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Deva, a Hindi remake of a Malayalam film, centers around the compelling performance of Shahid Kapoor. The movie successfully leverages Kapoor's charisma and acting prowess, transforming the original narrative to better suit his personality and the Hindi film audience's expectations. The director, Rosshan Andrrews, demonstrates his skill in adapting a film across languages while maintaining the core suspenseful nature of the story. The screenplay cleverly incorporates elements of masala cinema, adding spice to the already engaging plot of a good cop-turned-bad-cop investigation.
The film follows Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a Mumbai police officer whose life takes a dramatic turn after a motorcycle accident robs him of his memory. This amnesia serves as a pivotal plot device, dividing the narrative into a 'before' and 'after' showcasing the transformation of Dev's character and personality. The 'before' reveals the reasons for his scars, inner turmoil, and moral ambiguity, while the 'after' follows his attempt to piece together his past and solve a high-profile case that was stalled before his accident. This structure allows for a fascinating exploration of identity and redemption, enhanced by the compelling performance of Shahid Kapoor.
The supporting cast, while not as prominent as Shahid Kapoor, plays a crucial role in the narrative. Pravesh Rana as Farhan Khan, Dev's brother-in-law and boss, provides a vital support system, but also unintentionally reveals a critical piece of information that forms a significant plot twist. Pavail Gulati as Rohan D'Silva portrays a loyal childhood friend, further emphasizing the importance of relationships in Dev's journey. Pooja Hegde, as investigative journalist Diya Sathe, acts as a romantic interest but her role is relatively minor and primarily serves to highlight Dev’s personal life. Kubbra Sait as Deepti Singh, a fellow police officer, also plays a supporting role showcasing a somewhat stereotypical portrayal of a woman in a male-dominated environment.
The technical aspects of Deva significantly contribute to its success. Amit Roy's cinematography captures the gritty realism of Mumbai's underworld, while A. Sreekar Prasad's editing maintains a captivating pace despite the film's length (157 minutes). Jakes Bejoy's background score adds to the overall intensity and suspense. These technical elements work together to keep the audience engaged throughout the film. Despite its length, Deva avoids feeling tedious, achieving this through a combination of compelling performances, skillful direction, and a well-paced narrative structure.
One of Deva's strengths lies in its ability to surprise even those familiar with the original Malayalam film. While the core storyline remains consistent, the director cleverly modifies and enhances aspects of the narrative, creating unexpected twists and turns that maintain the audience's interest. This clever adaptation ensures that both newcomers and those familiar with the original will find the film engaging. The pacing is deliberately structured; it slows down at strategic points, giving room for character development and creating a palpable tension that complements the action sequences. The film seamlessly blends visceral action with psychological suspense, creating a rich and engaging viewing experience.
However, the film isn't without its flaws. The inclusion of a song-and-dance sequence at a wedding feels somewhat out of place, given the overall gritty tone of the movie. The romantic subplot, while adding a layer to Dev's character, is not fully developed and remains secondary to the main investigation. The portrayal of female characters, while not overtly negative, can be viewed as somewhat underdeveloped compared to the male characters, which follows common trends within the genre. This element might leave some viewers feeling that the female roles could've benefited from further depth and complexity.
In conclusion, Deva is a well-crafted thriller that expertly utilizes the strengths of its lead actor, Shahid Kapoor. While it is not a completely original story, the deft adaptation, strong technical elements, and intriguing twists make it a compelling watch. The film successfully blends action, suspense, and character development, delivering an engaging experience that transcends its familiar premise. While some might find minor aspects to be slightly lacking, Deva's overall impact is one of well-executed storytelling and captivating performances, making it a worthwhile cinematic experience for fans of the genre and Kapoor himself.