Sat Feb 01 00:28:26 IST 2025: ## Shahid Kapoor’s ‘Deva’ Faces Piracy Threat Despite Minor CBFC Edits and Positive Reviews

**Mumbai, India –** Shahid Kapoor’s highly anticipated action thriller, *Deva*, opened in theaters on January 31st, amidst a flurry of both positive reviews and challenges. While critics praise Kapoor’s performance as a rebellious police officer and the film’s thrilling action sequences, *Deva* is battling online piracy, having leaked online hours after its theatrical release.

The film, directed by Rosshan Andrrews and co-starring Pooja Hegde, underwent minor edits by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). These edits included a six-second trim of a kissing scene between Kapoor and Hegde, the removal of a foul gesture, and the replacement of some crude language. Kapoor downplayed the impact of these changes, stating they don’t affect the film’s core narrative or action.

Despite generating pre-release buzz and positive word-of-mouth, advance ticket sales were reportedly low, estimated between ₹1-3 crore. The online piracy poses a significant threat to the film’s box office performance, potentially overshadowing the generally favorable audience response that has lauded Kapoor’s performance as a career highlight. The film’s producers now face a significant challenge in combating piracy and boosting ticket sales. While weekend box office numbers may offer a clearer picture of *Deva’s* success, the early leak casts a shadow over its potential.

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