Shahid Kapoor's new film, Deva, has hit theaters and is generating mixed reviews, particularly surrounding the actor's performance and the film's overall narrative structure. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, who makes his Hindi directorial debut with this action-packed thriller, Deva has quickly become the talk of the town.
Deva follows the story of Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious Mumbai cop who grapples with the aftermath of his close friend and colleague's murder. The film, which is officially based on Andrrews' earlier Malayalam film Mumbai Police, features intense action sequences and psychological twists, positioned against the vibrant and chaotic backdrop of Mumbai.
Reviews suggest it’s the strong performances, particularly by Kapoor, paired with stunning cinematography by Amit Roy, which attempt to keep audiences engaged. Kapoor’s character is marked by inner conflict—torn between law and disorder—bringing shades of grey to the traditional police narrative. Critics agree, describing Kapoor’s portrayal as “compelling,” showcasing both aggression and vulnerability.
Yet, as several reviewers note, the film’s plot suffers under its considerable runtime of 156 minutes, leading to pacing issues and uneven character arcs. The screenplay, which undergoes several twists, stretches credulity at points, causing some story elements to feel jarring.
Pavail Gulati, who plays the straight-laced ACP Rohan D'Silva, emerges as one of the standout performers, often stealing scenes from the lead. The chemistry between characters is supposed to be pivotal, but the film has been criticized for not fully exploiting these relationships, particularly between the male leads and the underrepresented female roles played by Pooja Hegde and Kubbra Sait. The latter's character, for example, has been described as unsteady and lacking significant screen time.
“If I got a penny for every scene Shahid lights up with his smoking habit, I could easily buy a Caribbean getaway,” remarked one reviewer, pointing to the film’s reliance on certain clichés to develop its main character. Shahid’s rugged charm and physical transformation resonate with fans of his previous roles, lending to the premise of Deva as yet another entry in Bollywood’s long list of cop dramas.
Director Andrrews aims to invoke the stylistic and narrative heft of the Malayalam version but stumbles with pacing issues, especially during the first half. The film's attempts to balance action with emotional depth are met with uneven success: emotional moments often feel rushed or glossed over. Reviewers highlighted, “We expected more from the love angle between Deva and journalist Diya Sathaye, played by Pooja Hegde, but it quickly feels like a missed opportunity.”
Despite its flaws, the climactic twist—where Dev realizes his past mistakes and struggles with memory loss—has been lauded as effective and gripping. Critics noted how such twists provide the film with its dramatic pull, even if the buildup feels disjointed at times. “Deva effectively subverts expectations at its conclusion,” one review states, underscoring the surprise of Dev's character arc.
Further commentary on the film suggests it critiques systemic police brutality—contrasted against other films like Kabir Singh, where the protagonist's actions are often glorified. Here, the narrative critiques and addresses moral dilemmas attached to power and corruption within the police force.
Most critics remained torn between the thrilling action and the film's underlying issues, leaving audiences wondering if Deva fulfills its potential. “For fans of Shahid Kapoor, this film is certainly entertaining,” noted one writer, “but for those seeking originality or dramatic depth, it may leave some wanting.”
Returning to the themes of masculinity, the male characters dominate, overshadowing the female leads, who receive little development within the plot. Critics have expressed concern, calling their underrepresentation “offensive”—an aspect noted across critiques.
All things considered, some reviews wrap up positively, asserting, “Despite its flaws, Deva remains engaging—an adrenaline rush for action enthusiasts.” With this release, Shahid Kapoor continues to solidify his place within Bollywood, showcasing yet another transformation for audiences to dissect.
By playing on familiar tropes yet attempting to pivot the story emotionally and socially, Deva offers viewers both spectacle and introspection—a cocktail often explored within the genre but seldom executed flawlessly.
Deva is currently open for viewing across theaters and promises to be one of the significant Bollywood offerings of early 2025.