361. DSP Dev; movie review

DSP DEV
Cert 15
145 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong bloody violence, threat, drug misuse

Yes, yes, we all know that most Indian police are corrupt and are having their pockets lined with rupees from hardened criminals
And, surely, we all know by now that there are individual cops who, thankfully and heroically, have had their heads turned from their own benefit to the greater good.
Anyone who doesn't can't have watched many movies from the sub-continent.
So what is the point of going over the ground again and again with tepid films such as Mandeep Benipal's DSP Dev?
Dev Kharoud plays the title character - a layabout who somehow earns a police inspector role after the death of his father who had proudly held the post.
He, however, does not have the same moral fibre and is more than happy to turn a blind eye to criminals and corrupt politicians.
Indeed, one drug lord (Manav Vij) runs the patch, supported by the local population who are all involved in the drug trade.
DSP Dev is submerged in Indian movie cliches.
Once again, we have an anti-hero who discovers his morals half-way through the film and can suddenly defeat a dozen villains with his bare hands.
He is also another one who inexplicably takes bribes despite a very stout upbringing and then suddenly has an epiphany and becomes the most honest cop on the block.
The only saving grace of this lame film is Vij who makes a villain so dastardly that I was desperate for him to have his comeuppance.
Otherwise, it feels like a giant slice of deja vu.

Reasons to watch: Same old anti-hero police movie
Reasons to avoid: Seen it all before

Laughs: None
Jumps: None
Vomit: None
Nudity: None
Overall rating: 3/10

Did you know? According to a 2019 report, at least 165 Punjabi policemen are involved in taking a bribe from drug dealers and owners of gambling dens in Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh.

Final word. Dev Kharoud: "I am trying to do films with a social message. DSP Dev will exhibit the true situation being faced in many villages of Punjab where drugs and hooliganism are prevalent and police is not being able to do anything." The Tribune

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