By Ayesha Khan 
New Delhi, December 12 EST: Kannada star Darshan Thoogudeepa’s comeback action drama The Devil has registered one of the strongest openings for a regional film this quarter, securing an estimated Rs 10 crore India net on Day 1. The numbers, reported by The Indian Express, Free Press Journal, and other trade trackers, have positioned the film as a commercial force despite the turbulence surrounding its release.
That said, industry analysts are treating the opening as more than just a solid start. As per Koimoi, the film has already managed to recover nearly 50 per cent of its production budget within the first 24 hours, an achievement that is prompting discussions about the resilience of star power in the Kannada market.
A Comeback Shadowed By Controversy, Yet Powered By Fandom
Darshan’s return to the big screen arrives months after he was named in a high-profile criminal investigation. His absence from promotional activities for The Devil was widely viewed as a potential drag on performance. Still, early indicators suggest that offline fan mobilisation, particularly in Karnataka’s urban clusters, worked decisively in the film’s favour.
According to regional updates carried by OneIndia, theatres in Bengaluru and Mysuru witnessed strong occupancy across morning and afternoon shows. Local exhibitors have described the turnout as an assertion of Darshan’s enduring appeal, especially among mass circuits that traditionally power his releases.
As it turns out, this audience response has also outweighed lukewarm pockets in Mangaluru and coastal districts, where exhibitors flagged a relatively weaker opening. Even then, the collective statewide momentum helped the film land comfortably in the double-digit zone on its first day.
The Economics Behind The Early Success
By industry standards, a Rs 10 crore Day 1 for a Kannada-language action drama counts as a robust opening. Trade reports in The Economic Times note that the film entering the market with double-digit numbers sets a new benchmark for Darshan post-pandemic. It also reflects the expanding revenue potential of Kannada cinema, which has seen periodic spikes through titles like KGF and Kantara.
Still, the budget-recovery narrative gives the Day 1 performance additional heft. According to Koimoi’s reporting, 50 per cent of the production cost was recouped on opening day, suggesting that early distributor risk has already eased. Multiplex programmers say that this differential is likely to encourage more aggressive show allocation through the weekend, especially if family audiences pick up during evening slots.
Critical Response Split, But Commercial Momentum Solid
Initial reviews remain mixed to positive, with much of the praise directed at Darshan’s screen presence and the film’s action choreography. Critics, as flagged by OneIndia, have been less impressed with the screenplay and pacing. Even then, industry analysts emphasise that mass-market actioners tend to be review-resistant on opening weekends.
For now, insiders tracking the film’s performance say that its commercial trajectory will depend heavily on maintaining the footfall surge witnessed on Thursday. With early Day 2 signals emerging through trade portals like Sacnilk, the stability of collections heading into Friday evening will determine whether The Devil can push toward a strong weekend total.
A Market Testing Ground For Star-Driven Cinema
The Devil’s early numbers also feed into a broader industry conversation about the power of individual stardom at a time when regional cinemas are experimenting with new genres and varied storytelling voices. Darshan’s box office strength, even amid limited publicity and ongoing legal scrutiny, is being interpreted as a sign that the Kannada star system remains deeply entrenched.
Industry observers say that if the film crosses its budget within the first weekend, it may reinforce the viability of large-scale action films targeted at single-screen belts and Tier 2 cities. Still, they caution that sustaining momentum through the weekdays will require positive word of mouth, especially in semi-urban markets where the film’s reception has been uneven.
What Comes Next
With Day 2 estimates expected to solidify later today, distributors are watching closely to see whether The Devil can maintain its double-digit pace or settle into a more modest Friday figure. A strong Saturday jump would place the film on track for a Rs 30 crore plus opening weekend, while any softening could signal dependence on fan-driven initial pull rather than mainstream audience expansion.
For now, Darshan’s latest outing stands as a reminder of how regional star vehicles continue to anchor the commercial spine of Indian cinema. The film’s opening has created enough momentum to shape the Kannada box office in the final stretch of the year, even as the industry waits for sustained traction across demographics.
Stay ahead with Hindustan Herald — bringing you trusted news, sharp analysis, and stories that matter across Politics, Business, Technology, Sports, Entertainment, Lifestyle, and more.
Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, and join our Telegram community @hindustanherald for real-time updates.
Covers films, television, streaming, and celebrity culture with a focus on storytelling trends.
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
- Ayesha Khanhttps://hindustanherald.in/authors/ayesha/
