Controversy has erupted over the recent censorship of Shahid Kapoor’s film Deva, with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) trimming six seconds from a kiss scene between the lead characters. This incident has reignited discussions about censorship practices in Indian cinema, reminiscent of past controversies.
On January 25, 2025, Bollywood Hungama reported the CBFC's decision to cut the kissing scene, stirring public interest. Pahlaj Nihalani, who once chaired the CBFC, expressed his astonishment at the lack of outrage over this latest editing decision. Nihalani had previously faced backlash for removing kissing scenes from the 2015 James Bond film Spectre, which led to widespread media scrutiny and public outcry. “Main karu to saala character dheela hai!” Nihalani remarked, indicating the double standards he perceives between his time at the board and the current reactions.
Reflecting on the situation surrounding Deva, Nihalani explained, “Whether the kiss lasts for 6 seconds or 2 seconds, it doesn’t matter; the reduction of impact is what counts.” He argued the need for edits to secure the film’s U/A rating, making clear connections between the film's content and its potential audience reach. “Deva is a South film remake... they felt... longer kiss scene would make the film adult,” he added.
The current chair of the CBFC, Prasoon Joshi, oversees a board known for its more relaxed certification of some films, as seen with the recently approved film Animal. Nihalani pointed out notable inconsistencies, highlighting how the CBFC has allowed certain films to pass with fewer restrictions, yet was stringent with Deva over minor sexual content. He noted, “They are removing religious references, jiski wajah se aaj sarkar chal rahi hai!”
Despite the censorship, Deva has commenced its box office run, collecting about 18,000 admissions at top chains like PVR and Cinepolis. With the full-fledged advance booking starting just two days before its release, preliminary predictions suggest the film could open between Rs 4.50 crore and Rs 6 crore, depending on the public’s response and walk-in rates.
Pooja Hegde, who stars alongside Shahid Kapoor, discussed their working relationship, humorously labeling him the “greatest therapist” after their extensive discussions about acting, life, and future opportunities during interviews. “By the end of our chat, I told him not to send me the bill for such amazing therapy,” she shared with Hindustan Times.
Shahid Kapoor has also shared his excitement about Deva with fans. While engaging with his audience online, he was asked about his reaction to reading the script and replied, “Was shocked post-climax. Found it very fresh.” The anticipation surrounding the film and its mixed reviews on social media raises questions about the effectiveness of censorship overall.
Despite the trimming of the lip-lock scene, the film has not deterred Shahid Kapoor's dedicated fan base nor is it unlikely to garner attention at the box office. Audience reactions to such censorship may play a significant role in shaping the success of Deva as it continues its theatrical run. Clearly, censorship continues to be a contentious issue within Bollywood, reflecting broader societal discussions about the boundaries of acceptability when it relates to art and expression.