Showing posts with label Deva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deva. Show all posts
First six months of 2025 a mixed bag for the box office
10:59 AM
The first six months of 2025 have been a mixed bag for the box office, with small films working, and heavyweight projects tanking
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 1, 2025)
The first six months of 2025 have been a roller-coaster ride for India, with the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s brave response in the form of Operation Sindoor being everyone’s focus. However, the film business remained unaffected. According to an Ormax report, the cumulative total for 2025’s releases, till May, stood at Rs. 4,812 crore, 27% higher than the same period in 2024.
JANUARY
Actor Sonu Sood’s Fateh (Rs. 12.85 crore), Rasha Thadani and Aaman Devgan-starrer Azaad (Rs. 6.32 crore), actor Kangana Ranaut’s Emergency (Rs. 16.52 crore) and actor Shahid Kapoor’s Deva couldn’t set the cash registers ringing. Sky Force featuring Akshay Kumar did manage to break even.
FEBRUARY
Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava became this year’s highest grosser so far. Made on a budget of Rs. 130 crore, the period drama earned Rs. 600 crore. Actors Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor’s Loveyapa only collected Rs. 7 crore, against a budget of Rs. 60 crore.
MARCH-APRIL
While Sunny Deol’s Jaat (Rs. 89.50 crore) and Akshay Kumar’s Kesari Chapter 2 did well, Salman Khan’s Sikandar, made on a budget of Rs. 200 crore, failed.
MAY
Ajay Devgn-starrer Raid 2 did well with Rs. 173.28 crore. Also, Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi’s Bhool Chuk Maaf had a decent run with Rs. 74.18 crore.
JUNE
June had two clean hits so far — Housefull 5 and actor Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par, which has been running successfully. Actor Kajol’s horror-mythological drama Maa got a slow start.
“Barring Chhaava, we have not had a true blockbuster. Raid 2 and Jaat did well. I hope the second half is better. I feel the smaller and medium-budget films need to do well in theatres, as we don’t have a big release every week. Bhool Chuk Maaf did well in the two-week window it had between theatrical and digital release.”
- Taran Adarsh, Trade analyst
“2025 has not been so good. Sikandar not working was a shock. Kesari Chapter 2 and Housefull 5 worked. Before the pandemic, such films would run, not just work. We are still struggling, businesswise.”
- Atul Mohan, Trade analyst
“The first half of 2025 saw strong theatrical momentum, led by Chhaava, Raid 2, Bhool Chuk Maaf, Kesari Chapter 2, Sitaare Zameen Par and Jaat. Hollywood also contributed with Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning becoming the first Hollywood release to cross ₹100 crore in 2025 and a solid performance by Final Destination Bloodlines and How to Train Your Dragon. Regional cinema, including Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam films, contributed ₹3,600 crore to the box office.”
- Devang Sampat, Managing Director, Cinepolis India
BIG HITS
Chhaava - Rs. 600.10 crore
Raid 2 - Rs. 178.08 crore
Sky Force - Rs. 131.44 crore
Housefull 5 - Rs. 156.40 crore
Kesari Chapter 2 - Rs. 93.28 crore
Sitaare Zameen Par - Rs. 107.68 crore
BIG MISSES
Sikandar - Rs. 103.45 crore
Deva - Rs. 32.07 crore
Loveyapa - 7.04 crore
(Figures as per all-India collections, according to trade estimates and Bollywood Hungama)
(Crisp) Movie Review: DEVA by FENIL SETA
11:49 PM
Deva is the remake of the acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film, Mumbai Police. But it's not a scene-to-scene remake; director Rosshan Andrrews has changed certain bits and also the placement of scenes. Hence, even if you have seen the original, you might not be able to guess which scene will come next. A few action and dramatic scenes stand out while Mumbai has been captured like never before. On the flipside, the neta track works as a standalone scene but as part of the narrative, its impact is diluted. The suspense is unexpected but is not fully convincing. The biggest issue with the film, however, is its length. The finale, in fact, is very long. Shahid Kapoor, as always, puts his best foot forward. Yet, this is not his finest performance; we have seen him do much better in the past. Pooja Hegde is wasted. Pavail Gulati and Pravessh Rana lend able support. Kubbra Sait is decent. Upendra Limaye once again rocks the show in a cameo, after Animal. Girish Kulkarni is dependable. All in all, Deva is an average flick.
