Kannada superstar Darshan’s upcoming film The Devil has created a storm at the box office even before release. According to Karnataka Talkies, advance bookings for Day 1 have already crossed the ₹7.1 crore mark, making it one of the most anticipated Sandalwood films of 2025. The figure reflects the extraordinary excitement among fans across Karnataka, with theatres reporting packed shows for the opening day.
The film’s pre‑release momentum is evident in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and other major centres where tickets are selling out rapidly. Premium morning shows and special fan screenings have been priced higher than usual, yet demand remains strong. With over two lakh tickets already sold, distributors and exhibitors are preparing for record footfalls, ensuring additional screens and extended show timings to meet the surge.
Directed by Prakash Veer, The Devil promises a gripping mix of action, drama, and emotion. Darshan plays a layered role that highlights his versatility, supported by a strong ensemble cast including Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, and Sharmiela Mandre. Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath has further amplified the buzz, with songs and background score already trending among fans.
Despite ongoing controversies surrounding Darshan, the film has managed to sustain its hype thanks to the completion of shooting and dubbing well in advance. Industry experts predict that with ₹7.1 crore already secured in advance sales, The Devil could emerge as one of the biggest Kannada openers of the year, setting a new benchmark for Sandalwood releases in 2025.
