Deva Movie Review: A High-Octane Thriller With A Faltering Climax
Star Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pravesh Rana, Pavail Gulati, Kubbra Sait, Girish Kulkarni
Director: Rosshan Andrrews
What’s Good: Shahid Kapoor’s captivating performance, an engaging first half, solid background score, and well-choreographed action sequences.
What’s Bad: An underwhelming climax, a twist that doesn’t land well, plot loopholes in the second half, and some underutilized supporting characters.
Loo Break: Despite the second half losing its momentum, the interval is the best moment for a break in this otherwise gripping thriller.
Watch or Not?: If you’re a Shahid Kapoor fan, this one is for you!
Language: Hindi
Available On: Theatrical release
Runtime: 156 minutes
Rosshan Andrrews gives Shahid Kapoor his massiest role yet in Deva, where the actor channels both charisma and rugged charm, surpassing the intensity he displayed in Kabir Singh. Drawing subtle parallels to Amitabh Bachchan’s ‘Angry Young Man’ phase, Shahid’s flawed but dynamic hero takes matters into his own hands, unapologetically breaking rules along the way.
The film centers around Deva Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious cop who handles cases with unorthodox aggression. Deva, despite imprisoning his own father, struggles with his personal demons, making it difficult to stick to protocol. His only vulnerabilities are his friendships with fellow officers Rohan D’silva (Pavail Gulati) and Farhan Khan (Pravesh Rana), and his romantic relationship with crime journalist Diya Sathaye (Pooja Hegde).
A sudden personal tragedy throws Deva’s life off course, and he uncovers a mole within the police department. Just as Deva unearths the truth, a devastating accident erases his memory, forcing him to piece together the truth once again from the fragments of his past.
Deva Movie Review: Script Analysis
Deva hooks viewers with its fast-paced first half, efficiently building Deva’s character while introducing a cat-and-mouse chase between the police and a notorious gangster (Manish Wadhwa). The narrative swiftly accelerates, with the discovery of a mole in the system creating suspense and intrigue. Deva’s fiery approach to solving the case contrasts sharply with his colleagues’ adherence to rules, adding tension to the police investigation.
The first half masterfully holds attention with tight pacing and twists that deepen the mystery. However, the second half stumbles, as the twist leading to the climax feels disjointed and lacks the impact expected from the buildup. Additionally, some plot holes in the second half detract from the overall experience, preventing a seamless climax. Despite Shahid’s strong performance, the second half leaves room for improvement.
Deva Movie Review: Star Performance
Shahid Kapoor delivers an exceptional performance, fully embodying the layered character of Deva Ambre. He effortlessly balances Deva’s flawed, aggressive side with moments of vulnerability, especially in his relationships with friends and colleagues. His portrayal raises the bar beyond Kabir Singh, unleashing a potent mix of fury, intensity, and raw emotion. Kapoor’s energy never wavers, carrying the film through its weaker moments.
Among the supporting cast, Pravesh Rana and Pavail Gulati stand out with strong performances, but Pooja Hegde, Girish Kulkarni, and Kubbra Sait are sadly underutilized. Veteran Marathi actor Upendra Limaye makes a memorable cameo, adding a layer of entertainment to the film.
Deva Movie Review: Direction, Music
Rosshan Andrrews crafts a technically polished film, with excellent cinematography and production design that enhance the storyline. Jakes Bejoy’s background score, particularly the rap number ‘Marji Chaa Maalik,’ pumps up the adrenaline during the high-octane action scenes. While the technical aspects shine, the script’s second-half weaknesses hold the film back from reaching its full potential.
Deva Movie Review: The Last Word
Despite a lackluster second half and an unsatisfying climax, Deva remains one of Shahid Kapoor’s finest works. His powerful performance elevates the film, making it a must-watch for his fans. Though the film falters towards the end, it is a gripping thriller that keeps you invested for the most part.