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
My rating - ** ½ out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 867
2:38 PM
SKY FORCE MAY CROSS THE RS. 100 CRORE MARK BUT NO CELEBRATION IN THE INDUSTRY
The grand Republic Day release, Sky Force, opened in cinemas last Friday and the collections, on the face of it, have been encouraging. It was expected to open at Rs. 10 crores but instead, its collections on the first day were Rs. 13.50 crores. On Saturday, earnings jumped to Rs. 23.50 crores and Rs. 26.50 crores on Sunday. On Monday, the film dropped to Rs. 7.50 crores. The Tuesday collections were Rs. 5.50 crores. The first week earnings are expected to be around Rs. 84 crores.
However, there have been reports that these numbers are not organic. A prominent website, Box Office India, repeatedly mentioned that the film managed to earn so much thanks to the ‘external help’. This is also clear by the fact that many single screens from Mumbai will be playing just one show of Sky Force from tomorrow and the rest have been allotted to the upcoming release, Deva. Ideally, when a film collects so much, it should have had at least two shows daily.
As a result, there has been no celebration in the film industry despite such collections. Moreover, one doesn’t know how much the collections would be in the second weekend. especially if the ‘external factors’ continue to play out. The film should target the lifetime earnings of Airlift, which was also an Akshay Kumar-starrer in a similar zone. This 2016 Republic Day release earned Rs. 123.46 crores.
Meanwhile, the big release of the week is Deva, starring Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde. It marks Malayalam director Rosshan Andrrews' first Hindi film. From the trailer, it seems to be a remake of Rosshan's acclaimed 2013 Malayalam film, Mumbai Police.
The teaser of Deva got a roaring response. But then the buzz reduced. The songs haven’t made a mark and the impact of the trailer was not the same as the teaser. Shahid Kapoor’s last release, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, opened at Rs. 6.54 crores. Deva, hopefully, should cross this figure and if it manages to hold well, it’ll be able to succeed at the box office. A good word of mouth is very crucial for Deva.
I’m always trying to find a genre that will surprise people-Shahid Kapoor
8:30 AM
Ahead of their latest film, actors Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde engaged with fans at HT City’s Stars in the City session
HINDUSTAN TIMES (January 30, 2025)
It was time for fun conversations and electric dance moves as Deva stars Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde visited HT City for the latest edition of Stars in the City.
In a tête-à-tête with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment and Lifestyle, Hindustan Times, the duo opened up about what drew them to their latest film. Shot by Boomcast, the session concluded with an electrifying performance by Stance Dance Studio.
‘I’M TRYING TO FIND A GENRE THAT WILL SURPRISE FANS’
Although he’s no stranger to diverse characters, Shahid noted that his latest outing is a departure from his previous roles. “Deva is an extremely challenging film as an actor; it follows a complex character pushed into a commercial world.” He continued, “The film is an action thriller, a genre I haven’t done yet. I’m always trying to find a genre that will surprise people and give them something new.”
‘WANT TO SHOW A MORE SERIOUS SIDE TO ME’
Meanwhile, Pooja revealed, “When I was offered Deva, I was at a phase where I wanted to do different films, the kind that would change the way I’m defined as an actor.” Despite establishing herself in south cinema, she admitted, “Hindi audiences haven’t seen a more serious, gritty side of me. I really liked my character; she isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Plus, it was the first time I shot in my hometown Mumbai. Shooting in the heart of the city was so exciting.”
‘ACTORS SHOULD OWN THEIR ROLES FULLY’
Addressing the criticism he received for his 2019 film Kabir Singh, Shahid asserted that actors should take ownership of their characters. “The decision to be part of a film should be yours and you should own it. I discuss my roles with my team, friends, my father (actor Pankaj Kapur), but they are not doing the film, I am.” As for whether he consults wife Mira Rajput Kapoor for his scripts, Shahid quipped, “She is too expensive, I can’t afford her.”
‘LEARNT A LOT FROM SHAHID’
As she aims to make her mark in Hindi films, what is the one thing Pooja learnt from her co-star during the shoot? “It’s easy to work with a very good actor because you’re just reacting to them. I remember shooting close-ups where he was really good and I was like, ‘Should I do my shot again?’ There’s truth in his performances and that shows,” she ended.
