When Rosshan Andrrews' Mumbai Police, featuring Prithviraj Sukumaran, premiered in 2013, it challenged numerous preconceived ideas about star-led films, establishing itself as a groundbreaking work. Now, the esteemed Malayalam director is making his entry into Bollywood with Shahid Kapoor’s upcoming film Deva, scheduled for release on January 31, 2025. In anticipation of Rosshan Andrrews' much-awaited Bollywood debut, let us take a moment to reflect on the reasons why Mumbai Police, starring Prithviraj, continues to be a transformative film.

Rosshan Andrrews' Mumbai Police with Prithviraj

Mumbai Police, helmed by Rosshan Andrrews, stars Jayasurya and Rahman in prominent roles, alongside Prithviraj. This film, fundamentally a thriller, is bolstered by the nearly flawless script crafted by Bobby and Sanjay, who have previously worked with Rosshan on the film Notebook.

Mumbai Police distinguishes itself within the Malayalam film industry due to its impactful and emotional conclusion, which boldly presents the lead character as gay. This was particularly significant in 2013, a time when queer representation in cinema was often reduced to stereotypes.

Mumbai Police plot and why it is simply superb

Mumbai Police centres on Assistant Commissioner of Police Antony Moses (Prithviraj) as he endeavours to apprehend the murderer of his friend Aryan John (Jayasurya), who also held the position of ACP. Although he informs Commissioner Farhan (Rahman) that he has pinpointed the assailant, an unforeseen accident results in his memory loss.

Rosshan Andrrews has skillfully directed the film, which captivates the audience with its intriguing plot twists, keeping them thoroughly engaged as ACP Antony embarks on his own investigative journey to uncover a truth he has already discovered. As the narrative oscillates between flashbacks, it becomes evident that Antony, Aryan, and Farhan share a deep friendship, collectively referred to as Mumbai Police, which explains the film's title. This exhilarating film, filled with numerous suspenseful sequences, serves as a tribute to the bonds of friendship.

ACP Antony meticulously unravels the layers of intrigue leading up to a climactic revelation, which stands out as one of the finest moments in Malayalam cinema, disclosing that he orchestrated a sniper's assassination of Aryan during a gallantry event.

The catalyst for this unexpected twist lies in Aryan's accidental encounter with Antony in a compromising situation with his partner. The mere prospect of being exposed as a 'gay policeman' compelled Antony to commit an unthinkable act.

Both Rosshan Andrrews and the writing duo of Bobby and Sanjay deserve commendation for their sensitive handling of the topic of homosexuality at a time when it was criminalized. Furthermore, Prithviraj merits recognition for his willingness to participate in this project.

It is essential to acknowledge that homosexuality was decriminalized in India only in 2018, following a pivotal Supreme Court ruling. The ability of the director and writers to incorporate such a stigmatized issue into a thriller more than a decade ago speaks volumes about their foresight and expertise.

The director-writers deserve commendation not only for their portrayal of the queer character but also for ensuring that the film remains unaffected by it. The narrative adheres firmly to the thriller genre, as it becomes evident that Commissioner Farhan was aware of the killer's identity from the outset, given that Antony disclosed this information prior to the incident. Farhan was in search of the underlying reasons and guided Antony along his journey.

It is also apparent that Antony's harsh demeanour was merely a façade to conceal his true self.

Nevertheless, some critics have expressed concern regarding Antony's emotional breakdown upon realizing his sexual orientation, suggesting that it conveys an inappropriate message.

Aside from this critique, Mumbai Police is largely free of flaws and presents a captivating viewing experience, marked by its engaging storyline and outstanding performances. The film is available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.

Deva release  

In other news, the highly anticipated film Deva, featuring Shahid Kapoor, is set to premiere on January 31. Pooja Hegde stars as the female lead, with Bobby-Sanjay and Hussain Dalal contributing as writers. Currently, excitement surrounds the upcoming trailer, which is scheduled for release on January 17, 2025.

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