Movie Name: Deva
Director: Rosshan Andrrews
Cast: Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, Pravessh Rana
Writer: Bobby-Sanjay
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Deva Review : Plot Summary
Deva, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, follows the story of Dev Ambre (Shahid Kapoor), a hot-headed, notorious cop with a fierce reputation. The film opens with Dev contacting the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Farhan (Pravessh Rana), to announce he has cracked a major case. However, moments later, Dev meets with a brutal bike accident that causes him to lose his memory.
Struggling with amnesia, Dev has just 15 days to retrace his forgotten investigation and solve the mystery using only evidence and instincts. The narrative alternates between present-day investigation and flashbacks, revealing Dev’s past relationship with journalist Diya Sathe (Pooja Hegde) and the murder of his close friend, honest cop Rohan D’Silva (Pavail Gulati).
Will Dev overcome his memory loss and uncover the truth before time runs out? Deva is now playing in theaters across India.
What Works in Deva?
The last 30 minutes of Deva are undeniably its strongest asset. As pieces of the puzzle come together, the final act delivers a satisfying payoff, tying together earlier plotlines effectively.
The premise itself — a cop solving his own forgotten case — brings a fresh, intriguing twist to the thriller genre. Shahid Kapoor’s performance anchors the film, as he effortlessly portrays Dev’s frustration, vulnerability, and determination.
Pavail Gulati also shines, particularly in the emotional pre-climax scenes alongside Shahid. Their bond adds emotional weight to the mystery.
The cinematography beautifully captures the moody streets of Mumbai, enhancing the dark, gritty tone of the film. Jakes Bejoy’s background score is another plus, elevating tense moments and emotional beats without overpowering the storytelling.
Despite its flaws, Deva offers rewarding storytelling for patient viewers who appreciate character-driven thrillers.

What Doesn’t Work in Deva?
Deva suffers from significant pacing issues. Marketed as a fast-paced action thriller, the movie instead unfolds as a slow-burn drama, which could leave some viewers feeling misled.
The first half, in particular, drags, with extended scenes that could have been trimmed for a tighter, more gripping experience. While the ending justifies the slow buildup, the overlong runtime and uneven pacing might frustrate those expecting non-stop action.
Additionally, Pooja Hegde feels underutilized. Her character has potential but is left underdeveloped, missing the opportunity to add another emotional layer to Dev’s journey.
Lastly, the marketing has done the film a disservice by positioning it as a mainstream action-packed thriller, when it is more of a moody, introspective character drama.
Performances in Deva
- Shahid Kapoor delivers a powerhouse performance, portraying Dev Ambre’s internal struggles with raw intensity and vulnerability. He’s the soul of the movie.
- Pavail Gulati is excellent as Rohan D’Silva, adding emotional resonance to the story. His chemistry with Shahid Kapoor is natural and compelling.
- Pooja Hegde is charming but is given limited screen time and an underwritten character arc.
- Pravessh Rana plays Deputy Commissioner Farhan with authority, adding to the film’s credibility.
- The supporting cast delivers decent performances, rounding out the ensemble effectively.
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Final Verdict: Should You Watch Deva?
Deva is a thoughtful, slow-burn thriller that rewards viewers willing to be patient. Shahid Kapoor’s nuanced performance, a satisfying climax, and rich cinematography make it worth a watch, especially for fans of complex, character-driven dramas.
However, those expecting a high-octane action spectacle might find the pacing tedious. If you enjoy thrillers that focus on slow reveals and emotional depth, Deva will leave you satisfied — especially in its gripping final act.