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The recently released film, 'Deva,' starring Shahid Kapoor, has received a mixed critical response. The movie, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, is essentially a reimagining of his earlier film, 'Mumbai Police,' though efforts were made to obscure this connection. While the original centered on a team of Mumbai police officers tracking down a killer, 'Deva' essentially rehashes this storyline but centers the narrative far more heavily on the titular character played by Kapoor. This shift in focus, unfortunately, becomes a significant detriment to the overall impact of the film. The plot points and character dynamics, while familiar from 'Mumbai Police,' lack the nuance and development that elevated the original. The central narrative, thus, feels underdeveloped, leading to a film that's weighed down by excessive length without sufficient plot progression to justify it.
Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of Dev Ambre, a hot-headed and somewhat stereotypical Mumbai cop, is a mixed bag. While his intense on-screen presence is undeniable and his deliberate styling, drawing comparisons to Amitabh Bachchan's Vijay in 'Zanjeer' and even Dirty Harry, is effective initially, his performance ultimately falls flat. Much of his portrayal lacks depth, often resorting to a stylized, and at times monotonous, delivery. His character's violent tendencies feel somewhat gratuitous, not well-integrated into a compelling narrative arc. The decision to make the character the film's namesake, Dev, places undue emphasis on his actions to the detriment of the broader story and supporting characters. The film would have greatly benefited from a more balanced approach that gave the supporting characters more space to breathe and develop, creating a richer, more layered narrative experience. The few moments where Kapoor's portrayal shines are when he allows vulnerability into Dev's persona. These fleeting moments showcase the depth of Kapoor's acting talent, reinforcing the potential squandered by the script and directing.
The supporting cast, while boasting some notable names such as Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulatie, Girish Kulkarni, and Kubbra Sait, are largely underutilized. Hegde, in particular, is given a limited role that doesn't allow her much opportunity to showcase her abilities. Other supporting characters feel almost like mere plot devices, moving the narrative forward without significant depth or character development. This lack of depth significantly weakens the narrative fabric of the film. The film's nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime feels excessive and unnecessarily protracted. The extended length only serves to highlight the weaknesses of the plot and makes the film feel sluggish and repetitive. Scenes that could have been condensed or removed altogether drag on, losing the audience's engagement in the narrative. This poor pacing ultimately detracts significantly from any positive qualities the film might have.
In summary, 'Deva' is a missed opportunity. While the visual aspects of the film show promise, the weak storyline and underdeveloped characters ultimately hamper the narrative. The excessive runtime and reliance on a singular, somewhat one-dimensional protagonist overshadow any positive aspects. While there are moments of brilliance from Shahid Kapoor and some compelling supporting performances, they are insufficient to save a film that is ultimately hampered by its weak foundations. Rosshan Andrrews' past success is evident, but 'Deva' lacks the compelling character development and tightly woven narrative that made 'Mumbai Police' a more impactful and ultimately more satisfying cinematic experience. The comparison to 'Mumbai Police' only serves to highlight the shortcomings of the 'Deva' script, particularly in regards to its pacing, character depth and overall plot.
The film's attempt at crafting a unique identity fails and instead leaves the audience with a sense of déjà vu coupled with frustration over a missed opportunity. Had the film focused on building out the supporting characters and tightening the plot, with a tighter runtime, it could have been a much more rewarding viewing experience. Instead, it remains a somewhat disappointing entry in Shahid Kapoor's filmography and a missed opportunity for Rosshan Andrrews to deliver another strong cinematic work.
Source: Deva movie review: Shahid Kapoor film is dragged down by loose threads, long slack stretches