Shahid Kapoor gets real on Deva, Bollywood's eternal charm, and the toxic masculinity debate
This self-made Indian actor plays a fierce cop armed with weapons, style, and swagger
Dubai: Indian actor Shahid Kapoor refuses to be drawn into the debate about whether Bollywood has lost its charm. He believes the Hindi film industry deserves a chance and and feels that such discussions are too broad for hasty conclusions.
“Maybe it’s the audience’s job to be disappointed, but they should also have some faith in us,” he says, refusing to dwell on disillusionment with Hindi cinema.
His stance comes at a time when filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap have criticised Bollywood for lacking a spine and compelling storytelling.
While many argue that mainstream Hindi films have become formulaic and risk-averse, Kapoor stands by the craft, emphasising that every film should be judged on its own merits rather than broad industry trends.
Enter Deva, his new film which releases in the UAE cinemas on January 31. In this Rosshan Andrews directorial, he takes on the role of a fearless, almost untouchable cop—a part that demanded a year of dedication and grit.
"If I start judging the character, I’ll never be able to honestly represent him,” he explains.
It’s not the first time Kapoor has played a character who stirs strong reactions. His blockbuster Kabir Singh, often called a symbol of toxic masculinity, sparked endless debate, but he remains unfazed.
For him, it’s about staying true to the filmmaker’s vision, not shaping characters to fit public opinion.
From working with Malayali director to exploring the fine line between law and power in Deva, Kapoor is all in for a gripping story. Excerpts from our interview with the actor ...
The trailer of Deva, where you play an audacious cop, give me those Kabir Singh vibes. So if Kabir Singh were to meet your character, Deva, in a dark alley would they be buddies or rivals?
Well, one is a doctor and one is a cop. So it really depends on what the director wants. If he wants the movie to be fun, they will definitely not be friends.
It’s great to see you back in this audacious, tough avatar in Deva. Was it as much fun to play as it looks on screen? The swagger, the style…
I have to confess, it was fun, but it was also a lot of blood and sweat. It was a lot of work and extremely demanding. I spent one year shooting this film, dedicated entirely to it. We also spent a year in development, discussing, chatting, and shaping the character and the world of the film.
In Deva, you play a cop with almost unchecked power. Your character is equated to the mafia, yet he’s in law enforcement. Did you ever question your character’s choices?
I don’t ever question the character’s choices, because it's not about what I think. That’s not what acting is about. My job is to bring the filmmaker’s vision and the story to the audience. It's for them to question if they want to. If I start judging the character, I’ll never be able to honestly represent him. That said, everything you’re saying is very much addressed in the film. It’s a part of the story and the world we’ve built. There’s a very subtle line in the trailer which says your anger stems from fear. That itself makes a statement about his behavior.
That’s interesting because many toxic masculine characters often harbor deep-seated fears, childhood trauma, or insecurities. How does the film explore that?
The movie has to answer these questions for you. I shouldn't be answering them—you’ll find them in the film.
This movie is directed by a Malayali director who are notorious for being economical with emotions, words, and even budgets! What was it like to work with Rosshan Andrews?
You’re right, Malayali cinema has its own vibe, aesthetic, and storytelling style. Everything they do has a slight sense of minimalism. Rosshan is technically very strong, extremely clear in his vision. The reason I collaborated with him is the same reason I’ve worked with other filmmakers making their first Hindi films—whether it was Gowtam [Gowtam Naidu Tinnanuri] on Jersey or Sandeep [Reddy Vanga] on Kabir Singh. I enjoy working with individualistic, strong filmmakers with a fresh vision. Rosshan is one of them.
Is Deva more on the minimalistic side or does it have high-impact moments?
There is a lot of minimalism, but there are also extreme high-impact moments. Deva is a mix of both because this is Rosshan’s first Hindi film, and Deva is his own kind of character. There’s a certain aggression and intensity to him. The film blends many elements, and people will see that when they watch it.
Have you ever felt disenchanted with Bollywood? Is Deva your way of proving that larger-than-life characters like tough cops still work?
Your question is very broad, and I don’t think I can comment on it in a general sense. Deva is not like any other film. It’s very different. That’s the best answer I can give you.
Fair enough! Let me rephrase—are you still charmed by Bollywood and its cinema?
I don’t know how to answer that question because you’re asking me whether I still love my first and biggest love—cinema. Maybe it’s the audience’s job to be disappointed, but they should also have some faith in us.
That’s a great way to put it! We’ll spread the word for sure.
Give us a few opportunities!
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Deva is out in UAE cinemas on January 31
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