The Devil Breaks All Kannada Records As Fans Storm Advance Booking
Bengaluru is witnessing a storm that has nothing to do with the weather. It is the release wave of The Devil, a high-powered action thriller led by superstar Darshan Thoogudeepa. As soon as advance bookings opened, crowds rushed like it was the first day of a cricket final. The frenzy was so overwhelming that several multiplex servers slowed down, and fan groups outside theatres burst crackers in celebration. Kannada cinema has seen big openings before, but this one is in a league of its own.
The film, directed by Prakash Veer, mixes vengeance, raw emotion and intense action in a story that aims to hit both the heart and the nerves. Darshan plays a brooding, devilish character, and the dark tone of the film has clearly struck a chord with fans. The excitement is not just emotional but also visible in the data pouring in from booking counters across the state.
Below is a deeper look at the wave that has taken over Karnataka.
A Historic Booking Wave Sweeps Karnataka
Sub-points:
● More than 50,000 tickets sold within the first few hours
● Advance revenue touches 2.5 crore rupees
● Breaks previous Kannada records set by Kaatera
● Over 40 full shows in Bengaluru alone on the first day
● Massive fan gatherings reported at key multiplexes
The numbers rolled in faster than analysts could track them. Within hours, The Devil had secured the biggest advance opening in Kannada film history. A manager at a Bengaluru theatre admitted that he had never seen a rush like this before. “People were lining up even before we opened our counter. It felt like a festival morning,” he said with a laugh.
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Makers Forced To Reschedule The Release Date
Sub-points:
● Original release date: December 12
● Shifted to December 11 due to overwhelming demand
● Helps accommodate larger first-day celebrations
● Gives multiplexes more flexibility for extra shows
The unexpected surge forced producers to take a rare decision. They moved the film’s release one day earlier. This might seem like a minor shift, but in the world of movie releases, one day can feel like a lifetime. Producers explained that fans were pushing for early shows, and theatres needed more time slots to handle the pressure.
A member of the production team shared a candid moment: “We wanted fans to enjoy the film without struggling for tickets. The excitement felt too big to contain until December 12.”
Statewide Screen Expansion For Record Crowds
Sub-points:
● 62 venues locked across Karnataka
● 116 shows planned on the first day
● Additional shows expected to be added if demand continues
● Several single screens planning midnight and early morning shows
As the booking charts turned red with full-show indicators, distributors quickly expanded the footprint. Many towns that usually host 4 or 5 shows a day were suddenly prepping for double. Social media videos showed theatre staff adding new showtimes manually on printed posters because digital boards were too slow to update.
Why The Craze Is This Big
Sub-points:
● Darshan returns in a dark, powerful role
● The film’s trailer sparked massive fan theories
● Strong support from rural Karnataka
● High-energy album boosting hype
● Emotional connect with Darshan’s fanbase
Darshan’s fan following has always been loyal, but The Devil seems to have added an extra layer of anticipation. The trailer showed him in a cold, aggressive avatar, which fans described as “classic Darshan with a darker twist.” The mystery surrounding his character has led to countless fan theories across YouTube and X, increasing engagement further.
A young fan outside a Malleshwaram theatre said, “This feels like the Darshan we grew up watching, but with a newer edge. We want to see him destroy the villains like only he can.”
Industry Observers Call It A Turning Point
Sub-points:
● Kannada cinema witnessing a momentum shift
● Strong indication of rising local star power
● Boost for regional markets after a slow quarter
● Theatre owners expect packed weekend footfall
● Trade analysts predict record-breaking opening weekend
Industry experts believe The Devil could signal a new era for Kannada cinema. With pan-Indian releases dominating headlines lately, this homegrown blockbuster is proving that Karnataka audiences are eager to celebrate local stars with equal enthusiasm.
Trade analyst Raghav Sharma commented, “The Devil has cracked something important. It is giving Kannada cinema the confidence it needed at the end of the year. If the film performs well through the weekend, we might see a renewed wave of investment in Sandalwood.”
What To Expect On Release Day
Sub-points:
● Fan processions already being planned
● Theatres preparing security arrangements
● Merchandising stalls expected outside major venues
● Early morning shows may start before sunrise
● Social media buzz likely to spike through the first 48 hours
With celebrations already heating up, release day could look like a mini festival across Karnataka. Bengaluru, Mysuru and Hubballi are preparing for crowded morning scenes, as fan clubs usually arrive with drums, banners and cutouts. The atmosphere is expected to stay electric for at least the first three days.
Final Outlook
The Devil has already entered the record books before its first public screening. If the early response is any indication, the box office is set for an explosive weekend. Fans are calling it Darshan’s biggest comeback moment, theatres are gearing up for large crowds and the industry is watching closely to see just how far the wave will go.
Karnataka loves its mass entertainers, and The Devil seems ready to deliver exactly that.
