Deva (2025) Movie Review: A Gripping Action Thriller with a Twisted Climax
Deva (2025) is an intense action thriller starring Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Pavail Gulati. A remake of the Malayalam film Mumbai Police with a new climax, Deva delivers high-octane action, gripping drama, and psychological twists. Read our full review!
Introduction
Bollywood continues its fascination with gripping action thrillers, and Deva (2025) is the latest addition to the genre. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the film is a remake of his own 2013 Malayalam hit Mumbai Police, albeit with a different climax. Starring Shahid Kapoor in a power-packed role, Deva promises to be an edge-of-the-seat thriller filled with suspense, intense emotions, and high-stakes drama. Let’s dive into the details of this much-anticipated release.
Plot Summary
ACP Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor) of the Mumbai Police suffers from partial memory loss after a mysterious accident. Just before the accident, he was on a call with his brother-in-law, DCP Farhan Khan (Pavail Gulati), claiming he had solved the high-profile murder of their friend, ACP Rohan D’Silva (played by a special cameo). However, before he could reveal the killer’s name, tragedy struck, leaving him with no recollection of the case.
Determined to uncover the truth, Dev is reassigned to the case by Farhan, who reveals that Dev was once an explosive and complex officer with deep emotional scars. As he retraces his steps, Dev begins to notice contradictions between his past investigation and his current deductions. The puzzle becomes more twisted when he learns he was working undercover for a notorious gangster-turned-politician, Jairaj Apte, and was responsible for the execution of a dangerous criminal.
Rohan, a trusted friend, felt betrayed by Dev’s actions. However, before he could expose the truth, he was killed in the middle of a police ceremony. As Dev pieces together the last moments of his investigation, shocking truths emerge, leading to a climax that redefines his past and future.
Cast Performances
- Shahid Kapoor delivers a career-defining performance as ACP Dev Ambre. His portrayal of a conflicted cop battling memory loss and hidden demons is both intense and nuanced.
- Pooja Hegde plays a crucial role, adding emotional depth to the story. Her chemistry with Shahid Kapoor enhances the film’s personal stakes.
- Pavail Gulati shines as DCP Farhan Khan, providing a strong supporting performance with layered emotions and authority.
- Supporting Cast adds authenticity to the film, making every character feel essential to the narrative.
Technical Aspects
- Direction & Screenplay: Rosshan Andrrews expertly crafts a psychological thriller with fast-paced storytelling and nail-biting suspense.
- Cinematography: Amit Roy’s visuals perfectly capture the dark and moody atmosphere of the film, enhancing the thriller aspect.
- Editing: A. Sreekar Prasad delivers sharp and seamless editing, ensuring the film’s twists hit with maximum impact.
- Music & Background Score: Jakes Bejoy’s gripping score intensifies the film’s psychological tension, while Vishal Mishra’s composed songs add emotional weight to the narrative.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
✔️ Shahid Kapoor’s phenomenal performance as an intense and flawed cop.
✔️ Gripping, fast-paced storytelling with unexpected twists.
✔️ Stylish cinematography and engaging background score.
✔️ A unique take on Mumbai Police with a fresh climax.
Weaknesses:
❌ The screenplay could have been tighter in certain sections.
❌ Some supporting characters lack depth.
❌ A polarizing climax that may not appeal to all audiences.
Audience Recommendation
- ⭐ For Thriller Lovers: If you love psychological crime thrillers with deep character arcs, Deva is a must-watch.
- ⭐ For Shahid Kapoor Fans: His intense and layered performance makes the film worth experiencing.
- ⭐ For Fans of Mumbai Police: While a remake, Deva offers a fresh perspective with its altered climax.
- ⭐ For Action Enthusiasts: The film features gripping action sequences combined with a compelling mystery.
Conclusion
Deva (2025) is a compelling thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its intriguing storyline, powerful performances, and unexpected twists. Shahid Kapoor’s transformation into ACP Dev Ambre is remarkable, and the film’s stunning cinematography and music elevate the storytelling. Despite some minor flaws, Deva stands out as one of Bollywood’s most gripping action thrillers of the year.
🎬 Final Verdict: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Would you watch Deva (2025) in theaters? Share your thoughts in the comments!
