Shahid Kapoor's much-anticipated film Deva hit cinema halls on January 31, 2025, sparking discussions not only about its storyline but also about the steep ticket prices. The film's advance bookings were promising, leading to high hopes for its box office performance, though viewers found themselves grappling with ticket prices hitting as high as Rs 2,000 at several metropolitan locations.
According to BookMyShow, the most expensive tickets for Deva are being sold at Jio World Drive in Mumbai for Rs 2,000. Jio World Plaza, another popular venue, is closely trailing with tickets priced at Rs 1,820, and it's nearly completely sold out. A variety of showtimes offer differing prices; for example, the ticket for the 5:30 PM show is priced at Rs 1,720, whereas the cheapest option at 2:15 PM costs Rs 1,070. Such high prices have elicited mixed responses from fans.
Audience sentiments about the expensive tickets have been vocal on social media. One user commented, "I am not in favour of expensive tickets; if it's for an audience, make it affordable for everyone...". Another added, expressing skepticism about the film's value, "For a flop movie like Deva, why pay this much?" Despite the alternative voices, many fans have still flocked to theaters to catch the action and romance drama staring Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde.
Critical reception has also been varied, with some praising Kapoor's action-packed performance, whereas others have noted strong similarities to South Indian films, dubbing the movie as unoriginal. Even though the ticket prices sparked debate, the initial box office numbers are awaited eagerly by the film’s makers as they assess the impact of these prices on viewer turnout.
Shahid Kapoor has addressed his look and performance expenditure for Deva, emphasizing his commitment as an actor when he discussed the ethos behind portraying characters meaningfully. He stated, "I would say whatever it takes to get the job done, but of course, we are professional actors. You know, you don’t need to actually do something extreme. I think sometimes people believe an actor should prepare like this." He maintains the belief, "Some actors think like this, but I don't prescribe to this kind of mindset. I think it’s a job, and you should know professionally how to do it. But you should give everything you have to make it the best it can be."
Since his debut back in 2003 with Ishq Vishk, Shahid has built a reputation for intense character portrayals, including memorable roles like Tommy Singh from Udta Punjab, Haider Meer from Haider, and now Dev Ambre from Deva. His filmography also includes acclaimed performances from Vivah, Phata Poster Nikhla Hero, Jab We Met, Haider, Kabir Singh, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Kapoor has been no stranger to the limelight, expertly negotiating the expectations and responsibilities tied to his roles.
Though Deva has stirred various opinions, the film's box office performance paired with the significant ticket pricing is surely going to be under scrutiny. How the audience navigates these costs and talks about the film will set the tone for the coming weeks. Audiences remain eager to see if high ticket sales continue to reflect Shahid's established fanbase.