional turmoil, exploring themes of guilt, loyalty, and redemption as Dev races against time to uncover the truth.
This action-packed thriller keeps you guessing with its twists and turns, though it avoids delving into spoilers here to preserve the viewing experience. If you’re a fan of cop dramas or psychological thrillers, Deva offers a blend of intense action and a character-driven mystery.
Cast Performances
Shahid Kapoor as Dev Ambre
Shahid Kapoor is the beating heart of Deva, delivering a powerhouse performance that critics unanimously praise. His portrayal of Dev Ambre is a masterclass in balancing raw intensity with vulnerability. Kapoor channels the “angry young man” archetype reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic roles, infusing Dev with a rugged charisma and emotional depth. His ability to switch between the pre-accident, aggressive Dev and the post-accident, uncertain version is seamless, showcasing his versatility. Scenes like his confrontation with a sharpshooter (played by Upendra Limaye) and his tense interactions with Pavail Gulati highlight his command over the screen. Critics note that Kapoor’s magnetic presence single-handedly elevates the film, even when the screenplay falters.
Pooja Hegde as Diya Sathaye
Pooja Hegde plays Diya, a crime journalist and Dev’s love interest. While her role is pivotal, it’s limited in scope, leaving her with minimal screen time to make an impact. Hegde brings emotional depth to her scenes, particularly in moments that explore Diya’s belief in Dev’s inherent goodness. However, critics point out that her character feels underutilized, serving more as a plot device than a fully fleshed-out figure. Her chemistry with Kapoor is described as half-baked, with the romance arc feeling rushed and unconvincing.
Pavail Gulati as Rohan D’Silva
Pavail Gulati shines as ACP Rohan D’Silva, Dev’s friend and colleague whose murder sets the story in motion. Gulati’s performance is nuanced, capturing the camaraderie and underlying tension in his relationship with Dev. His limited screen time is impactful, and he makes the most of his well-crafted role, adding depth to the narrative’s emotional stakes.
Pravesh Rana as Farhan Khan
Pravesh Rana delivers a solid performance as DCP Farhan Khan, Dev’s brother-in-law and confidant. His portrayal balances authority with empathy, though some critics note that his character lacks the depth needed to fully resonate. Rana’s scenes with Kapoor are compelling, particularly in moments that explore their familial bond.
Supporting Cast
The ensemble, including Girish Kulkarni as politician Jairaj Apte, Kubbra Sait, and Upendra Limaye in a memorable cameo, adds flavor to the film. Kulkarni’s portrayal of a corrupt politician is engaging but underutilized, while Limaye’s quirky sharpshooter role steals the show in a brief but memorable scene. Kubbra Sait’s casting is apt, though her role doesn’t significantly impact the story.
Direction
Rosshan Andrrews, making his Hindi cinema debut, brings a distinct vision to Deva, but the execution is a mixed bag. Known for his work on Mumbai Police, Andrrews attempts to adapt the psychological thriller into a mass-appealing action flick tailored for Bollywood audiences. His direction excels in crafting high-energy action sequences and maintaining suspense in the first half, but it falters in the second half, where pacing issues and narrative inconsistencies creep in. Critics note that Andrrews’ focus on making Deva a star vehicle for Shahid Kapoor overshadows the emotional and psychological depth of the original, resulting in a film that feels more like a hero-centric masala movie than a nuanced thriller. Despite these shortcomings, his ability to stage intense moments and work with a talented technical crew keeps the film engaging.
Screenplay
The screenplay, penned by Bobby-Sanjay, Abbas Dalal, Hussain Dalal, Arshad Syed, and Sumit Arora, is one of Deva’s weakest links. While the decision to start the story at a critical juncture and use flashbacks is clever, the narrative struggles with pacing and coherence. The first half builds an engaging backdrop, but the lengthy setup (over 80 minutes before the interval) feels dragged out. The second half shifts to darker, more intense emotions, but the climax is widely criticized for being disoriented and underwhelming, failing to capitalize on the suspense built earlier. Critics highlight logical gaps, such as the underdeveloped politician subplot and the rushed romance between Dev and Diya. The removal of the original Mumbai Police’s homosexual angle has also drawn flak for diluting the story’s emotional core and pandering to mainstream audiences. Despite these flaws, the punchy dialogues and occasional twists keep the screenplay from completely derailing.
Cinematography
Amit Roy’s cinematography is a standout, capturing the gritty essence of Mumbai with authenticity and flair. His use of real-location shoots, dynamic camera angles, and unique lighting patterns creates a visually striking experience. The action sequences are shot with precision, amplifying their intensity, while the darker, moodier scenes in the second half are enhanced by Roy’s evocative framing. Critics praise the cinematography for syncing beautifully with the background score, particularly during high-stakes moments. However, some note that the reliance on green-screen CGI in certain sequences, like the opening accident, feels jarring and detracts from the overall aesthetic.
Music
The music, composed by Jakes Bejoy (background score and two songs) and Vishal Mishra (two songs), is a high point. Bejoy’s pulsating score, especially the rap track Marji Chaa Maalik, elevates the action sequences, maintaining high adrenaline levels. His work is described as a “thunderous” complement to the film’s intensity, though some critics feel it’s underutilized in suspenseful moments. Vishal Mishra’s Bhasad Macha is a catchy, mass-appealing dance number that injects energy into a wedding sequence, with Raj Shekhar’s lyrics adding a fun vibe. However, the inclusion of songs occasionally disrupts the thriller’s pacing, with some viewers finding them out of place in a suspense-driven narrative.
