By- Ashwini Kumar
After watching the trailer of Deva, it was clear that this film was shaping up to be something special- promising Shahid Kapoor’s intense, angrier avatar and high-octane action. Directed by Roshan Andrrews, the film was shrouded in secrecy, with the director filming three different versions of the climax to keep audiences on edge. This created a buzz about the story involving the underworld and Mumbai police, leading to heightened expectations. And upon watching the film, it’s evident that Deva delivers on its promise, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
A Unique Thriller: Deva Vs. Mumbai Police
Though Deva has often been compared to director Roshan Andrrews’ previous film Mumbai Police, the two are distinctly different. After watching the film, it’s clear that Deva is far more intricate and mind-blowing, with a storyline that holds your attention from start to finish.
The film opens at DCP Farhan’s wedding, where we are introduced to Inspector Deva, who is seen dancing with the guests. He’s revealed to be both a friend of Farhan and the brother-in-law of his bride-to-be. This sets off a chain of events that leads to the escape of a dangerous criminal, Prabhat Jadhav, from jail. The ensuing chase sees multiple Mumbai police officers injured or killed, while Prabhat continues to evade capture.
The Mystery Of The Traitor
As the investigation unfolds, Diya Sathe, an investigative journalist and the daughter of a Mumbai police constable, brings a shocking revelation to Deva—there’s a traitor within the police force. Determined to avenge the deaths of his colleagues, Deva finally confronts Prabhat Jadhav but credits the kill to his friend, ACP Rohan Disilva. However, on the day Rohan is set to receive a prestigious police honor, he is targeted by a shooter during a police event. Now, Deva must track down the shooter and seek justice.
At first glance, Deva may seem like a simple cat-and-mouse game, but the actual story is much more layered and complex. The screenplay, penned by Bobby Sanjay, Abbas and Hussain Dalal, Sumit Arora, and Arshad Saeed, keeps the audience hooked by slowly revealing layers of deception, mystery, and suspense. Director Roshan Andrrews successfully maintains a gripping pace from the opening sequence to the intense climax, making Deva a thrilling roller-coaster ride.
Cinematography & Music: Setting the Tone
Amit Roy’s cinematography is one of the standout features of Deva. He captures a side of Mumbai rarely seen in Bollywood films- gritty, raw, and real. The cityscape feels authentic and adds depth to the narrative. Zeff Bejoy’s background score perfectly complements the tension and intensity of the film, while Vishal Mishra’s tracks set the right mood from the very beginning, aligning seamlessly with Shahid Kapoor’s character. Bosco Leslie Martis’ choreography is also noteworthy, especially in the opening dance sequence, which adds flair to the film.
Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Inspector Dev Ambre is nothing short of spectacular. His intense, layered character will leave you spellbound. While fans may find traces of his character from Kabir Singh in Deva’s anger, the film introduces a more complex and evolved version. Deva’s swagger and emotional depth are brilliantly portrayed by Shahid, making the character feel like a one-man show.
Strong Supporting Cast
Pooja Hegde delivers her best performance yet in her Hindi filmography as Special Correspondent Diya. Though her role is brief, she leaves a lasting impression. Pravesh Rana, who plays DCP Farhan, brings a strong screen presence and impressive acting, hinting at more opportunities coming his way. Pavail Gulati’s portrayal of ACP Rohan Disilva adds an emotional depth to the film that resonates with the audience. Kubbra Sait, though in a small role, makes a significant impact with her performance. On the other hand, Maanish Wadhwa’s character could have been explored further, as his potential remains untapped.
Deva is a film that successfully blends suspense, action, and emotional depth, making it a must-watch. Shahid Kapoor’s powerful performance and the film’s gripping narrative ensure that Deva stands out from other Bollywood thrillers. Director Roshan Andrrews has delivered a high-octane film that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. With a talented supporting cast and a strong technical team, Deva is a thriller that leaves a lasting impression.
