From a charming boy-next-door in Ishq Vishk to a powerhouse performer in films like Haider, Udta Punjab, and Kabir Singh, Shahid Kapoor’s career has been a masterclass in reinvention. Known for diving deep into complex, emotionally charged roles, he has consistently pushed boundaries and embraced characters that demand vulnerability, intensity, and grit.
Talking about Shahid’s evolution as an actor over the years, director Amit Joshi shared, “I think, knowing him personally, directing him, working with him, and witnessing his career journey, it’s clear that Shahid has evolved significantly. He started as a romantic hero, and even before that, he had a charming schoolboy persona. Over the past 20 years, which is no small feat, he has captivated audiences and transformed into a much greater star. He has taken risks with diverse roles, whether in Kaminey or Haider. His choices in films like Udta Punjab and Haider reflect a tremendous amount of risk—these films cannot be strictly classified as commercial cinema. Instead, they blend both artistic and commercial elements. Shahid has managed to navigate this balance with great finesse, bringing a unique niche to his performances. When you talk about Shahid, one thing is certain: he will always offer something fresh and new. As an actor, I can confidently say that he is one of the best, continually bringing something unique to the table.”
Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar added, “He is a terrific actor with a strong understanding of his characters. His biggest strength lies in his ability to prioritize the character over Shahid Kapoor the star. On top of that, his command of language is phenomenal—whether it’s Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, or English, he excels in all. He believes that only when you truly understand the meaning of a line can you deliver it with the right expression.”
With Deva, his upcoming action thriller, Kapoor takes on the role of a fearless cop in what promises to be another transformative performance. As anticipation builds, Deva not only marks Kapoor’s return to the big screen but also underscores his knack for choosing roles that redefine his artistic and box office journey.
Diverse and critically acclaimed roles:
Haider
In the final installment of Vishal Bharadwaj’s Shakespeare trilogy, Shahid Kapoor delivered a career-defining performance in this intense adaptation of Hamlet. Set against the politically charged backdrop of Kashmir, he mesmerized audiences with a powerful monologue and expressive eyes that conveyed emotions far beyond words.
Kaminey
An underappreciated gem, this film offered a poignant exploration of fatherhood, guilt, and the challenging journey to self-worth. Shahid Kapoor shone in a double role alongside Priyanka Chopra, delivering heartfelt performances. With Gulzar’s timeless and playful lyrics, the movie remains a unique blend of emotional depth and musical brilliance.
Jab We Met
A milestone film in every sense, this Imtiaz Ali classic continues to inspire Instagram reels with its iconic dialogues. Shahid Kapoor showcased remarkable versatility, transitioning seamlessly from a reserved businessman at the outset to a deeply enamored lover by the film’s conclusion.
Udta Pubjab
In this controversial film that also starred Kareena Kapoor, Ali Bhatt and Diljeet Dosanj in his Bollywood debut — Shahid Kapoor did utmost justice to his role of a rock star caught at the intersection of dying fame, loyalty and addiction.
Kabir Singh
A film that sparked debates, inspired countless op-eds, and ignited discussions about toxic masculinity and modern relationships. Despite the polarizing themes, Shahid Kapoor emerged as a resurgent star, delivering a compelling performance in a movie that shattered box office expectations.
Spilling some beans on how the perceptions of audience about Shahid has changed over the years, particularly with his shift from romantic films to more intense, dramatic roles and how it has affected his box office collections, Film Trade Analyst Girish Wankhede said, “Initially, Shahid was primarily recognised for his romantic roles in films like ‘Ishq Vishk,’ ‘Jab We Met,’ and ‘Teri Meri Kahaani.’ These films showcased his charm and ability to portray love stories, earning him a dedicated fan base. However, despite these successes, his career faced challenges with films like ‘Mausam’ and ‘Rangoon,’ which struggled to connect with audiences. While he was indeed accepted as a romantic lead, there was a growing desire among viewers to see him take on more complex, intense characters.”
