Shahid Kapoor’s Deva: Action, Drama & A Twist-Filled Climax
Deva delivers intense action and unexpected twists. Even Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde were kept in suspense about the climax! Read the full story.
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Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor returns to theaters with Deva, an action-packed police drama that released nationwide on Friday. Directed by Rosshan Andrrews, the film follows the life of a rebellious police officer, Dev Ambre, exploring themes of justice, morality, and inner conflict.
The film, set in Mumbai, highlights the complexities of law enforcement while delving into the protagonist’s struggle between duty and personal conviction. Pooja Hegde plays the female lead, with supporting performances by Pavail Gulati, Pravesh Rana, Girish Kulkarni, Kubbra Sait, and Aditi Sandhya Sharma.
Trade analysts projected a modest opening for Deva, estimating day-one earnings between Rs 5-10 crore. Early ticket sales indicated an advance booking collection of Rs 1.7 crore, with overall first-day revenue expected to touch Rs 3.5 crore, including block bookings. Analysts suggest word-of-mouth reception will play a crucial role in determining the film’s long-term box office trajectory.
Kapoor, known for roles in Kabir Singh and Udta Punjab, addressed comparisons between Deva and his previous characters. “This is a unique character. People have drawn parallels, but *Deva* has its own identity,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, the actor described the project as one of his most challenging. “The duality in Deva represents the duality within all of us—there’s a constant battle between order and chaos,” he explained.
Actress Pooja Hegde, speaking about her decision to join the project, emphasized the significance of compelling storytelling. “Every role I choose must resonate with me. *Deva* presented an opportunity to play a character with depth, which is why I took it up,” she said.
Director Rosshan Andrrews reportedly kept the climax undisclosed to the cast, aiming for authentic reactions during filming. Sources indicate that even lead actors Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde were unaware of how the final sequence would unfold.
The film’s music is composed by Jakes Bejoy, with songs by Vishal Mishra. Amit Roy handled cinematography, while A. Sreekar Prasad managed editing.
Before its release, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) mandated specific cuts, including a six-second reduction in a lip-lock scene. Certain gestures and profane language were also modified to meet U/A certification requirements. The final runtime stands at 2 hours, 36 minutes, and 59 seconds.
Initial audience reactions remain mixed, with some praising Kapoor’s intense performance and action sequences, while others feel the film lacks fresh elements. On social media, early viewers called Deva a “career-defining role” for Kapoor.
Despite a lukewarm opening, industry experts believe that Deva has the potential to gain momentum over the weekend if positive word-of-mouth spreads.
