Deva Movie Review: Shahid Kapoor’s Cop Drama – A Hit or a Miss?
Shahid Kapoor's latest movie, Deva, has finally hit theaters, and fans were excited to see him back on the big screen. The film presents Shahid in the role of a rugged, no-nonsense cop, bringing a mix of action, suspense, and drama. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a detailed review of Deva, covering everything from its story, performances, music, action, and overall impact.
Shahid Kapoor’s Return as a Badass Cop
After a long time, it was refreshing to see Shahid Kapoor in a powerful action-packed role. His character in Deva is that of a tough, aggressive, and fearless police officer who takes the law into his own hands. He is the kind of cop who doesn’t wait for orders—he acts first and thinks later.
The movie showcases two shades of his character—one in casual attire, where he is working on his mission, and the second half where he appears in full police uniform, ready to take on the criminals. This transition adds an interesting layer to his performance, making it engaging for the audience.
Storyline: Police, Politics, and Suspense
The story of Deva revolves around the classic conflict of police vs. criminals, with a political twist. As expected from an investigative thriller, the plot involves a lot of twists, turns, and suspense.
However, one of the biggest issues with the movie is its pacing. Despite having only one song, the runtime is 2 hours and 30 minutes, which feels stretched. The narrative could have been more crisp and fast-paced, reducing unnecessary moments. Instead of a high-voltage police drama, the movie leans more towards an investigation-based thriller, which might not be what the audience expected.
The trailer and teaser created a lot of hype, making it seem like Deva would be a high-energy action-packed film, but in reality, it focuses more on unfolding mysteries and solving crimes rather than showing Shahid Kapoor in full action mode.
What Works in Deva?
Although the film has its flaws, there are some standout moments that make it watchable:
1. Shahid Kapoor’s Performance
Shahid Kapoor carries the entire film on his shoulders. His witty, aggressive, and intense performance makes the character of Deva feel real and engaging. His madness and attitude suit the role perfectly.
2. Strong Background Music (BGM)
The BGM is powerful and adds to the intensity of many scenes. It helps maintain the film’s thrilling atmosphere, making even average sequences feel impactful.
3. Action Sequences & Climax
While the overall action could have been more, some moments in the film stand out, especially the interval scene and the climax where the real killer is revealed. The suspense and buildup are well-handled in the final act.
4. Upendra’s Cameo Role
Fans of Animal will remember Upendra, who made a strong impact with his brief role. He appears in Deva as well, delivering a similar power-packed cameo performance that adds value to the film.
What Doesn’t Work in Deva?
Despite some positives, Deva has several flaws that affect its overall experience:
1. Dragged Screenplay & Slow Storytelling
As mentioned earlier, the film feels longer than necessary. The investigation-heavy approach might disappoint those expecting a fast-paced action movie.
2. No “Wow” Factor
Other than a few well-executed sequences, there aren’t many “wow” moments that make the audience excited. Unlike movies that leave a lasting impact, Deva feels like a one-time watch rather than a must-watch experience.
3. Pooja Hegde’s Underutilized Role
Pooja Hegde appears in the film, but her role is more like an extended cameo. There is no forced love angle, which is a good decision, but at the same time, her character doesn’t add much to the story.
4. Lack of Originality (Remake Factor)
Deva is reportedly a remake of the South Indian film Mumbai Police. While the Hindi version has been modified slightly, it still lacks freshness. Shahid Kapoor needs to choose more original scripts instead of remakes to make a stronger impact in Bollywood.
5. Not Fully Family-Friendly
While the film is mostly an action-thriller, there are a few elements that might make family audiences uncomfortable. It contains:
Violence
A couple of lip-to-lip kiss scenes
Some vulgar gestures/actions
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This might make it unsuitable for family viewing, so watching it on OTT might be a better option.
Box Office & Verdict
Since Deva released in theaters, its box office performance will depend on word of mouth. Morning shows had low occupancy, which means it might pick up during the weekend. However, with the mixed reactions, it’s uncertain whether the film will be a hit or just an average performer at the box office.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5 Stars)
Watch if you love Shahid Kapoor and enjoy intense cop thrillers.
Skip if you expected a high-energy action-packed film like Singham or Animal.
Conclusion: Is Deva Worth Watching?
Deva is an average action-thriller that has some good performances, intense moments, and a gripping climax, but it also has pacing issues, unnecessary length, and lacks originality. Shahid Kapoor does his best to keep the audience engaged, but the movie doesn’t offer enough memorable moments to make it a must-watch in theaters.
If you are a hardcore Shahid Kapoor fan, you can give it a try in cinemas. But for most people, it’s a movie that can be comfortably watched later on OTT.