Shahid Kapoor's 'Deva' Struggles at Box Office Despite Crossing ₹30 Crore in Nine Days
Shahid Kapoor's recent venture, 'Deva', an action thriller directed by Rosshan Andrrews, has garnered significant attention since its release on January 31, 2025. The film, a Hindi adaptation of the 2013 Malayalam movie 'Mumbai Police', also features Pooja Hegde in a pivotal role. Despite the initial buzz, 'Deva' has faced challenges at the box office, reflecting the unpredictable nature of cinematic receptions.
Upon its debut, 'Deva' secured an opening collection of ₹5.5 crore. The subsequent days showed a modest upward trend, with the film earning ₹6.4 crore on Saturday and ₹7.25 crore on Sunday, culminating in a first-weekend total of approximately ₹19.15 crore. However, as the weekdays commenced, there was a noticeable decline in audience turnout. By the end of the first week, the film's total earnings stood at ₹28.4 crore. Entering its second weekend, 'Deva' added ₹80 lakhs on Friday and an estimated ₹1.2 crore on Saturday, bringing its cumulative box office collection to ₹30.4 crore over nine days.
In comparison, 'Deva' has not matched the success of Shahid Kapoor's earlier films. For instance, 'Kabir Singh' (2019) opened with ₹20.21 crore and amassed a lifetime collection of ₹280 crore, while 'Padmaavat' (2018), where Kapoor shared the screen with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone, garnered ₹300 crore at the box office. Even 'Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya' (2024) had a stronger opening, collecting ₹6.7 crore on its first day.
The film's performance is further overshadowed by the success of 'Sky Force', starring Akshay Kumar, Sara Ali Khan, and Veer Pahariya. Released a week prior to 'Deva', 'Sky Force' has maintained a robust presence in theaters, accumulating a total of ₹107.85 crore by its 16th day. This sustained success has intensified the competition for 'Deva', impacting its box office trajectory.
Critically, 'Deva' has received mixed reviews. While Shahid Kapoor's portrayal of ACP Dev Ambre has been lauded for its intensity, some critics have expressed reservations about the screenplay and the decision to alter the original climax of 'Mumbai Police'. The film's attempt to balance action sequences with a compelling narrative has elicited varied responses from audiences and reviewers alike.
In terms of music, the soundtrack composed by Jakes Bejoy, with contributions from Vishal Mishra, has been appreciated. Songs like "Bhasad Macha" and "Marji Cha Maalik" have resonated with listeners, adding a musical dimension to the film's appeal.
As 'Deva' continues its theatrical run, its journey underscores the challenges films face in resonating with audiences amidst diverse expectations and stiff competition. The film's performance serves as a reminder of the unpredictable dynamics of the box office, where star power and compelling narratives must align to achieve sustained success.