Shahid Kapoor’s action-thriller Deva made its much-anticipated debut on January 31, but its opening at the box office has not been as robust as many had hoped. With a Day 1 collection of Rs 5 crore, the film has shown an average start, which has led to mixed reactions from critics and moviegoers alike. While some praise its action sequences and Shahid Kapoor’s performance, others feel the film could have done more to deliver a compelling experience. In this context, trade expert Ramesh Bala shared his assessment of the film’s early numbers, audience response, and future prospects in the competitive market.
According to Bala, Deva’s performance is being observed with cautious optimism. The mixed reviews have led to uncertainty about its long-term box office viability. “The reviews for Deva have been mixed—some positive, some saying it could have been better. We have to wait and see how the audience reacts over the weekend,” Bala told India Today Digital in an exclusive interview. The film has been lauded by some viewers for its action-packed narrative, but others have expressed that while it has its moments, it struggles with pacing and could have provided a more gripping storyline. This division in opinion will ultimately influence how well the film performs as it continues its run in theaters.
Unlike larger Bollywood blockbusters that rely heavily on pre-booking sales to secure an impressive opening weekend, Deva has experienced a more modest pre-booking phase. The film’s advance booking totaled a relatively humble Rs 2 crore, which Bala attributes to its nature as a mass entertainer. For movies like these, walk-in audiences, particularly those attending shows at single-screen theaters, play a crucial role in driving ticket sales. “For a movie like this, walk-ins will play a bigger role, especially on single screens,” Bala remarked, noting that while pre-bookings provide an early advantage, it is the walk-ins that determine whether the film can maintain its momentum, especially for mass-driven content.
The key to Deva’s box office success will now lie in how the film performs over the course of the weekend. Bala explained that the coming days will be a critical indicator of whether the film can turn its mixed start into a stronger, sustained performance. "If the film is on the right track, Saturday should be better than Friday, and Sunday should surpass Saturday. If the growth is flat or minimal, it could struggle in the long run," he said, underscoring the importance of the film’s weekend performance. This trend is essential for films like Deva, which are banking on positive word of mouth and a slow build-up rather than an immediate blockbuster opening.
Word of mouth will be pivotal to the film’s box office fate, according to Bala. “If audiences embrace the film and spread positive feedback, it could make its way to Rs 70-73 crore nett by the end of its theatrical run. However, if it fails to gain traction and the word of mouth is lukewarm, it may settle closer to Rs 50 crore nett,” he predicted. This wide range in projections reflects the uncertainty surrounding Deva’s ability to maintain audience interest beyond the initial buzz. The film’s potential to reach the Rs 70 crore mark depends on its ability to excite viewers over the weekend, while a stagnant or disappointing trend could cause the film’s earnings to plateau.
Ramesh Bala also pointed out that 2025 has yet to prove itself as a successful year for Bollywood, with only Sky Force having a decent opening before losing momentum. Apart from this, no other Hindi film has captured the public’s attention in a way that signifies a strong recovery for the industry. “We’ll have to wait till the end of the first quarter to see how Bollywood fares. Right now, the industry is facing a slow phase, except for films with major stars,” he remarked, adding that, aside from big-name actors, the broader market remains underwhelming. This situation has created a palpable sense of caution across the industry, and many are eager to see if films like Deva can kickstart a stronger year for Bollywood.
Looking forward, the next big film on the radar is Sikandar, starring Salman Khan and directed by AR Murugadoss. Slated for release on March 27, this film has generated significant buzz due to Salman Khan’s immense star power, as well as its release timing during the Eid holiday, a period known for high box office earnings. Bala believes Sikandar could be a major boost for the industry. “Sikandar has a strong buzz, mainly because it has Salman and it releases on Eid. That’s one film the audience is eagerly waiting for,” he noted, suggesting that Sikandar could provide the much-needed lift that Bollywood is hoping for in the first quarter of 2025.
For Deva, the next two days will be crucial. If it can successfully build on its opening numbers, it may still have a chance to perform well at the box office. However, if the weekend shows minimal growth, the film could struggle to break out of its current trajectory. With a strong star presence in Shahid Kapoor and a promising action premise, Deva still has the potential to turn things around, but it will depend largely on the reactions of moviegoers and the power of word-of-mouth promotion. The coming days will determine whether Deva joins the ranks of successful Bollywood releases or falls short, contributing to the industry's ongoing search for a breakthrough film in 2025.
