Shahid Kapoor’s much-anticipated film Deva hit the theaters on its opening day, but early estimates suggest that the movie might not meet the expectations set for its box office collection. While there were high hopes for a grand opening, the early morning, afternoon, and evening shows have shown that the film might not break records for the highest opening day collection for a Hindi film in 2025.
Shahid Kapoor, known for his versatile acting, returns to the big screen after a brief hiatus, bringing an action-packed film to his fans. Deva is directed by Rosshan Andrrews and is a remake of the director’s own 2010 Malayalam film Mumbai Police, which was a success due to its gripping narrative and intense performances. However, despite the promise of an action-packed drama, Deva‘s opening numbers are falling short of expectations.
According to early estimates, Deva was predicted to earn somewhere between Rs 4-5 crore on its first day. However, the actual performance on the ground suggests that the film might struggle to even hit the lower end of this range. The early box office reports from the morning shows were lukewarm, and the performance in the afternoon and evening shows did not show any significant improvement. This puts the film in a precarious position, as it might not be able to surpass Tere Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, which continues to hold strong in its opening day numbers.
The competition in the box office this year is fierce, with several other films in contention for the highest opening day collections. One such film is Sky Force, starring Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya. Early estimates suggest that Sky Force has had a significantly stronger performance on its opening day, making it a potential contender for the highest opening for a Hindi film in 2025. This puts even more pressure on Deva, which, despite Shahid Kapoor’s star power and the film’s action elements, has failed to draw in the large audience expected from such a high-profile release.
The factors contributing to the underwhelming numbers could be many. For one, the genre of action films has become increasingly saturated, with several recent releases competing in the same space. Additionally, while Shahid Kapoor has built a solid fan base, his last few films have not been able to draw massive box office numbers, which may have affected his appeal to a broader audience. Moreover, the timing of the release might not have worked in the film’s favor, as it competes with other high-budget productions that are also vying for attention at the box office.
The film’s direction, while based on a successful Malayalam film, might not have been able to capture the same magic in a Hindi adaptation. The nuances of the original film, which worked in the Malayalam industry, might not have resonated the same way with the larger Hindi-speaking audience. Deva might have had a strong promotional campaign, but the translation of the story and the impact of the action sequences might not have been as strong as initially hoped.
Despite the lukewarm opening, the film still holds the potential for improvement over the weekend. A surge in footfalls for evening shows or positive word-of-mouth could lift the box office collection in the coming days. However, for now, Deva’s Day 1 performance has not been as spectacular as its creators had hoped, and it might not be able to beat Tere Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya‘s opening day numbers or even Sky Force in the long run.
As Deva navigates its first few days at the box office, there are still several factors that could influence its trajectory. While the opening day collection has not been as strong as expected, the coming days will provide a clearer picture of whether the film has the legs to sustain its run in theaters. The weekend box office performance is crucial for any film, as it can determine its success in the longer term. If Deva can manage to garner more audience interest in the next few days through positive reviews or strong word-of-mouth, the numbers might improve.
Another factor to consider is Shahid Kapoor’s growing fanbase. While his recent films have not achieved the blockbuster success that many had hoped for, his acting talent and versatility continue to be undeniable. Fans of the actor, particularly those who have followed his career from Jab We Met to Kabir Singh, are likely to still flock to theaters in the days ahead. However, for Deva to truly capitalize on this loyal following, it will need to offer a memorable viewing experience that resonates with its audience.
The film’s promotional strategy could also play a significant role in shaping its box office performance. With a movie like Deva, an action thriller, audience expectations are typically high. The film’s marketing had aimed to build excitement around its action sequences, which were one of the main selling points. Yet, despite the buzz, the results so far indicate that the excitement may not have been enough to draw in a massive opening-day crowd. The weeks following its release will reveal whether the film’s appeal continues to grow or if the initial underperformance becomes a lasting trend.
The impact of competition from other films should also be noted. 2025 is shaping up to be a competitive year for Bollywood films, with several high-profile releases already making waves at the box office. Films like Sky Force and Tere Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya have captured significant attention, which means Deva needs to maintain its appeal if it wants to stand out. This may require additional promotional efforts, special screenings, or audience engagement activities to keep the momentum going.
At this stage, it’s clear that Deva has the potential to be a box office contender, but its opening has been a mixed bag. Whether the film can find success in its second week or fail to make a significant mark will depend on several factors—most importantly, how it resonates with its audience moving forward. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the film fares over the next few days. If the word-of-mouth spreads positively, it could still turn around its fortunes and potentially surprise critics and fans alike.