Mumbai is a setting for everyone - a dreamscape for aspiring people with an upside-down where the criminal world thrives. Set in the bustling city of dreams Deva starring Shahid Kapoor marks the Hindi film directorial debut of acclaimed Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews. It promises an action-packed drama where there is a cop a journalist a villain and all characters for a complete gripping narrative. Shahid Kapoor who has described this film as his most challenging role to date delivers a performance that reaffirms his position as one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors. But does the film live up to the hype? Shahid Kapoor as Deva is a fearless and stylish Mumbai cop who takes immense pride in his duty. His life takes a dramatic turn when his close friend Rohan Dsilva (Pavail Gulati) is brutally murdered. Determined to uncover the truth Deva is on a mission to solve the case with the support of his senior ACP Farhan (Pravesh Rana). Just as he cracks the case a near-fatal accident leaves him with memory loss forcing him to start from scratch. As he pieces together the puzzle shocking lies unfold changing his trajectory. Shahid Kapoor Brings His A-Game Shahid Kapoor is without a doubt the heart and soul of Deva. He gives a powerful performance perfectly balancing the confidence and intensity of a bold cop. Shahid keeps the character grounded while adding his own stylish touch making it both relatable and larger-than-life at the same time. The actor shines in every scene whether he’s pulling off thrilling action sequences or diving into emotional moments - he nails it all. One of the best parts of his performance is how he handles the scenes where Deva is alone trying to piece together clues while struggling with memory loss. His quirky yet charming portrayal of his character keeps the audience completely hooked. Coming to the plot Devas story has some similarities to his 2013 Malayalam hit Mumbai Police Rosshan Andrrews gives Deva its own unique identity with a fresh storyline and a strong Mumbai vibe. The visuals match the film’s pace especially in the action scenes which are both stylish and thrilling. Devas Thrilling Yet Bumpy Tale While Shahid Kapoor’s performance is the biggest highlight of Deva the film isn’t without flaws. The supporting cast including Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati do a decent job but their characters lack depth. Pooja Hegde playing an investigative journalist feels underutilised and her role comes off more as filler than a meaningful part of the story. But if you are rooting for a sizzling chemistry there’s little to none between them making their interactions feel flat! The film focuses heavily on the case leaving little room to explore personal relationships or emotional connections. Similarly Pravesh Rana and Pavail Gulati show promise but don’t get enough screen time to leave a lasting impact. While the case-driven plot keeps things intense the lack of emotional depth and underdeveloped relationships hold the film back. The storyline thrills you and keeps you hooked yet there are fleeting moment of a disappointing sigh as the pace feels uneven. Some action scenes rush by or end too abruptly. At times the film shifts too quickly leaving the audience confused. Certain moments could definitely have been stronger if they allowed the audience to connect emotionally. Verdict Deva is a must-watch for Shahid Kapoor fans as he delivers one of his best performances. His strong screen presence and the film’s gritty visuals make it exciting. However the movie focuses too much on him giving other actors little to do lacking emotional depth. While the action and story keep you engaged the lack of balance and emotional connection holds it back. Still it’s worth watching for Shahid’s standout role. Ratings: 3/5