Key Highlights:
- Deva, Shahid Kapoor’s action-packed thriller, opened in theaters on January 31, 2025.
- The film earned ₹5.5 crore on its first day and ₹6.42 crore on the second day, bringing its total to ₹11.92 crore in India.
- Despite mixed reviews, Shahid Kapoor’s performance and the film’s intense narrative have captivated audiences.
- The movie faces stiff competition from Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force, which has impacted its box office trajectory.
Mumbai: Bollywood heartthrob Shahid Kapoor’s latest action-thriller Deva hit the silver screens on January 31, 2025, and has been steadily gaining traction at the box office. Directed by acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, Deva marks his Hindi cinema debut and features an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Pavail Gulati, and Kubbra Sait.
The film opened with a solid ₹5.5 crore in India on its first day and saw a slight uptick to ₹6.42 crore on Saturday, taking its total earnings to ₹11.92 crore over two days. These figures reflect a promising start despite stiff competition from Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force, which has been dominating the box office since its release on January 24.
Plot and Performances: A Gripping Tale of Duality
Deva follows the story of ACP Dev Ambre (played by Shahid Kapoor), a rebellious and hot-headed cop who loses his memory while investigating the murder of his best friend. The narrative unravels layers of deceit and betrayal within the police department, culminating in a suspenseful climax. Pooja Hegde plays Divya Sathaye, a journalist and Dev’s love interest, whose role is pivotal in the storyline.
The film is a Hindi adaptation of Andrrews’ 2013 Malayalam hit Mumbai Police. While retaining the core plot, several changes were made to cater to Bollywood audiences, particularly in the climax.
Shahid Kapoor’s portrayal of Dev Ambre has been widely praised for its intensity and depth. Critics have lauded his ability to bring raw emotion to a complex character, though some reviews noted that the screenplay could have benefited from tighter pacing.
Box Office Dynamics: Can ‘Deva’ Hold Its Ground?
The release of Deva alongside Akshay Kumar’s Sky Force posed significant challenges at the box office. However, Deva managed to outperform Sky Force on its opening day, with the latter earning ₹4.6 crore compared to Deva’s ₹5.5 crore.
Despite this initial success, Sky Force, buoyed by strong word-of-mouth and patriotic themes, continues to draw audiences in its second week. Meanwhile, industry experts predict that the ongoing weekend could boost Deva’s collections further as audiences flock to theaters during holidays.
Production Insights and Future Prospects
Produced by Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films with a budget of ₹50 crore, Deva is expected to recover its costs if it maintains its current momentum. The film’s high-octane action sequences, choreographed by Bosco-Caesar, and gripping cinematography by Amit Roy have been standout elements.
Looking ahead, trade analysts are optimistic that Deva will cross the ₹20 crore mark by the end of its opening weekend. However, sustaining audience interest will be key as more films enter the fray in February.
While Deva has received mixed reviews for its screenplay and pacing, Shahid Kapoor’s stellar performance and Rosshan Andrrews’ direction have ensured that it remains a talking point among cinephiles. As audiences continue to explore this gritty tale of memory loss and betrayal, only time will tell if Deva can emerge as a commercial hit amidst fierce competition at the box office.
