Read the complete review of Deva (2025), the Hindi remake of Mumbai Police. Starring Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Pavail Gulati, the film explores memory, identity, and justice in a gritty thriller.
Deva movie worth watching or not?
Deva (2025) is a Hindi-language action thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the original creator of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film Mumbai Police (2013). This version, produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur under Roy Kapur Films and Zee Studios, takes the gripping psychological drama of the original and adapts it for a wider Hindi-speaking audience, with a twist in the climax that offers something new even to fans of the original.
With Shahid Kapoor in the lead, supported by Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati, Deva blends high-octane action, emotional intensity, and an intriguing mystery, wrapped in a story about identity, memory, and justice.
Plot Summary: Memory, Murder, and Mystery
The film follows ACP Dev Verma (Shahid Kapoor), a bold and ruthless police officer known for his aggressive methods and unwavering commitment to justice. After a tragic car accident during a high-profile investigation, Dev suffers from partial amnesia, losing memory of recent events — including the murder case of his closest friend and colleague.
Dev is tasked with solving the murder again, but this time, he’s a different person — more restrained, introspective, and disturbed by the man he used to be. As he digs deeper into the past, Dev uncovers shocking truths not just about the case, but about his own identity, forcing him to confront uncomfortable realities.
The screenplay, crafted by Bobby–Sanjay, and adapted by Abbas Dalal, Hussain Dalal, Arshad Syed, and Sumit Arora, maintains the psychological tension while adding a Hindi cinema flavor that’s more accessible to mainstream audiences. The altered climax adds a refreshing twist that avoids predictability for those who’ve watched the original.
Performance: Shahid Kapoor Steals the Show
This is arguably one of Shahid Kapoor’s most layered performances to date. His portrayal of Dev is both fierce and vulnerable. The transformation from a fearless officer to a confused, morally conflicted man is handled with remarkable subtlety. He balances action, emotion, and suspense with finesse, proving yet again why he is one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood today.
Pooja Hegde plays a more grounded role and adds emotional depth to the narrative, while Pavail Gulati is effective as the friend whose murder is central to the story. The chemistry between the characters is strong enough to make the emotional payoff in the second half of the film truly impactful.
Direction & Screenplay: Rosshan Andrrews Brings His Vision to Bollywood
Rosshan Andrrews’ direction ensures that Deva is not just a frame-by-frame remake but a reimagined narrative for Hindi audiences. The pacing is tight, and the film smartly navigates its 156-minute runtime with enough twists and emotional beats to keep viewers engaged. The psychological depth of the protagonist’s journey is portrayed effectively, making Deva more than just an action thriller — it becomes a character study of a man forced to confront the ghost of his past self.
Technical Brilliance: Cinematography, Editing & Music
The film’s technical aspects enhance its storytelling. Amit Roy’s cinematography captures both the grittiness of the action sequences and the emotional isolation of Dev. Whether it’s chase scenes through the city or introspective moments, the visuals elevate the tension and mood.
The editing by A. Sreekar Prasad keeps the narrative crisp despite the film’s complex structure of flashbacks and real-time investigation.
The background score by Jakes Bejoy adds to the suspense, while the songs by Vishal Mishra and Bejoy fit organically into the story. The music avoids unnecessary disruption, maintaining the dark and serious tone of the film.
What Works:
- Shahid Kapoor’s powerhouse performance
- Intriguing plot with emotional and psychological depth
- Well-paced screenplay and impactful dialogues
- Stylish action and intense drama
- A fresh twist on the original climax
What Could Be Better:
- A few subplots feel underdeveloped, especially the backstory of supporting characters.
- Viewers unfamiliar with psychological thrillers might find the pacing in the first half slightly slow.
- Emotional payoff could have been stronger with more screen time for certain characters.
Box Office and Budget
Deva was made on a budget of ₹50 crore and has grossed around ₹51.73–59 crore, making it a moderately successful outing at the box office. Despite not being a commercial blockbuster, its unique narrative and strong performances have helped it build a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim.
Verdict: A Must-Watch for Thriller Fans
Deva is a rare Bollywood film that combines intellectual storytelling with mass appeal. It’s not just an action movie — it’s a complex character-driven thriller that challenges the audience’s perception of heroism, justice, and identity. With Shahid Kapoor at the center of it all, delivering one of his career-best performances, Deva is a must-watch for fans of well-made thrillers.
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 4/5