
Sat Feb 01 00:21:26 UTC 2025: ## Shahid Kapoor’s “Deva” Fails to Impress: Critics Give 1.5 Stars
**MUMBAI, INDIA** – Shahid Kapoor’s latest action thriller, “Deva,” directed by Rosshan Andrrews, has received a lukewarm reception from critics, scoring a mere 1.5 stars. The film, which bears a striking resemblance to Andrrews’ 2013 film “Mumbai Police,” follows a hot-headed Mumbai cop, Dev Ambre (Kapoor), as he investigates the murder of a fellow officer.
While Kapoor’s intense portrayal, reminiscent of Amitabh Bachchan’s Vijay in “Zanjeer” and Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry, initially impresses, the film ultimately suffers from a predictable plot and a flat, stylized delivery from the lead actor. The narrative, heavily focused on Kapoor’s character, lacks the ensemble feel of its predecessor. Although Kapoor shines in moments of vulnerability, these are few and far between, leaving the nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime feeling unnecessarily long.
Pooja Hegde delivers a strong performance in a supporting role, proving that less screen time can indeed be more effective. However, this is not enough to save the film from its overall shortcomings. The director’s attempt to distance “Deva” from being labeled a remake of “Mumbai Police” seems unconvincing, with several scenes appearing virtually identical.
Despite the underwhelming review, some fans have expressed positive feedback on social media, calling the film a “rollercoaster ride.” However, the critical consensus points to a film that ultimately fails to capitalize on its potential.