Shahid Kapoor's latest film, Deva, has made waves at the box office, achieving impressive earnings during its opening weekend. Released on January 31, 2025, the movie, which is directed by Rosshan Andrrews, has managed to pull together collections exceeding Rs 20 crores globally, reflecting both excitement and mixed reviews from audiences.
Initially, Deva opened with Rs 5.5 crores, followed by Rs 6.4 crores on its second day, and climbed to approximately Rs 7.15 crores on day three, as reported by Sacnilk. This steady increase helped the film reach total domestic collections of Rs 19.05 crores, with its worldwide earnings clocking in at Rs 20.75 crores. Despite facing some criticism, this performance indicates the film's potential to sustain momentum within the box office.
The film stars Shahid Kapoor as ACP Dev Ambre, who yields complexity through his portrayal of an impulsive cop struggling with memory loss during his investigation. Pooja Hegde plays his love interest, journalist Divya Sathaye, alongside notable performances from Kubbra Sait and Pavail Gulati.
Viewing Deva through the lens of critiques, the film has garnered mixed feedback, with highlights primarily focusing on Shahid's compelling performance, alongside noted shortcomings within the narrative. While some critics appreciate the raw execution of certain scenes, others have pointed out the narrative's holes and inconsistencies. For example, ETimes rated the film 3.5 out of 5, appreciating the film's ability to engage the audience but mentioning flaws within its plot and pacing.
Despite these critiques, Shahid's wife, Mira Rajput, prominently praised his work, stating, "Somehow you are able to bring the madness, rage and vulnerability all to Dev! Proud of your craft! Killer Thriller!" This praise emphasizes the emotional depth Shahid brings to the character, which resonates well with viewers.
The backdrop of Deva serves as the Hindi remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, which was also directed by Rosshan Andrrews. This adaptation includes certain thematic shifts and changes to the original storyline, particularly the climax twist. The emphasis on Shahid's character and the emotional consequences he faces throughout the film adds layers to its storytelling.
On its opening weekend, Deva was screened at more than 5000 shows across India, eagerly filling theaters, especially on Sunday with significant audience turnout. Chennai led with the highest occupancy at 41.50 percent, followed by Bengaluru at 20.25 percent, Mumbai at 18.75 percent, and Delhi NCR at 11.50 percent. The overall occupancy during this period reached about 15.38%. These statistics indicate strong viewer interest and engagement, which is noteworthy considering the competing films in theatres.
Looking forward, industry watchers express concern over Deva's ability to maintain its box office pace as the weekdays approach. Other competing releases like Sky Force are performing well, posing threats to Deva's continued success. Nevertheless, this film marks an important milestone for Shahid and the production team, as the Kapoors see momentum back on their side following the mixed reception of previous films.
Director Rosshan Andrrews stated, "This story brings forth tremendous complexity associated with human emotions, and I believe Shahid showcases this beautifully through Dev Ambre." This sentiment conveys the artistic intent behind Deva, aiming to blend dynamic storytelling with strong performances.
Responses from the broader audience indicate enthusiasm for Shahid's portrayal, particularly as fans eagerly partake in discussions surrounding his training and preparation for the role. The film's music also complements its intensity, with the track Marji Cha Malik, composed by Jakes Bejoy, gaining popularity since the film's release.
The narrative of Deva not only encapsulates action and drama but intersperses moments of vulnerability reflective of the human condition, making it quite relatable for many viewers. While Deva's upcoming weeks will be pivotal for evaluating its overall success, the film has undoubtedly made its mark with impressive box office earnings and intrigued audiences across the board.
Shahid Kapoor, continuing to seize opportunities for growth, is also expected to collaborate with renowned director Vishal Bhardwaj on another action thriller set for release later this year. Fans await to see how his career evolves following such intense and engaging projects.