The Devil Box Office Day 1: Darshan Thoogudeepa’s Action Drama Opens Strong with Rs 10 Crore

Darshan Thoogudeepa’s latest action-packed drama, The Devil, has made a thunderous entry at the box office, raking in Rs 10 crore on its opening day. The film saw a 63.75% occupancy across Karnataka, signaling a strong start for the star’s latest outing.

Box Office Performance and Occupancy

According to Sacnilk reports, the morning shows recorded 60.44% occupancy, afternoons stood at 51.74%, evenings at 63.47%, and night shows peaked at 79.34%. The film’s strong initial response indicates robust audience interest, particularly among Darshan’s fanbase.

Mixed Audience Reactions, Darshan’s Performance Praised

While the film has opened well commercially, audience reactions remain mixed. Some viewers criticized the first half for feeling like a “routine political drama” and noted hurried editing and costume inconsistencies. Certain comedy sequences were also described as forced.

However, Darshan’s portrayal of the antagonist has received widespread acclaim. Fans and critics alike highlighted the stylish elevation of his “Devil” avatar, especially during the interval block, calling it a standout element of the film. One Twitter user noted:

"Boss entry d acting antu next level. In Devil Shade he nailed it. As Krishna Vintage Darshan is back."

Others mentioned that the second half dragged slightly and could have benefited from trimming 20 minutes, but agreed that Darshan’s performance carried the film, making it a “feast for Darshan sir fans.”

Cast and Expectations

The Devil cast includes Rachana Rai, Mahesh Manjrekar, Achyuth Kumar, Sharmiela Mandre along with a number of other actors in significant roles. As there are no major Kannada movies opening in the near future and the audience praising Darshan's acting, the movie is anticipated to keep performing well at the box office.