Visual Effects (VFX)
The VFX, handled by Firefly Creative Studio, Identical Brains Studios, Old Monk Studio, and The VFX Company, are a mixed bag. While the film boasts polished production design, the visual effects in key sequences, such as the motorcycle accident, are criticized for their poor CGI quality, appearing cartoonish and pulling viewers out of the story. The action set pieces fare better, with well-choreographed stunts by Supreme Sundar, Abbas Ali Moghul, Anl Arasu, Parvez Shaikh, and Vikram Dahiya integrating seamlessly with the visuals. However, the VFX fail to match the high standards set by the cinematography and editing, making them a noticeable weak spot.
Strengths deva movie review
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Shahid Kapoor’s Performance: Kapoor’s magnetic portrayal of Dev Ambre is the film’s biggest asset, carrying even the weaker moments with his intensity and versatility.
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Technical Brilliance: Amit Roy’s cinematography, A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing, and Jakes Bejoy’s score create a visually and aurally immersive experience.
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Action Sequences: The well-executed stunts and high-energy action scenes are a treat for fans of the genre.
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Suspenseful First Half: The initial setup and twists keep viewers hooked, with a strong buildup to the mystery.
Weaknesses deva movie review
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Weak Screenplay: The inconsistent pacing, logical gaps, and underwhelming climax dilute the film’s impact.
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Underdeveloped Subplots: The romance arc and politician subplot feel half-baked and unresolved.
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Deviation from Original: The removal of Mumbai Police’s homosexual angle and focus on mass appeal sacrifice emotional depth.
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Poor VFX: Subpar CGI in key scenes disrupts the film’s immersive quality.
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Limited Supporting Roles: Characters like Pooja Hegde’s Diya and Girish Kulkarni’s Apte lack depth and screen time.
Audience and Critics’ Reactions
Audience Reactions
Audience responses to deva movie review are polarized. Fans of Shahid Kapoor praise his electrifying performance, with many calling it one of his best roles since Kabir Singh or Haider. Social media platforms like Reddit highlight the film’s slick action, catchy music, and surprising twists as highlights, with some viewers enjoying it as a one-time entertainer. However, others criticize the predictable storyline, uneven pacing, and lack of character depth, with comments like, “The screenplay writers think their audience is a joke” reflecting frustration with the narrative’s logic gaps. The film’s runtime of 156 minutes also drew complaints for feeling overly long.
Critics’ Reactions
Critics have given deva movie review mixed reviews, with a 46% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (5.3/10 average). Sukanya Verma (Rediff.com) calls it a “mediocre rehash” saved only by Kapoor’s heft, while Nandini Ramnath (Scroll.in) praises the technical aspects but criticizes the handling of themes like guilt and redemption. Shubhra Gupta (The Indian Express) laments the shift to a hero-centric narrative, and Rishabh Suri (Hindustan Times) notes the predictable story and convoluted twists. On the positive side, outlets like Filmy Focus and Times of India (3.5/5) appreciate the intensity and execution, calling it a “solid watch” for action-thriller fans. The consensus is that Kapoor’s performance and technical finesse are undermined by weak writing and a lackluster climax.
Box Office Buzz
Deva had a lackluster start at the box office, with an estimated opening day collection of ₹5-10 crore, including ₹1.7 crore from advance ticket sales and ₹3.5 crore from block bookings. Trade analysts attribute the slow start to limited promotional buzz, competition from films like Sky Force (₹2.75 crore on the same day), Game Changer, and Emergency, and its urban-centric appeal. Pinkvilla reported weak holds on the first Monday and Tuesday, indicating poor word-of-mouth momentum. Compared to Shahid Kapoor’s Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (₹6.7 crore opening), Deva underperformed, with trade experts suggesting it relied heavily on Kapoor’s star power and positive reviews to gain traction. The film’s estimated budget of ₹50-60 crore and poor returns suggest it may be deemed a box office flop.
Comparisons to Similar Films
Deva draws inevitable comparisons to its source material, Mumbai Police (2013), a critically acclaimed Malayalam thriller starring Prithviraj Sukumaran. While the original was lauded for its psychological depth and bold exploration of homosexuality, Deva’s altered climax and focus on mass appeal have disappointed fans of the original, who feel it lacks the same emotional weight. Critics argue that the remake sacrifices the nuanced character study for a formulaic, hero-worshipping narrative.
In the Bollywood action-thriller space, Deva shares similarities with films like War (2019) and Tehran (upcoming), which blend high-octane action with suspense. However, War’s slicker execution and tighter screenplay outshine deva movie review uneven pacing. Shahid Kapoor’s Kabir Singh (2019) also comes to mind due to Dev’s “angry young man” persona, but Deva lacks the emotional resonance that made Kabir Singh a cultural phenomenon. Compared to Sky Force, a competing 2025 release, Deva struggles with weaker word-of-mouth and box office performance.
Final Verdict
Deva is a film that promises much but delivers only in parts. Shahid Kapoor’s stellar performance, coupled with impressive cinematography, editing, and a pulsating score, makes it a visually engaging action thriller. However, the weak screenplay, predictable twists, and underwhelming climax prevent it from reaching the heights of its potential or its source material, Mumbai Police. The decision to prioritize mass appeal over emotional depth and the removal of the original’s bold themes feel like missed opportunities, leaving the film as a “forgettable remake” for some critics. For fans of Shahid Kapoor or action-packed cop dramas, deva movie review offers enough thrills for a one-time watch, but it falls short of being a memorable cinematic experience.
