The Kannada film industry is witnessing a wave of excitement as Darshan’s latest release, The Devil, stormed into theatres on December 11, 2025. The film, which has been surrounded by intense buzz and anticipation, recorded near sold‑out shows across Karnataka on its opening day. Fans of the “Challenging Star” flocked to cinemas in large numbers, ensuring that the movie’s debut was nothing short of spectacular.
Advance Booking Frenzy
The momentum began days before release, when advance bookings opened on December 8. Within hours, tickets for special morning shows and prime slots were snapped up:
- Premium Tickets: Priced between ₹500–₹900, these were sold out in most single‑screen theatres.
- Regular Shows: Tickets in the ₹200–₹250 range also saw heavy demand, with Bengaluru leading the surge.
- Citywide Craze: BookMyShow listed nearly 250 shows in Bengaluru alone, many of which reported houseful status before release day.
This overwhelming response highlighted Darshan’s enduring popularity and the eagerness of fans to celebrate his latest cinematic outing.
First Day Box Office Performance
Trade analysts estimate that The Devil has collected Approx ₹7 - 8 crore on its opening day, making it one of the biggest Kannada film debuts of 2025. The film’s strong advance bookings, coupled with packed theatres across Karnataka, contributed to this impressive figure.
Key highlights of the first‑day performance:
- Single Screens: Registered maximum occupancy, with fans organizing early morning shows and celebrations.
- Multiplexes: Reported strong turnout, especially in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubballi.
- Fan Celebrations: Several theatres witnessed festive atmospheres, with fans performing rituals, bursting crackers, and cheering Darshan’s entry on screen.
Film Details
- Cast: Darshan, Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar.
- Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
- Genre: Action‑drama with mass appeal.
- Director: Prakash Mandal.
- Release Date: December 11, 2025.
The film’s storyline, coupled with Darshan’s star power, has resonated strongly with audiences, ensuring packed houses across the state.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite the actor’s ongoing legal troubles and absence from promotional events, The Devil has managed to sustain momentum purely on fan loyalty and word‑of‑mouth. However, trade experts caution that sustaining collections beyond the opening weekend will depend on:
- Critical Reception: Reviews and audience feedback in the coming days.
- Competition: Other December releases that may divide audience attention.
- Public Sentiment: The impact of Darshan’s personal controversies on long‑term box office performance.
Darshan’s The Devil has delivered a thunderous opening day at the box office, with tickets nearly sold out across Karnataka. The film’s Approx ₹7 - 8 crore first‑day haul cements Darshan’s position as one of Sandalwood’s most bankable stars. As the weekend approaches, all eyes are on whether The Devil can maintain its fiery momentum and emerge as one of the year’s biggest blockbusters.
