Deva, one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2025, premiered in theaters on Friday, January 31. Despite persistent denials from the filmmakers following the trailer's release, it has now been confirmed that Shahid Kapoor's action-thriller is indeed a remake of the acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, directed by Rosshan Andrrews. Notably, the original screenplay was crafted by Bobby-Sanjay, who also contributed to this adaptation. With Deva now released, it is pertinent to explore the distinctions and similarities between this film and its predecessor, Mumbai Police.

Opening scene: Dev's injury and amnesia

The film commences with a dramatic scene featuring Dev (Shahid Kapoor), who is visibly shaken as he rides a motorcycle through a tunnel. He communicates via phone, indicating that he has identified the perpetrator. At this juncture, the specifics of the case remain unclear. Subsequently, an incident occurs that may or may not be an accident, resulting in him being dragged along the pavement, sustaining severe injuries. Meanwhile, the local community mourns what they believe to be his "death." However, it is revealed that he survives, albeit suffering from amnesia due to brain damage.

Dev's brother-in-law, Farhan (Pravessh Rana), who serves as Dev's superior in his role as Deputy Commissioner of Police, facilitates his discharge from the hospital a few days later. Farhan informs Dev that he is about to disclose the identity of Rohan's (Pavail Gulatie) murderer just before the tragic event unfolds. This revelation becomes the central element of the narrative. The storytelling is non-linear, frequently shifting between various scenes. Manish Wadhwa plays the role of Prashant Yadav, a gangster whom the Mumbai Police are determined to capture.

Dev's backstory and relationship with Rohan

Rohan hails from a wealthy family, while Dev comes from a humble background. Flashbacks reveal that, despite his principled nature as a police officer, he has maintained a friendship with Rohan since their early years. During a city blockade, a politician becomes confrontational, obstructing Rohan and his team from inspecting his vehicle. As Rohan is taken to the politician's residence to retrieve the car key, Dev observes the situation from a distance, noting Rohan's evident fear. Without hesitation, Dev intervenes and publicly confronts the politician, shaming him in front of onlookers.

This incident makes headlines, with a newspaper article suggesting that Dev operates similarly to the mafia. Diya (Pooja Hegde), the daughter of Dev's constable, authors the article. She confides in Dev about her struggles with the harsh realities of police work, yet her striking beauty leaves a lasting impression on him.

Subsequently, authorities track down Yadav's location. They arrive at a desolate planet, only to realize it was a ruse. An explosion occurs, resulting in severe injuries to Diya's father.

Police's search for Yadav

There is a growing belief that Yadav has an insider within the Mumbai Police assisting him. On several occasions, just as the officers were poised to capture him, he skillfully eluded their grasp, seemingly aware of their approach. During one such operation, police received a lead on his location and arrived equipped with bulletproof vests. However, the local residents were notably supportive of Yadav, even going so far as to mob and assault the officers.

In pursuit of Yadav, Rohan follows him as he flees, ultimately managing to confront him during a struggle. Dev intervenes and shoots Yadav, believing that Rohan should be credited with the capture. Although initially hesitant, Rohan accepts the recognition. He is later awarded a gallantry medal at a ceremony held on Maharashtra Day. Tragically, just moments into his acceptance speech, an unseen assailant shoots and kills him.

Dev's revelation as Rohan's murderer

The significant twist at the end reveals that Dev is, in fact, Rohan's true murderer. However, he has been suffering from amnesia since the incident and has no recollection of taking his best friend's life. In truth, he is unaware of his own identity. Farhan instructs him to reopen the investigation into Rohan's murder to pursue the leads available.

The motive behind Dev's decision to kill Rohan has now been clarified. It appears that Rohan had discovered Dev's role as Yadav's informant all along. Although Dev shot Rohan, his primary intention was to protect his own reputation rather than to save his friend. When confronted by Rohan, Dev admits the truth. Rohan threatens to expose Dev's actions, a prospect that terrifies Dev despite his outward bravado. Consequently, he orchestrates Rohan's murder. Prior to Maharashtra Day, he acquires a sniper rifle mounted on a tripod and sets up a mechanism that enables him to fire the weapon remotely via his phone. In a moment of self-realization, he acknowledges his guilt, which aligns with Farhan's overarching plan to apprehend him, but only after Dev recalls his actions.

Dev's motive for killing Rohan

As for Dev's culpability in Rohan's death, it raises the question of why he was found guilty in the tunnel. The answer lies in a revelation from Rohan’s grieving fiancée, who informs Dev that Rohan intended to publicly acknowledge Dev's involvement in Yadav’s demise and was prepared to forgive him, discussing the second chance that Dev had previously sought. Unbeknownst to Dev, he misinterpreted Rohan's intentions, believing that Rohan was poised to expose him as the police informant. This misunderstanding explains Dev's guilt and his confession to Farhan, as well as the incident depicted in the film's opening scene.

In a parallel narrative within the film "Mumbai Police," the protagonist, portrayed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, also kills his best friend, played by Jayasurya, but for entirely different reasons. In a climactic flashback, it is revealed that Prithviraj's character is homosexual, a fact that Jayasurya inadvertently uncovers. The ensuing confrontation instills fear in the leading man, prompting him to eliminate his best friend to prevent the revelation of his true identity, which he has concealed behind a facade of arrogance and toxic masculinity.

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