Shahid Kapoor's much-anticipated action thriller, Deva, has opened to disappointing box office numbers, contrary to initial expectations of a strong debut. Despite the film generating substantial pre-release buzz and advance ticket sales, it has struggled to attract audiences on its first day in theaters.
Box Office Performance
On its opening day, Deva collected approximately ₹0.12 crore (₹12 lakhs) net across all languages, which is significantly lower than industry projections that suggested an opening in the ₹5 to ₹7 crore range. The film had garnered around ₹1.7 crore from advance bookings before its release, with an estimated gross of ₹3.29 crore including blocked seats. However, the actual turnout fell short of expectations, leading to a modest overall performance.
Advance Booking Insights
Advance bookings for Deva began on January 30, 2025, and while initial reports indicated a promising start with over 74,000 tickets sold across various formats, the enthusiasm did not translate into actual box office sales. The film's advance sales included approximately ₹1.69 crore from 2D Hindi show bookings and an additional ₹64,140 from ICE format screenings.
Audience and Critical Reception
The critical reception for Deva has been mixed. While some reviews praised Shahid Kapoor's performance as a defiant police officer and the film's action sequences, others criticized the narrative for being predictable. The lukewarm response from audiences may have been influenced by competition from other films and mixed reviews, which often play a crucial role in a film's box office performance.
Factors Affecting Performance
Several factors contributed to Deva's lackluster opening:
- Competition: The film faced stiff competition from other major releases, including Akshay Kumar's Sky Force, which may have drawn potential viewers away.
- Critical Reception: Early reviews were mixed, with some critics highlighting the film's visual appeal but questioning its originality.
- Marketing: The effectiveness of the marketing campaign may not have resonated with audiences as intended, impacting ticket sales significantly.
Conclusion
As Deva continues its run in theaters, it remains to be seen whether word-of-mouth can improve its performance over the weekend. With a production budget of around ₹85 crore, the film will need to generate substantial revenue in the coming days to recover its costs and achieve box office success.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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