He added, “This shift began to take shape with his performance in ‘Udta Punjab,’ where he portrayed the gritty, troubled character of a drug-addicted musician. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Shahid’s portrayal was widely lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth. This marked a significant turning point in his career, as it demonstrated his capability to tackle serious themes and deliver powerful performances that resonated with audiences.”
He further shared, “The culmination of this journey came with ‘Kabir Singh,’ a film that not only became a massive box office hit but also solidified Shahid’s transformation into a more intense and multifaceted actor. His portrayal of the flawed, passionate protagonist struck a chord with viewers, who began to see him in a new light. The film’s success allowed him to break free from the confines of the romantic hero archetype and embrace a more nuanced persona.”
“As audiences continued to engage with his work, they witnessed Shahid’s evolution further in projects like ‘Farzi’ and ‘Bloody Daddy.”’ These recent ventures have showcased his versatility and commitment to exploring darker, more complex characters. In ‘Farzi,’ he delves into the world of counterfeit currency, while ‘Bloody Daddy’ presents him in a gritty, action-packed narrative. Both projects have contributed to a shift in audience perception, transforming him into a more serious and intense actor,” he said.
Highest grossing films – (Commercial milestones)
Padmaavat
Set in medieval Rajasthan, this epic tale follows Queen Padmavati, who resides in a prosperous fortress with her noble king and their loyal subjects. Their peace is shattered when an ambitious Sultan becomes obsessed with Padmavati’s legendary beauty, igniting a saga of love, obsession, and honour in the kingdom of Mewar.
With a budget of Rs 190 crore, the film achieved a remarkable worldwide gross of Rs 568 crore. Its domestic net collection stood at an impressive Rs 302 crore, solidifying its status as a blockbuster.
Kabir Singh
An esteemed yet hot-headed surgeon spirals into a chaotic descent of drugs, alcohol, and anger following the tumultuous end of his intense relationship with his girlfriend.
With a budget of Rs 55 crore, the film went on to gross Rs 377 crore worldwide. Its domestic net collection reached Rs 278 crore, marking it as a blockbuster hit.
Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya
Aryan struggles to find his perfect life partner until he meets Sifra, a woman who seems to be his ideal match, during an official assignment in the US. As their relationship blossoms, he soon realizes that their love story is destined to be impossible.
With a budget of Rs 65 crore, the film grossed Rs 142.5 crore worldwide and earned Rs 87 crore in domestic net collections, marking it a hit at the box office.
R… Rajkumar
An aimless troublemaker begins working for a drug baron, with the task of eliminating a rival. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with the rival’s niece.
With a budget of Rs 60 crore, the film grossed Rs 101 crore worldwide and earned Rs 66 crore in domestic net collections, securing an above-average verdict at the box office.
Udta Punjab
The story focuses on the rampant drug abuse in the affluent northern state of Punjab, exploring how the youth have succumbed to addiction on a large scale, leading to a severe socio-economic decline in the region.
With a budget of Rs 48 crore, the film grossed Rs 97 crore worldwide and earned Rs 60 crore in domestic net collections, resulting in an above-average verdict at the box office.
Haider
A young man returns to Kashmir following his father’s mysterious disappearance, determined to confront his uncle, whom he believes is involved in his father’s fate.
With a budget of Rs 48 crore, the film grossed Rs 87 crore worldwide and earned Rs 55 crore in domestic net collections, securing an above-average verdict at the box office.
Shaandaar
Set against the backdrop of a destination wedding in London, two families unknowingly battle to protect their respective empires, leading to a web of secrets, power struggles, and unforeseen alliances.
With a budget of Rs 70 crore, the film grossed Rs 73 crore worldwide and earned Rs 43 crore in domestic net collections, resulting in a flop at the box office.
Kaminey
The lives of two estranged twin brothers collide amidst a web of missing drugs, political turmoil, racial prejudice, corrupt cops, and an unplanned pregnancy, leading them down a dark and unpredictable path.
With a budget of Rs 35 crore, the film grossed Rs 70 crore worldwide and earned Rs 41 crore in domestic net collections, resulting in an average verdict at the box office.
