Deva

About the film

Deva is a 2025 Indian Hindi-language action thriller film directed by Rosshan Andrrews, and produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur under Roy Kapur Films. The film stars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde and Pavail Gulati. It is adapted from Andrrews's own 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police. The film follows a violent cop who undergoes a personality change after losing his memory in an accident and has to reinvestigate the murder of a fellow police officer.

The film was officially announced in May 2023. Principal photography began in October 2023 in Mumbai and wrapped by September 2024. The film's score was composed by Jakes Bejoy who also composed two songs, while two other songs were composed by Vishal Mishra. The cinematography and editing were handled by Amit Roy and A. Sreekar Prasad, respectively.

Plot

ACP Dev Ambre of the Mumbai Police, is involved in an accident that leaves him with partial memory loss. Leading up to the accident, he was on a call with his brother-in-law, DCP Farhan Khan. He informed Farhan that he has solved the murder case of their friend, ACP Rohan D'Silva, who was killed during a gallantry awards ceremony at the police parade ground. However, before disclosing the murderer's name, the accident occurred, resulting in his memory loss.

Following his recuperation, Farhan tells Dev about his past, particularly his explosive behavior. He was a complex person with deep-seated emotional issues, particularly in connection to his father, also a police officer, who was killed in the line of duty, resulting in him growing up, showing resentment towards the world, and the tragedy that befell their friend Rohan. Despite his tough exterior, he is vulnerable and sensitive but deeply emotional and empathetic, with a strong sense of justice. Considering Dev's impressive-yet-volatile capabilities as a police officer, Farhan reassigns him to the case despite his condition.

As Dev recollects his past investigation, he notices inconsistencies between his new findings and the direction his old self had taken. He re-examines evidence, revisits witness statements, and reconstructs the crime scene, although certain details do not add up. During the procedure, he also discovers that he was working undercover for gangster-turned-politician, Prabhat Jadhav and even killed a notorious gangster. Rohan was shocked and hurt by his betrayal, and was unable to process his emotions. He confronted him, who confessed to the crime. In spite of his initial anger and hurt, Rohan decided to forgive him. He planned to reveal the truth about the gangster's death and his involvement, though in a way that would clear his name and give him a chance to redeem himself.

Production

In early-August 2022, it was reported that Rosshan Andrrews visited Shahid Kapoor at his residence and narrated a script which impressed him. Later, in November 2022, Rosshan Andrrews through his social media handles, confirmed that he would direct Shahid Kapoor in his upcoming film. Touted to be an action thriller, the film marks the first collaboration between Rosshan and Kapoor, and the first Hindi venture of Rosshan.

The film is produced by Siddharth Roy Kapur's Roy Kapur Films and Zee Studios and co-produced by Malvika Khatri. The production houses made a public announcement on 25 May 2023, confirming the project. The film's official title Deva was revealed on 24 October 2023, on the occasion of Dussehra, though it was previously reported to be named Koi Shaq. Siddharth Roy Kapur had gained permission from Subhash Ghai, who reserved the title for a Amitabh Bachchan–starrer film.

Shariq Patel of Zee Studios revealed that they had been in separate discussions with Siddharth and Shahid over the years about different projects. Somehow they didn't materialise and it took this film to come together and this is the first time that the Zee Studios have collaborated with both director and actor.

Soundtrack

The film score and two songs were composed by Jakes Bejoy in his third collaboration with Rosshan. This is his second film in Hindi, previously having composed background score of Durgamati (2020). Vishal Mishra also composed two songs, in his first collaboration with Rosshan. The lyrics are written by Raj Shekhar. The music rights were bought by Zee Music Company. The teaser of track "Marji Cha Maalik" which featured in film's motion poster was released on 1 January 2025.

The first single "Bhasad Macha" was released on 11 January 2025. The full audio of the track "Marji Cha Maalik" was released on 24 January 2025, after the huge public demand.

Marketing

The film's motion poster was released on 1 January 2025, coinciding with the New Year. The film's teaser was released on 5 January 2025 at an event in Carter Road Amphitheatre, Bandra. On 11 January 2025, Kapoor and Hegde were in Dubai where they performed "Bhasad Macha" and for promotional activities of the film at the opening ceremony of the 2025 International League T20. The trailer for the film was released on 18 January 2025 at an event in Mumbai.

According to Pinkvilla, promotional activities were delayed because of

health issues. The promotional campaign kickstarted with an event held at Mithibai College, Mumbai on 23 January. The next day an event was held at R. D. National College, Bandra. On 28 January, Kapoor and Hegde toured Delhi for the film's promotion. A fan event was held at Sharda University. The same day, an event was held at the Connaught Place, New Delhi where the cast interacted with the media and fans.

Key details