Compiled by Yashika Mathur
Subhash Ghai, Amitabh Bachchan gave up 'Deva' for Shahid Kapoor-starrer
8:33 AM
Deva maker Siddharth Roy Kapur reveals that Subhash Ghai, who had registered the title in the 1980s for an Amitabh Bachchan film, parted with it for the Shahid Kapoor-starrer
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 24, 2025)
Next week, Deva will arrive in cinemas. But if things had gone according to filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s plans, a Deva would have already been in theatres about forty years ago. Siddharth Roy Kapur, who has produced Shahid Kapoor’s upcoming action thriller, reveals that the title originally rested with Ghai. “The film’s team is so honoured and grateful to Subhash-ji for entrusting us with the title, Deva,” says Roy Kapur.
It turns out Ghai, who celebrates his 80th birthday today, had envisioned Deva as a big-scale action film with megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1980s. The project, however, did not materialize. In late 2023, as Roy Kapur and director Rosshan Andrrews began work on their cop caper, they felt Deva would be the perfect title for the narrative and the angry cop protagonist, Dev Ambre, played by Kapoor. So, the producer called Ghai, who was happy to relinquish the title he had registered in 1987. The veteran filmmaker only had one condition—that they get Bachchan’s nod as well.
“Over just one call, Subhash-ji agreed to relinquish the title with the blessings of Mr Bachchan, who was also kind enough to give us the go-ahead. Deva is a title that carries immense legacy and weight, having been envisioned by Subhash-ji for a grand project with Mr Bachchan in the 1980s. His passing this torch to us speaks volumes about his generosity,” shares Roy Kapur.
Deva, which also stars Pooja Hegde, marks the Hindi debut of Malayalam director Andrrews.
Now, Shahid Kapoor dances like a superstar-Bosco Martis
8:40 AM
Pointing to Shahid Kapoor’s “evolution” as a dancer, Deva choreographer Bosco Martis commends actor for learning to “control his energy” in dance sequences
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 13, 2025)
What other than a dancing number featuring him could be a better calling card for a Shahid Kapoor-starrer? Well aware that the actor’s suave moves are enough to lure viewers to cinema halls, the team of Kapoor’s upcoming actioner Deva has been playing to his strengths. Released last week, the first track, titled Bhasad Macha, showed a spirited Kapoor grooving to Bosco Martis’s choreography that aimed to present a character who was “erratic and dominating.” Martis says it was Kapoor who encouraged him to design a sequence that put his character to the forefront.
“There was a defined body language that he had manicured, and that’s what we dwelled upon. We created dance moves that could suit his character. The free-spirited sequence allowed him to be this person with free-flowing energy,” says Martis, who has previously choreographed Kapoor’s dance sequences in films like Jab We Met (2007), R... Rajkumar (2013), Phata Poster Nikhla Hero (2013), and Udta Punjab (2016).
Owing to their multiple collaborations, the actor-choreographer duo has a fine understanding of one another’s working methods. Martis credits Kapoor for putting his trust in him, a move that, he says, has contributed to the success of their past works. Since Kapoor is a trained dancer, his technical skills are sound. So, Martis has—when the song demands—encouraged him to not rehearse too much before shooting the number, lest his act look inauthentic.
“During the shoot of Agal Bagal [Phata Poster Nikhla Hero], I told him not to keep rehearsing the steps. The beauty [of the song] was that the choreography looked natural. I was confident that Shahid would execute it,” he says of the song that was celebrated as much for its music as it was for its dance sequence.
Kapoor stands tall among the best dancing stars in the Hindi film industry, including, but not restricted to, Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal. Ask Martis what makes him unique, and he points to his evolution as a dancer.
He is technically sound. He has always pulled off choreography with all his energy but has now begun controlling it as well. That’s beautiful. Earlier, he would dance to [showcase his] energy, but now he has got his bearings right. Now, he dances like a superstar. When you see him dancing, you celebrate with him.”
Comeback of the Khans, War 2, Game Changer and more to look forward in 2025
8:42 AM
After a no-show in 2024, Aamir and Salman Khan will return to the cinemas this year. What else is in store? A woman-led spy thriller, big-ticket south entertainers, and not surprisingly, sequels galore
Mohar Basu, Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; January 1, 2025)
Would it be too simplistic to say that one of the reasons 2024 was a lean year at the box-office was because the Khan troika—Shah Rukh, Aamir and Salman—did not have a single release? Perhaps. But ask any Hindi movie fan, and they’ll tell you that the superstars were sorely missed. Which is why all eyes are on this year, when at least two Khans will be back on the big screen.
