Deva Movie Review: Shahid Kapoor Masterfully Balances Mass Appeal and Intrigue
Rating: 3.5/5
Director: Rosshan Andrrews
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, Kubbra Sait
Storyline:
In Deva, Shahid Kapoor takes on the role of Dev Ambre, a rebellious cop known for his volatile temper and unconventional methods. While ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati) upholds the law with measured restraint, Dev operates in the shadows, doing the dirty work others won’t.
But while solving a crucial case, a sudden accident robs Dev of his memory and everything changes. Stripped of his past, his once-explosive persona is replaced by a calmer, more restrained version of himself. Yet, beneath the surface, the razor-sharp instincts and ruthless aggression of the old Dev remain, waiting to resurface when pushed to the edge.
As he retraces his steps to unravel the mystery he had already solved before his accident, Dev must confront not only the enemies lurking in the shadows but also the fragments of his own forgotten identity. Pooja Hegde plays Diya, a journalist entangled in Dev’s life, while Kubbra Sait’s keen-eyed officer begins to suspect that the man wearing Dev’s badge may not be the same one she once knew.
With time running out, the question remains – can Dev piece together the truth before it’s too late?
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Deva Movie Review:
Deva promises a gripping mix of action, intrigue, and psychological drama while retaining its massy flavour.
In the first half, Shahid Kapoor leans heavily into macho bravado, complete with swagger, stylish slow-mo entries, power-packed punches and massy dance moves. But just when you think you have the film figured out as a typical action thriller, Deva takes a turn.
As the second half shifts gears, the film introduces psychological intrigue, adding layers to the narrative that elevate it beyond the usual action fare. In the second half, Shahid Kapoor masterfully navigates the nuances of a cop caught between amnesia and instinct, blending Dev’s confusion with the simmering aggression of his former self while revealing glimpses of his hidden vulnerability.
Unlike usual, Pooja Hegde delivers a somewhat restrained performance, staying true to the character’s tone. The central romance between Dev and journalist Diya (Pooja Hegde) remains subtle…. the real chemistry is reserved for the dynamic between Dev and ACP Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati). Their good cop vs. bad cop interplay fuels the film’s tension, with Gulati holding his own against Kapoor’s commanding presence. As their bond is tested against the weight of duty, the film explores whether loyalty can withstand the call of justice.
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Deva Movie Review:
Kubbra Sait delivers a solid performance as Dev’s fellow colleague, but she has limited impact in the larger narrative. Meanwhile, Upendra Limaye steals the show in a hilarious cameo, injecting some much-needed humor into the proceedings.
The film’s action sequences are slickly choreographed and complemented by a badass score to deliver the adrenaline rush expected of the genre.
And while the major twist may not be entirely unpredictable, it still manages to surprise in a satisfying way. Thanks to Shahid and Pavail’s well-calibrated emotion and intensity, the twist unfolds convincingly.
For those drawing comparisons to Kabir Singh based on the trailer, rest assured – Deva is its own beast. With a gripping second half and a satisfying ending, Deva delivers an action-packed, engaging ride that balances mass appeal with just the right amount of intrigue.
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