Shahid Kapoor
Dev Ambre
Overview
Dev Ambre, a ruthless cop, loses his memory in an accident just after he has finished solving a murder case and now has to reinvestigate it while keeping his memory loss a secret from everyone except DCP Farhan Khan.
Cast
12 people
Reviews
5 min readThe Ghost in the Cop’s Machine
I’ve seen this trick before—a detective wakes up with a hole where his memory should be, and the case he was solving suddenly looks different in the cold light of amnesia. It’s a neat narrative device, one that lets the audience play along as the protagonist stumbles toward a truth he can’t quite grasp. But in Deva, Rosshan Andrrews’ Hindi remake of his own 2013 Malayalam thriller Mumbai Police, the trick feels less like a revelation and more like a rerun.
The film is sleek, stylish, and anchored by Shahid Kapoor’s committed performance, but it struggles to justify its existence beyond the surface-level polish. What’s left is a curious tension: a movie that wants to be both a gritty character study and a crowd-pleasing masala thriller, but ends up somewhere in the murky middle.
Andrrews isn’t new to remakes—his filmography is littered with them—but Deva feels particularly beholden to its source material. The premise is identical: Dev Ambre, a ruthless cop, loses his memory in an accident just as he’s about to close a high-profile murder case. Now, he must reinvestigate the crime while hiding his condition from his colleagues, including his best friend and superior, DCP Farhan Khan (Pavail Gulati).
The film leans heavily on the memory-loss trope, using it as a structural crutch to parcel out information in dribs and drabs. The problem? The audience is often a step ahead of Dev, thanks to a script that telegraphs its twists with all the subtlety of a neon sign.
Shubhra Gupta of The Indian Express put it bluntly: the film "prioritizes the hero’s journey over the original’s thematic depth," a choice that flattens what could have been a layered exploration of identity and betrayal into something far more conventional [1].
That conventionality is Deva’s biggest hurdle. The original Mumbai Police was a neo-noir with a climactic twist that reframed the entire narrative, one that critics and audiences still discuss for its audacity. Andrrews, however, has opted for a "more logical" ending this time around—a decision that has divided critics.
Justin Rao of The Hollywood Reporter India called the film a "hero-worshipping vehicle of cliches," arguing that the new climax strips away the original’s emotional weight in favor of a more palatable, if less daring, resolution [3]. It’s a fair critique. The film’s final act feels like a retreat, as if the filmmakers lost their nerve halfway through and decided to play it safe.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A gripping yet uneven crime thriller with standout performances but a convoluted plot."
Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde deliver compelling performances, anchoring a tense and stylish crime narrative. latestnetflix.com's read is that however, the story’s complexity and underdeveloped side characters leave some viewers frustrated, despite the film’s high-energy action sequences and atmospheric tension.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performances Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde are praised for their intense and engaging portrayals, bringing depth to their roles.
- High-octane action The action sequences are well-choreographed and thrilling, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Atmospheric tension The film’s moody visuals and suspenseful pacing create a gripping atmosphere throughout.
- Kubbra Sait’s impact Kubbra Sait’s supporting role is highlighted as a standout, adding layers to the narrative.
Common complaints
- Overly complex plot Some viewers find the storyline convoluted and hard to follow, detracting from the overall experience.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, aside from Kubbra Sait, feel thin and lack depth, weakening the ensemble.
- Pacing issues The film’s pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others rush key moments.
- Predictable twists A few plot twists are criticized for being too formulaic and lacking originality.
Recommended for
Crime thriller enthusiasts Shahid Kapoor fans Stylish action lovers Kubbra Sait admirers Gritty drama seekers
Full Plot (Spoilers)
Spoiler warning
This section contains the full plot, including major story reveals. Overview above stays spoiler-free.
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsShahid Kapoor’s Deva (2025): A Stylish Remake with a Familiar Blueprint
Deva, the upcoming Hindi action thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews, has been generating buzz—not just for its star-studded cast but for its origins as a remake of Andrrews’ own Malayalam hit, Mumbai Police (2013). With Shahid Kapoor leading the charge alongside Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati, the film promises a slick, high-stakes narrative about memory loss, crime, and deception. latestnetflix.com's view is that but behind the glossy trailer lies a project with a clear precedent, raising questions about whether Deva can escape the shadow of its predecessor.
A Remake with a Twist (or Lack Thereof)
Andrrews is no stranger to remakes—his filmography includes reimagining his own work, and Deva follows that pattern. The original Mumbai Police (2013) starred Prithviraj Sukumaran as a cop who loses his memory after solving a high-profile case, only to uncover shocking truths upon reinvestigation. The premise is nearly identical in Deva, with Kapoor stepping into the role of Dev Ambre, a "ruthless cop" who suffers memory loss post-accident and must retrace his steps while hiding his condition 
.
Critics have already drawn parallels, with The Hollywood Reporter calling Deva a "lackluster" remake that struggles to justify its existence beyond its star power 
. The film’s visual polish—courtesy of cinematographer Amit Roy and editor A. Sreekar Prasad—has been praised, but Scroll.in notes that "style trumps substance," suggesting the narrative may not offer enough fresh twists to stand out .
The Cast: Kapoor in the Spotlight, Hegde and Gulati in Supporting Roles
Shahid Kapoor headlines Deva as the amnesiac cop, a role that demands both physical intensity and emotional depth. His recent filmography (Jersey, Farzi) has leaned into gritty, high-stakes performances, and Deva appears to be another step in that direction. Pooja Hegde, known for her work in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo and Housefull 4, plays a supporting role, though details about her character remain scarce. Pavail Gulati, who gained attention in The Family Man and Khakee: The Bihar Chapter, rounds out the lead trio, likely as a key figure in the investigation .
The ensemble also includes seasoned actors like Girish Kulkarni (Jhund, Article 15), Kubbra Sait (Sacred Games), and Upendra Limaye (Chandni Bar), adding weight to the supporting cast. However, with the focus squarely on Kapoor’s character, the film’s success may hinge on whether his performance can elevate the familiar plot.
Behind the Scenes: A Director’s Return to Familiar Territory
Rosshan Andrrews, primarily known for his work in Malayalam cinema, has directed hits like Udayananu Tharam (2005) and Notebook (2006) before venturing into Hindi remakes. Deva marks his second attempt at reimagining Mumbai Police, following the 2013 original. Produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur under Roy Kapur Films, the project has the backing of a major studio, but the challenge lies in differentiating it from its source material .
The film’s production has been relatively low-drama, with no major controversies or delays reported. However, the critical reception of Andrrews’ previous remakes—particularly Mumbai Police—suggests that Deva may face an uphill battle in winning over audiences who’ve seen the story before. If early reviews are any indication, the film’s visual flair may be its strongest selling point, even if the narrative feels recycled .
**What’s Next for Deva?**
Deva is set for a 2025 release, though an exact date hasn’t been confirmed. With Kapoor’s star power and the film’s high-production values, it’s likely to draw attention at the box office. However, whether it can transcend its status as a remake remains to be seen. If the trailers and early buzz are any indication, Deva is banking on style over originality—a gamble that could pay off with the right audience.
For now, fans of Kapoor and Andrrews will have to wait and see if Deva delivers more than just a glossy retread of a familiar story.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.