Salman hasn’t had a release since Tiger 3 (2023). But a lot happened with the superstar throughout 2024, beginning with a round of firing outside his Bandra house in April to receiving death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. So, his return to celluloid with Sikandar is eagerly awaited.
What makes it better is that in his maiden collaboration with director A R Murugadoss, he will do what he does best—be a larger-than-life hero and avenge the wrong. Expect high-octane action, drama, a fresh on-screen jodi with Rashmika Mandanna, and a script that requires suspension of disbelief. Oh, and presumably a bumper opening. After all, his fans will go in droves for their Eidi.
While the audience’s Eid is dedicated to Salman, Aamir Khan will be their summer date. It has taken the superstar four years since the underwhelming response to his passion project, Laal Singh Chaddha (2021), to face the camera again. This time, he promises another heartfelt story with Sitaare Zameen Par. The actor-producer considers it a spiritual successor to Taare Zameen Par (2007). An adaptation of the Spanish sports comedy, Campeones (2018), Aamir said the new film was “way ahead” of its predecessor, flipping the narrative as it shows how far people can go despite their challenges.
Directed by R S Prasanna of Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017) fame, it also stars Genelia Deshmukh and Darsheel Safary. Will it create the box-office magic that Laal Singh Chaddha couldn’t? Who can tell? But then, as we start 2025, we can hope this is the year the audience loves movies for their narratives, not box-office numbers.
Game Changer
Director S Shankar may have had a misfire last year with Indian 2. But the director, known for his visual spectacles, blends politics and action again in Game Changer. Ram Charan plays an IAS officer determined to battle corruption and promote fair elections in the Telugu action thriller scheduled for a
January 10 release.
Raid 2
With franchise films becoming a ticket to success in 2024, Ajay Devgn has lined up two sequels this year. Director Raj Kumar Gupta’s Raid 2 is set to release on May 1, coinciding with Maharashtra Day. The film sees Devgn reprise his role as IRS officer Amay Patnaik, who conducts another high-stakes income tax raid. The cast includes Riteish Deshmukh, Vaani Kapoor, and Rajat Kapoor. The superstar also has the rom-com, De De Pyaar De 2, in which he reunites with his Shaitaan (2024) co-star R Madhavan.
Housefull 5
A new year, and there is a new instalment of Housefull. Housefull 5, led by Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh, comes five years after the last instalment. Tarun Mansukhani’s directorial venture promises to have everything you expect from the franchise—read an ensemble cast, a gag a minute and a wafer-thin plot. This one, also starring Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, Jacqueliene Fernandez, and Nargis Fakhri, is largely set on a
luxury cruise.
Chhaava
After Sardar Udham (2021) and Sam Bahadur (2023), Vicky Kaushal leads his third biopic, this time playing Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Based on the novel Chhava by Shivaji Sawant, Laxman Utekar’s historical drama depicts Sambhaji Maharaj as a fierce warrior who upheld the Maratha legacy during his reign in the 17th century. Rashmika Mandanna portrays Yesubai Bhonsale, Sambhaji’s wife.
Yet-untitled film on C Sankaran Nair
You will definitely not miss Akshay Kumar this year, because the superstar has four releases lined up. This Karan Johar production, based on Indian lawyer and statesman C Sankaran Nair, chronicles how the lawyer challenged the British empire to acknowledge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Directed by Karan Singh Tyagi and also starring Ananya Panday, it is an adaptation of the book, The Case that Shook the Empire. Kumar will also be seen in the Republic Day release, Skyforce, and Jolly LLB 3.
Alpha
A female spy is finally headlining a film in the YRF spy universe. Alia Bhatt joins the on-screen espionage world that is populated by Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif. Joining Bhatt in Shiv Rawail’s directorial venture is Sharvari, who caught people’s attention with Munjya last year. Alpha is scheduled for a Christmas 2025 release.
War 2
Two of the most popular superstars of the current crop, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR are set to battle it out in the Independence Day release, War 2. Roshan returns as Kabir, the R&AW agent who went rogue in the 2019 blockbuster, War. The sequel to the spy thriller comes with new faces in front of and behind the camera. While RRR (2022) star Jr NTR makes his highly anticipated Bollywood debut, director Ayan Mukerji takes the directorial baton from Siddharth Anand. Added to the mix are Kiara Advani, and a potential crossover with Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and Salman Khan’s Tiger.
