Actor credits audience for the warm reception as fans praise his breakout role in the supernatural drama

It’s official — Devika & Danny is picking up steam on Jio Hotstar, and the buzz has found its way to the heart of actor Shiva Kandukuri, who’s winning praise for his shift in tone and charm-packed performance. For someone who’s mostly played it low-key on the big screen, this one feels different.

The web series may have been headlined by Ritu Varma, but it’s Shiva’s surprise entry that’s got everyone talking — and the actor isn’t taking any of it for granted.

Streaming surprise finds its spotlight

The series quietly dropped on Jio Hotstar without the overhyped trailers or aggressive promo blitz. But it’s not staying quiet anymore. Viewership is growing, and word-of-mouth is turning into steady buzz.

For context, Devika & Danny isn’t your regular rom-com. It’s part-mystery, part-mythology, with a love story involving a spirit at its core. Bold concept? Yes. Risky? Definitely. But it’s working.

Ritu Varma, already known for her naturalistic performances since Pelli Choopulu, plays Devika. Her shift to OTT feels organic, but it’s Shiva Kandukuri’s role as Subbu — introduced midway — that caught viewers by surprise.

Shiva Kandukuri’s pivot: From subtle to scene-stealer

Until now, Shiva had mostly stuck to softer, more restrained characters. His thriller Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Narayana was appreciated in niche circles, but it didn’t quite blow up. This time, it feels different.

His role in Devika & Danny is quirky and confident, laced with emotional undertones that somehow feel both new and familiar. It’s not an easy mix.

One scene in particular — where he confronts Devika about her spectral connection — has become a mini-viral moment across fan accounts on social media.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Grateful to see all the love coming in for our #DevikaAndDanny! Thank you to every one of you and the media for taking the time out to watch it and all the kind words ❤️ Enjoyed being Subbu & making this alongside some wonderful people.”

It’s the kind of post that feels honest, not rehearsed. And fans are responding.

What makes Devika & Danny click?

So, what’s making this show stand out in a crowded OTT space filled with cookie-cutter thrillers and over-the-top dramas?

• The concept is fresh — a love story tangled with supernatural mythology
• Characters feel grounded, not performative
• The chemistry between Ritu and Shiva is unforced and warm
• Clever writing blends fantasy with reality without going full cliché

Another factor: timing. With several Telugu-language series like Brinda, Vikkatakavi, and Paruvu releasing back-to-back, Devika & Danny arrived just as viewers were craving something different.

Audience reactions tell the full story

Audience response, especially in regional circles, has been steadily positive. Social media mentions have shot up in the last week since release.

Here’s a quick snapshot of audience reactions, based on mentions, shares, and sentiment analysis from Jio Hotstar and X:

That’s a net-positive score for a debut OTT show — a strong sign for future renewal discussions.

Ritu Varma holds her own — and then some

While Shiva is stealing attention now, that’s not to say Ritu is playing second fiddle. If anything, her portrayal of Devika is getting the kind of nuanced appreciation that serious actors dream of.

In a show where she could’ve easily played it dramatic or glossy, she stays understated and warm. There’s a moment where she silently watches her reflection, caught between the life she’s supposed to lead and the one she’s drawn to — no dialogues, just expression. It hits home.

Critics have pointed out her chemistry with Shiva as one of the series’ emotional anchors.

And her choice to debut digitally with this project? Smart move.

What’s next for Shiva?

This success isn’t a fluke. Shiva has already wrapped two upcoming theatrical films. Industry insiders say one’s a rom-com, the other a gritty drama. He’s clearly not boxing himself into one genre.

What’s changed is how he’s being perceived now — not as just “that guy from a few indie Telugu films,” but as someone audiences are beginning to root for.

That’s a shift you can’t force. It happens when the right role meets the right time. And Devika & Danny seems to be that moment.

He’s not ditching the big screen, though. He’s said in interviews that OTT is “a space to experiment, not replace cinema.” But he’s more open now. More relaxed. And that’s good news for casting directors and fans alike.

Devika & Danny may not have come in with huge expectations, but it’s walking out with real momentum. And for Shiva Kandukuri, that means the screen — big or small — is finally starting to feel like home.