MUMBAI: The wait is over! The electrifying video song "Marji Cha Maalik" from Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde’s upcoming film Deva has finally been unveiled. Packed with high energy and a powerful vibe, this track is a treat for fans and music lovers alike. Touted as one of the most pivotal songs in the film, "Marji Cha Maalik" captures the essence of Deva’s fearless and unyielding spirit. Its bold lyrics and commanding composition mirror the larger-than-life persona of Shahid Kapoor’s character.
Directed by celebrated Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Zee Studios and Roy Kapur Films, Deva started showing on screens across India on January 31, 2025. This action thriller has generated significant buzz, particularly since it is a Hindi remake of the 2013 Malayalam film Mumbai Police.
The excitement surrounding the film was palpable, especially following the release of its cryptic trailer, which left potential viewers curious about the plot details. Deva revolves around ACP Dev Ambre, played by Shahid Kapoor, who is depicted as an "angry young" cop racing against time to solve the murder of his best friend, Rohan D'Silva, portrayed by Pavail Gulati.
After only four days since its release, attention shifts to Deva's box office performance. According to early data from Sacnilk, the film faced challenges on the weekdays, earning approximately Rs 2.55 crore on its fourth day. Cumulatively, this brings the film's total earnings to Rs 21.7 crore domestically and Rs 34 crore globally. For any recent release, performing well during the first Monday is pivotal, and the early indications suggest Deva's path may be rocky moving forward.
Deva has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising Shahid Kapoor's compelling performance. His portrayal of the conflicted police officer who grapples with both personal and professional challenges has been highlighted as one of the movie's strengths. Kapoor is known for his ability to embody complex characters, which he again showcases through his role as Dev.
Alongside Kapoor and Hegde, the film also features other significant talents like Kubbra Sait, Girish Kulkarni, and Manish Wadhwa, which adds depth to the storytelling. Despite these mentioned strengths, some reviewers have pointed out deficiencies in the screenplay, calling it the film's Achilles heel.
"Deva is not just another action thriller; it is filled with unexpected twists and shrouded mysteries," says one viewer. The essence of the thrilling whodunit genre seems to come alive through its tightly structured narrative, indicating viewers are largely entertained from start to finish.
After all, at its heart, Deva is more than just about crime and investigation. It's depicted as "a love letter to Mumbai" through its captivating cinematography, making it relatable even to those unfamiliar with the original Malayalam film.
The film's plot thickens as ACP Dev attempts to piece together fragmented memories after losing them due to a tragic accident related to the murder case he is investigating. The psychologically heavy themes explore serious moral dilemmas and set the stage for Kapoor's multifaceted performance.
Fans of the original Mumbai Police may find themselves divided by the changes made to the storyline. Yet for those who enter the theater without biases from the original, the film presents itself as engaging and could deliver substantial thrills.
Box office analysts now wait to see how Deva maintains its momentum or if the audience response will impact its future performances on the silver screens. Given Shahid Kapoor's star power and the film's gripping premise, many are optimistic about its staying power.
For those contemplating whether to watch Deva, it appears to provide enough high-octane entertainment to satisfy genre enthusiasts, particularly those drawn to the psychological thriller and action genres.
Overall, there remains palpable excitement about Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde’s performances, along with the catchy beats of "Marji Cha Maalik," which adds to the film's allure. Will Deva continue to attract audiences and break box office records? That remains to be seen as the week progresses.