Phata Poster Nikhla Hero
Vishwas Rao is raised by his mother, who dreams of him becoming a police officer, while he aspires to pursue a career as an actor, creating a conflict between their expectations and his ambitions.
With a budget of Rs 45 crore, the film grossed Rs 63 crore worldwide and earned Rs 36 crore in domestic net collections, resulting in a flop at the box office.
Batti Gul Meter Chalu
The lives of three friends take a tragic turn when an inflated electricity bill sparks a courtroom battle, ultimately leading to a social awakening and shedding light on systemic issues.
With a budget of Rs 55 crore, the film grossed Rs 57 crore worldwide and earned Rs 38 crore in domestic net collections, resulting in a flop at the box office.
Upcoming film ‘DEVA’ –
Rosshan Andrrews‘ upcoming film, ‘Deva’ stars Shahid Kapoor as a rebellious police officer investigating a high-profile case. The film also stars Pooja Hegde as a journalist.
Set to release on January 31, 2025, the film has generated significant anticipation among audiences and critics alike. The official trailer, released recently, has been met with positive reactions. Critics have highlighted Shahid Kapoor’s intense portrayal, drawing parallels to his performance in ‘Kabir Singh.’ The film is praised for its raw and unapologetic approach to the cop genre, offering a much-needed addition to Bollywood’s action repertoire.
With its compelling storyline, strong performances, and high production values, ‘Deva’ is poised to make a significant impact at the box office, potentially becoming a game-changer in Shahid Kapoor’s filmography.
Industry perspective
Girish Wankhede said, “Despite Shahid Kapoor’s assertions that ‘Deva’ is not a remake of the Malayalam film ‘Mumbai Police,’ but rather a tribute to the legendary Amitabh Bachchan, the similarities are hard to ignore. The film is directed by Roshan Andrews, who helmed the original ‘Mumbai Police,’ leading many to believe that ‘Deva’ will inevitably draw parallels to its predecessor. This connection raises questions about the film’s originality and whether it can stand on its own merits.”
Elaborating further, he added, “From the promotional material released so far, ‘Deva’ appears to showcase Shahid in a role reminiscent of his past characters, particularly the charismatic-yet-intense personas seen in ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Bloody Daddy.’ The trailers highlight his signature dance style and present him as a police officer with a flair for drama akin to the larger-than-life characters seen in the ‘Dabangg’ franchise. While Shahid’s dance sequences and physicality are undoubtedly impressive, there is a growing concern that this portrayal may come off as an extension of his previous roles rather than a fresh and innovative character.”
He shared, “For ‘Deva’ to succeed at the box office, it will need to rely heavily on its music and the emotional resonance of its narrative. A strong soundtrack could elevate the film, drawing in viewers and creating buzz that might compensate for its otherwise routine storyline.”
While Shahid Kapoor’s ‘Deva’ has the potential to be an entertaining film, early indications suggest that it may struggle to break free from the conventional mould. With its predictable premise and reliance on familiar character tropes, the film risks being perceived as just another entry in Shahid’s filmography rather than a standout performance. As the release date approaches, audiences will be watching closely to see if ‘Deva’ can surprise them and deliver a compelling narrative that transcends its seemingly average beginnings,” he oncluded.
Meanwhile, Amit Joshi said, “He still has that youthful charm, like a college guy, which he effortlessly brings to the screen. Even in my film, where he portrayed a very young character, he truly embodies it. He not only justifies his roles but also adds his unique touch to each one. Looking at his career evolution, he’s now stepping into the role of a police inspector for the first time. This adds another layer to his versatility, and I’m excited to see how he will bring something new to this familiar role.”
He added, “I recently saw the teaser and the song, and they left me intrigued. The energy, the expressions—everything suggests that he’s going to bring something fresh and exciting. I have no doubt that, in terms of acting and creativity, he will deliver a top-notch performance. I’m eagerly anticipating what he will bring to the table in this new venture.”
“Shahid has portrayed some landmark roles in his career, and being still young, there is so much more to come from him in the future,” Ali Abbaz Zafar concluded.
