Fri Jan 31 21:26:56 UTC 2025: ## Shahid Kapoor’s “Deva” Opens to Positive Reviews, but Pace an Issue
**Mumbai, India** – Shahid Kapoor’s highly anticipated film, “Deva,” hit theaters on January 31st, 2025, marking his return after a selective post-“Kabir Singh” filmography. The action-packed thriller, directed by Roshan Andrews, sees Kapoor as Dev, a maverick police officer unafraid to bend the rules. The film also stars Pooja Hegde as Diya, a journalist and Dev’s girlfriend, and Pavel Gulati as Dev’s childhood friend and ACP Rohan D’Silva.
The plot centers around Rohan’s murder, which sends Dev on a relentless quest for justice. The investigation reveals a mole within Dev’s own team, adding a layer of suspense to the narrative. The film’s first half is praised for its fast pace and intriguing setup, but critics note a significant slowdown in the second half, potentially affecting viewer engagement.
Reviews have been largely positive, praising Kapoor’s energetic performance, the chemistry between him and Hegde, and the supporting cast, including Pravesh Rana (as Farhan Khan). The original storyline and Andrews’ direction have also received commendation. However, the film’s pacing is cited as a significant drawback, with the second half dragging compared to the energetic start. Despite this, the film is deemed family-friendly (excluding a kissing scene), and the music by Jacques Bejoy is considered a positive element. Overall, “Deva” has received a 3.5-star rating. Whether it will become a box office hit remains to be seen.
First Piper 