One of the most awaited films of this year, finally, Shahid Kapoor’s last film, Deva, proved to be somewhat disappointing for its fans. Much to everybody’s dismay, it is yet another film heavily inspired by Prithviraj Sukumaran’s masterpiece Malayalam thriller, Mumbai Police (2013).
Most importantly, Deva does little to innovate, retaining most of the scenes, plot points, and even the climax twist from the original. Because of this, many fans feel that Bollywood is relying too much on remakes instead of exploring fresh and original stories.
But is Deva just another copy-paste Bollywood remake, or does Shahid Kapoor’s performance elevate it beyond expectations? Let’s break it down.
Deva – A Scene-by-Scene Remake of Mumbai Police?
From the very beginning, it is clear that Deva follows the same storyline as Mumbai Police. The film revolves around a sharp, no-nonsense cop investigating a high-profile murder, only to lose his memory due to an accident. As he retraces his steps, he discovers shocking secrets about himself and the case.
Most importantly, not much has been done to even the climax twist, which made Mumbai Police iconic. For this reason, audiences who have witnessed the original found the film highly predictable, reducing the overall thrill factor.
Besides that, the screenplay and execution do not come anywhere close to the gripping intensity of the original, making Deva a strictly average watch.
Shahid Kapoor’s Performance – A Saving Grace?
Despite weak execution, the strong point about Deva is Shahid Kapoor’s performance. Shahid Kapoor is known for intense roles in Kabir Singh and Haider. In Deva, he delivers a commendable performance as the amnesiac cop trying to solve a case he barely remembers.
Most importantly, his body language and expressions perfectly capture the psychological turmoil of the character. However, because of the already familiar storyline, even his efforts fail to create the desired impact.
Apart from that, his character lacks depth and complexity compared to the depth brought by Prithviraj in the original, making the new version a weaker adaptation in general.
Why Bollywood Needs to Stop Remakes
Remakes have invaded Bollywood in recent years. More often than not, the impact of the original is never replicated. Deva is just another example of why remakes do not always work.
Here is why Bollywood needs to get away from remakes:
1. Audiences Want Fresh Stories
With OTT platforms, regional films from all parts of India are now accessible to viewers. Above all, a lot of people have already seen Mumbai Police, making Deva completely redundant for them.
2. Comparisons Are Inevitable
Whichever remake is made, people will compare it with the original. Since Mumbai Police was heavily appreciated for its screenplay and execution, Deva feels lessened in comparison.
3. Innovation Is Lacking
If Bollywood keeps doing remakes, it will not promote original content. Instead, the industry should invest in fresh scripts rather than rehashing already successful ones.
In addition, the trend of remakes proves to be financially hazardous as more films are failing to impress at the box office.
Why Mumbai Police Was a Masterpiece & Deva Is Not
To understand why Deva falls flat, let’s look at what made Mumbai Police a masterpiece:
1. Uncanny Storyline
Mumbai Police had such unpredictable storytelling that it put the audience into a state of suspense. As for Deva, predictability kills the suspense.
2. Dark and Raw Cinematography
The original film was also dark and heavy in terms of cinematography, which suited the genre. Deva lacks that intensity and feels too polished and diluted.
3. Emotional Impact
The climax of Mumbai Police was emotionally powerful, shocking audiences with its bold storytelling. Because Deva sticks too closely to the original, it fails to deliver the same emotional impact.
In addition to that, Mumbai Police had strong supporting characters, which Deva’s adaptation fails to replicate effectively.
Audience Reactions – Mixed to Disappointed
Fans have been vocal on social media regarding how they feel about Deva. Some of the common responses are:
- “Deva is literally Mumbai Police with a new cast! Nothing new!”
- “I know Shahid Kapoor did a good job, but it seems that it is a movie without originality.”
- “Why does Bollywood make remakes? Watch the original instead.”
- “The climax twist was great… in 2013. Not anymore!”
Most importantly, the movie brought nothing new to the table for fans.
Final Verdict – Watch Deva or Not?
If you haven’t watched Mumbai Police, Deva is an interesting thriller. For those who are familiar with the original, it brings nothing new.
Watch It If:
- You are a Shahid Kapoor fan.
- You haven’t watched Mumbai Police.
- You like intense cop thrillers.
Skip It If:
- You prefer original stories over remakes.
- You have already seen Mumbai Police.
- You expect a new take on the story.
Most importantly, Bollywood needs to rethink its strategy. Because of the audience’s growing preference for originality, remakes may no longer be the safe bet they once were.
Conclusion – Time for Bollywood to Move Beyond Remakes
Deva is an averagely strict remake that cannot match up to the mark of Mumbai Police. Due to its predictability and lack of innovation, it reminds us all once again about Bollywood’s overdependence on remakes.
The industry needs to focus more on fresh, original content rather than remaking regional hits. If this trend continues, Bollywood’s appeal may diminish, especially with the availability of originals on various streaming platforms.
One of the weaker film redemption moves could be seen in the performance of Shahid Kapoor, but it cannot save the film. If you’re seeking a thriller that keeps you on the edge, then go for the original Mumbai Police.
What do you think about Deva? Should Bollywood stop remaking all these movies? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