Thug Life
In June, we’ll witness the reunion of two icons. More than 35 years after they first collaborated on Nayakan (1987), superstar Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam have reunited for Thug Life. The Tamil gangster action drama features a pan-India cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Pankaj Tripathi, Sanya Malhotra, Ali Fazal and Rohit Saraf. To top it all, Oscar winner AR Rahman, who composed for Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2, has lent the score for the upcoming film.
Deva
Following his romantic turn in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya last year, Shahid Kapoor is in the mood for mayhem. He turns a no-nonsense cop in the January release, Deva. Expect high-octane action sequences and a rising body count in this action thriller that sees Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews foraying into Hindi cinema.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari
It’s the year of Varun Dhawan’s return to the romance genre. In April, the actor will bring Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, also starring Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra and Rohit Saraf. It reunites Varun with his Dulhania franchise director Shashank Khaitan. He will follow it up with Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, marking his fourth collaboration with director-father David Dhawan.
Lahore 1947
Lahore 1947 is a case of something old and something new. While the period drama marks the fourth collaboration between actor Sunny Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi, it marks the maiden union of the leading man with producer Aamir Khan. Also starring Preity Zinta, the film explores the emotional and physical journey of people caught in the turmoil of the Partition.
We are in such a great time in Indian cinema when films are being led by women-Kubbra Sait
8:19 AM
Jaspreet Nijher (BOMBAY TIMES; April 17, 2024)
Kubbra Sait has a professional rule, she doesn’t limit herself to projects based on their platform or commercial standing. “I allow life and profession to surprise me,” says the actress.
In Amritsar some time back, speaking to us Kubbra said, “For 14 years I have been visiting The Golden Temple, Amritsar with the same friend.” She added, “When I moved to Mumbai in 2010, I had heard about a friend’s experience of The Golden Temple, and how humbling it is. I also queue up with the others for darshan. It is that part of the year when I give time to my faith. Of course, the food in Amritsar is great! I return with my stomach and heart full.”
Reflecting on her acting journey, Kubbra, who has done Sacred Games and films like Sultan and Gully Boy, says she is not tied to the platform. “Though when you get a good script platform doesn’t matter, the thing with OTT is that in one shot it delivers in 190 countries.”
She added, “In the five years since I became an actor, I’m getting the kind of work I’ve been hungry for. Whether it was my role as Phara Keaen in the Hollywood sci-fi show Foundation, or my next film Deva, an action thriller. As an actor, you keep waiting for good scripts and when you get them, you don’t shy away, no matter if it’s a digital or theatrical release.”
However, Kubbra wishes theatrical films could adapt and borrow from OTT. “In a two-hour theatrical film, the characters will be smaller compared to an 8-hour project on OTT long format,” she said, adding, “If films followed OTT, they could add more contemporary value, but unfortunately the process of filmmaking has remained unchanged.”
Commenting on her body of work she said, “I keep my eyes open and don’t let anyone else run my career. I am very proud of my roles, and accept everything, including criticism. After all, we are in such a great time in Indian cinema when films are being led by women. Kudos to the filmmakers who have the courage to give such films a chance, without underestimating the intellect of our audiences.”
Kubbra Sait joins Shahid Kapoor-starrer action thriller Deva
8:45 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 19, 2023)
Actor Kubbra Sait is all set to perform intense action sequences as she has been roped in for the action thriller Deva, starring actor Shahid Kapoor.
A source exclusively tells us that Sait will play the role of a police officer in the film.
“She will be seen in an intense action role, for which she has started preparing already. The role requires her to do a lot of stunts and action sequences. She has been in training mode for over three months now,” says the source, adding, “She has joined the shoot in Mumbai and is excited to share screen space with Shahid. In fact, she is looking at the role as the start of a new phase in her life.”
The movie revolves around a rebellious police officer essayed by Kapoor, who is investigating a high-profile case. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds himself in a web of betrayal and deceit that leads him to a thrilling and dangerous path.
Not too long ago, Kapoor’s first look from the film was dropped, in which he is seen with a gun in one hand, donning a rugged look. When it comes to Sait, the source mentions that the actor “will be embracing a new look for the part”.
Deva is being directed by filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews, who has helmed a number of Malayalam films. This will be his directorial debut in Hindi cinema. The film also stars Pooja Hegde and is expected to release on Dussehra next year.
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