Shahid Kapoor and Pavail Gulati kicked off 2025 with their action-packed film, Deva, which has ignited conversations and mixed reactions among audiences. Released on January 31, 2025, the film features Shahid Kapoor as the tough police officer Dev Ambré, alongside Gulati and Pooja Hegde, under the direction of Rosshan Andrrews.
Since its debut, Deva has showcased intense action sequences and deep character portrayals, particularly excelling with the performances of both Shahid and Pavail. Audiences praised Shahid’s aggressive portrayal and Pavail’s emotional depth as ACP Rohan D’silva, which contributed to the film's gripping narrative.
Looking at the box office numbers, the film initially boasted promising earnings, grossing ₹5 crore on its opening day. It continued to rise with ₹6.25 crore on the second day and ₹7.15 crore on the third. The total earnings reached ₹21.65 crore by the fourth day, even though the numbers began to dwindle shortly after the initial weekend. Monday's figures were particularly low, bringing in only ₹2.50 crore.
Despite the strong opening, Deva has faced challenges maintaining audience interest. To encourage viewership, distributors implemented promotional offers, like 'buy one get one free' on tickets through BookMyShow, but these measures have not significantly increased foot traffic.
Pavail Gulati, reflecting on the film's production, took to social media to express his gratitude for being part of such a project. "Things always happen for a reason. And I think Rohan came to me when I needed him the most... With my head bowed down, I want to thank each and every one of you who went out watched the film and gave it so much love. We are all here because YOU ARE," he shared, emphasizing the effort and brotherhood formed on set.
This heartfelt message prompted excited reactions from fans online, with one commenting, "Rohan truly stole our hearts with his loyalty and strength! You delivered an outstanding performance—wishing you more success! More love to the brotherhood!" Others expressed their admiration for both actors, highlighting the depth and quality of their performances.
While initially drawing attention, Deva appears to be struggling to maintain momentum at the box office, which has left some industry experts wondering about its long-term viability. With its production budget reported at ₹80 crore, the financial future of the film hinges on its ability to recover costs and attract viewers.
Beyond cinema, Deva is expected to soon transition to Netflix for streaming, promising to reach audiences who may have encountered difficulties attending theaters. This move could provide the film with another opportunity to resonate with fans worldwide.
Overall, Deva, with its initial excitement, strong performances, and heartfelt promotional efforts, continues to carve its path within the film industry. Whether it can sustain this energy as it moves forward remains to be seen, but it certainly has sparked conversations and earned recognition among fans and viewers alike.