Bollywood has a long history of adapting successful South Indian thrillers. With Deva (2025), starring Shahid Kapoor, the Hindi film industry reimagines the critically acclaimed Malayalam thriller Mumbai Police (2013). This blog dives into their storylines, performances, budgets, ratings, and achievements to see if the remake does justice to the original masterpiece.
Mumbai Police (2013), directed by Rosshan Andrrews, was one such Malayalam masterpiece. Known for its bold storytelling and unforgettable climax, the film is often cited as one of the finest Indian psychological crime dramas. Now, over a decade later, Bollywood revisits the story with Deva (2025) starring Shahid Kapoor in the lead role.
But how does this remake stand against the original? Does Deva retain the edge of Mumbai Police, or does it fall into Bollywood’s usual trap of over-glamourizing a raw, powerful tale? Let’s find out in this detailed remake vs original movie analysis.
🎬 Mumbai Police (2013 – Malayalam Original)
Rosshan Andrrews’ Mumbai Police is not just a crime thriller; it is an exploration of memory, morality, and identity. The story follows ACP Antony Moses (Prithviraj Sukumaran), who loses his memory in an accident just after solving the murder of his close friend. Tasked with retracing his own investigation, Antony slowly unravels shocking truths—not only about the case but also about himself.
The film dared to address themes rarely explored in mainstream Indian cinema. Its writing was crisp, its suspense airtight, and the final revelation left audiences stunned. Mumbai Police earned both critical acclaim and box office success, cementing its place as a cult classic.
🎬 Deva (2025 – Hindi Remake)
Directed by Rosshan Andrrews himself, Deva brings Shahid Kapoor into the shoes of ACP Deva, a cop known for his brilliance and recklessness. After a near-fatal accident, he wakes up with memory loss, only to realize he must investigate the very case he had already solved.
While retaining the skeletal structure of Mumbai Police, Deva has Bollywood-styled pacing—sleeker visuals, expanded emotional flashbacks, and high-octane sequences. Shahid Kapoor delivers an intense performance, balancing swagger and vulnerability, though some critics argue the remake softens the raw impact of the original’s shocking climax.
Still, Deva attempts to introduce bold themes to a wider Hindi-speaking audience, making it a significant remake in recent years.
🎭 Cast & Characters
| Feature | Mumbai Police (2013) | Deva (2025) (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran (Antony) | Shahid Kapoor (Deva) |
| Lead Support | Jayasurya (Aryan) | Not officially confirmed |
| Director | Rosshan Andrrews | Rosshan Andrrews |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller / Neo-noir | Bollywood Action-Thriller |
🏆 Awards & Achievements
Mumbai Police (2013)
- Won Kerala State Film Award for Best Story & Best Screenplay.
- Widely regarded as one of the boldest Malayalam thrillers of its time.
- Praised for tackling complex themes of identity and morality.
Deva (2025)
- Still unreleased, but expected to:
- Perform strongly at the box office.
- Spark debate on whether Bollywood can handle psychological thrillers with the same grit.
- Possibly receive awards for acting (Shahid Kapoor) and direction.
🌍 Cultural & Industry Impact
- Mumbai Police proved that Malayalam cinema could rival international thrillers in intensity and originality.
- Deva is Bollywood’s chance to bring this masterpiece to a wider audience, though risks exist if the climax is diluted.
🕵️ Major Differences
- Tone & Atmosphere: Mumbai Police thrives on realism and grit, while Deva leans more on cinematic polish.
- Performance Style: Prithviraj’s portrayal was understated yet powerful; Shahid brings flamboyance mixed with intensity.
- Narrative Choices: The remake adds more background drama and glamour to appeal to Bollywood’s mass audience.
🎭 Performances That Stand Out
- Prithviraj Sukumaran delivered a career-defining role, carrying the weight of the film’s shocking climax.
- Shahid Kapoor in Deva looks equally committed, with shades of his Kabir Singh intensity blended into a cop avatar.
⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Mumbai Police (Original) | Deva (Remake) |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Release | 2013 | 2025 |
| Language | Malayalam | Hindi |
| Director | Rosshan Andrrews | Rosshan Andrrews |
| Lead Actor | Prithviraj Sukumaran | Shahid Kapoor |
| Supporting Cast | Jayasurya, Rahman | Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati |
| Production Budget | ₹12 Crore | ₹80 Crore |
| Worldwide Earnings | ₹25+ Crore | TBD (Expected ₹150+ Crore) |
| Industry | Mollywood (Malayalam) | Bollywood (Hindi) |
| IMDb Rating | 8.0/10 | 6.7/10 |
| Google Audience Score | 90% | 66% |
| Awards / Achievements | Multiple Kerala State Awards; Cult Status | Still waiting as of the post published date |
🏆 Final Verdict
Mumbai Police remains a benchmark in Indian thriller cinema—fearless, unpredictable, and emotionally haunting. Deva, while stylish and promising, may or may not retain the same impact depending on how faithfully it treats the original’s brave climax.
👉 Verdict: If you want raw suspense and a groundbreaking story, the Malayalam original is irreplaceable. But if you’re curious to see a Bollywood reimagining with Shahid Kapoor’s charisma, Deva could be worth the watch.
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