Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Wealth की सीख Behind the Flash
A Flashy Remake That Lacks Depth ( Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Wealth की सीख Behind the Flash )
The Bollywood film Deva brings a stylish, high-energy retelling of the Malayalam hit Mumbai Police, but in doing so, it loses the emotional depth that made the original compelling. Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal, while slick and full of swagger, fails to deliver the haunting intensity that Prithviraj Sukumaran brought to his role. The Malayalam version was darker, more nuanced, and had a sense of realism that Deva struggles to replicate. ( Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Wealth की सीख Behind the Flash )
Shahid Kapoor, known for his stellar performances in Haider and Udta Punjab, disappoints with his shallow acting choices. A prime example is the exaggerated eating scene, which feels out of place and forced. If you’re curious about the stark differences, watching Mumbai Police on Disney+ Hotstar offers a clearer comparison. While Mumbai Police had a controversial but impactful resolution—suggesting that a macho cop couldn’t be gay—Deva opts for the ‘loyalty to a criminal’ trope, pushing the boundaries of believability. That said, one standout line from Shahid Kapoor’s character does resonate: “The uniform stands for honesty, and that’s why I don’t wear it.”
Money Lessons from Deva: Credit, Risk, and Reward
Bollywood has a long-standing love affair with men in uniform, and Deva is no exception. But beyond the action-packed sequences, the film subtly raises an interesting financial question: How far should one go to extend credit to a friend or family member?
As the film unfolds, we see Roshan (played by Pavail Gulati), an honest cop, nearly killed in a raid gone wrong. However, Deva takes down the gangster and lets Roshan take the credit for the encounter. Roshan’s wealthy family, who value power over public service, finally acknowledges him because of this ‘heroic’ act. But is it really worth it? Deva justifies this decision, saying that Roshan needed the credit more than he did. ( Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Wealth की सीख Behind the Flash )
Would you take such a risk with your financial credibility?
Understanding Lines of Credit: A Double-Edged Sword
Much like the choices made in Deva, using a line of credit comes with risks and rewards. A line of credit is a financial tool that allows you to borrow up to a certain limit and repay it over time. However, it comes with higher interest rates and can impact your credit score if misused.
Key Considerations When Using a Line of Credit:
- High Interest & Hidden Fees: Banks charge transaction fees and fluctuating interest rates, making borrowing expensive.
- Impact on Future Loans: Using a credit line irresponsibly can lower your creditworthiness, affecting your chances of securing a home loan.
- Collateral Risks: Many lines of credit require collateral, such as your home, which could be at risk if you default.( Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Wealth की सीख Behind the Flash )
While a line of credit is a useful financial tool, it’s crucial to use it wisely and not as an easy access fund without considering long-term consequences.
A Needless Remake in the Era of OTT
With audiences having access to global content via streaming platforms, the need for remakes like Deva is questionable. The Malayalam original and its Telugu remake (Hunt) were already available, making this Bollywood adaptation seem unnecessary. Moreover, the film’s ending—featuring a ‘six months later’ sequence—feels like an artificial attempt to satisfy fans rather than a natural conclusion. (Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Wealth की सीख Behind the Flash )
As viewers, we deserve well-thought-out films that do justice to their originals. Perhaps the best takeaway from Deva is this: Financial decisions, like movie remakes, should be made with careful consideration—because not every gamble pays off.
Manisha Lakhe is a poet, film critic, traveler, and founder of Caferati—an online writer’s forum. She hosts Mumbai’s oldest open mic and teaches advertising, films, and communication. Follow her on Twitter at @manishalakhe.
