Kannada cinema has witnessed another blockbuster moment with the release of The Devil, starring Darshan. The film has quickly become one of the most talked‑about releases of 2025, thanks to its strong box office performance. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the movie has managed to attract huge crowds across single screens and multiplexes, proving once again the power of star appeal in the Kannada film industry.
Fastest to ₹20 Crore in Four Days
Within just four days of release, The Devil stormed past the ₹20 crore mark, making it the fastest Kannada film of 2025 to achieve this milestone. Trade analysts noted that the film’s opening weekend collections were boosted by Darshan’s loyal fan base and strong word‑of‑mouth in mass markets.
Strong First Week Performance
By the end of its first week, the film had collected an estimated ₹24.50 crore. This figure placed The Devil among the top Kannada openers of the year. The movie’s ability to sustain collections beyond its opening weekend showed that audiences were willing to overlook its flaws for the sake of entertainment and star power.
Profitable in Just Seven Days
Industry trackers confirmed that the film turned profitable by Day 7, recording a 22% gain despite slight drops in mid‑week collections. This is considered a major achievement, as many films struggle to break even within their first week. The quick turnaround highlights the film’s strong appeal in both urban and rural markets.
Audience Pull Despite Mixed Reviews
Critics were not entirely impressed with The Devil, pointing out that the storyline felt outdated and predictable. However, Darshan’s commanding screen presence and mass‑friendly performance ensured steady footfall. Fans flocked to theatres to watch their star in action, proving that box office success does not always depend on critical acclaim.
The success of The Devil adds to the growing list of Kannada films that are breaking records and expanding their reach. It shows that big‑budget films with strong star power can still dominate the market, even when reviews are mixed. For Darshan, this film further cements his position as one of the most bankable stars in the industry.
As the film continues its run, trade experts believe The Devil could set more records in the coming weeks. For now, it stands as a shining example of how audience loyalty and mass appeal can drive a movie to success, regardless of critical opinion.
