The highly anticipated film Devara, starring Telugu cinema superstar NTR Jr., has finally hit theaters with tremendous fanfare, and its opening-day box office numbers reflect the massive expectations surrounding the movie. Directed by Koratala Siva and produced by Yuvasudha Arts in collaboration with NTR Arts, the film has achieved a record-breaking opening in both domestic and international markets, solidifying NTR Jr.’s place as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema.
Blockbuster Opening in Key Markets
Devara opened to packed theaters on its release day, with many screenings reportedly sold out in advance across India, particularly in Telugu-speaking regions such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Initial reports suggest that the film has garnered an estimated ₹60-70 crore globally on its first day, placing it among the highest-grossing Indian films of 2024.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where NTR Jr. enjoys an immense fan base, Devara saw an impressive turnout. Early estimates from trade analysts indicate that the film collected around ₹40-45 crore from these two states alone, owing to the widespread anticipation and the strategic release across a large number of screens. In cities like Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, multiplexes and single-screen cinemas reported houseful shows throughout the day. Many theaters even scheduled additional screenings to meet the overwhelming demand.
Internationally, Devara also made a significant impact, especially in the U.S., U.K., and Gulf nations, where NTR Jr. commands a strong following among the Indian diaspora. The film reportedly collected over $2-3 million (₹16-24 crore) from overseas markets, showcasing the actor’s growing global appeal following the success of RRR (2022), which brought NTR Jr. widespread recognition internationally.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
The film, which blends action, drama, and historical elements, opened to generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Koratala Siva, known for helming major Telugu blockbusters like Bharat Ane Nenu and Janatha Garage, has once again delivered a gripping narrative, but this time with a more profound socio-political message.
NTR Jr., in particular, has been lauded for his portrayal of the lead character, which marks a return to a more intense and layered performance after the global success of RRR. His strong screen presence and emotional depth in Devarahave been praised, with many considering it one of his best performances to date.
The high-octane action sequences, paired with grandiose sets and visual effects, have also received praise, drawing comparisons with some of the biggest cinematic spectacles produced in recent years. However, some critics noted that while the film’s scale is undeniably grand, certain elements of the storyline could have been more tightly executed.
Despite the mixed critical reviews in some areas, the audience’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among NTR Jr.’s loyal fan base. Social media platforms were flooded with posts and reactions praising the film, with fans celebrating the actor’s performance and the movie’s grandeur. Hashtags related to Devara trended throughout the day, reflecting the excitement and buzz generated by the film’s release.
Economic Impact on the Box Office
The immense success of Devara on its opening day is expected to set the tone for its box office run in the coming days. Given the film’s strong pre-release buzz, industry analysts predict that Devara could easily enter the prestigious ₹100 crore club by the end of its opening weekend, provided it maintains its current momentum.
Its impressive first-day performance has already surpassed that of other major Indian releases this year, signaling a potentially long and profitable run at the box office. With no significant competition in its first week, the film is poised to dominate the box office, especially in South India.
Moreover, the film’s wide release strategy, with Devara being screened across more than 4,000 screens worldwide, has played a crucial role in its box office success. The film’s production and marketing teams employed a well-executed promotional campaign, which built considerable anticipation in the months leading up to its release. The film’s music, composed by the legendary Anirudh Ravichander, also contributed to the hype, with its songs receiving millions of views on streaming platforms even before the movie’s release.
A Key Milestone for NTR Jr. and Telugu Cinema
For NTR Jr., Devara is a pivotal film in his career, coming on the heels of his massive international success with RRR. While RRR elevated him to global stardom, Devara further cements his position as one of the top-tier actors in Indian cinema, particularly in the Telugu film industry. His collaboration with Koratala Siva, who has directed him before in Janatha Garage, has proven to be a winning combination, bringing together their respective talents to create a film that resonates with both the masses and critics alike.
Telugu cinema, often referred to as Tollywood, continues to break new ground with films like Devara, which combine commercial appeal with thought-provoking narratives. The film’s success adds to the growing recognition of South Indian films on the global stage, following in the footsteps of RRR, Pushpa, and KGF. These films have not only expanded the market for Telugu cinema but have also contributed to its growing reputation for high-quality storytelling, impressive production values, and strong performances.
Conclusion: Devara’s Strong Start
Devara’s opening day box office performance highlights the continued rise of NTR Jr. as a leading figure in Indian cinema. With an estimated ₹60-70 crore in collections, the film has already made its mark as a blockbuster, and the coming days will likely see these numbers grow as word-of-mouth and fan excitement continue to drive ticket sales.
The film’s early success underscores the importance of strategic marketing, star power, and a strong cinematic experience in driving box office numbers. If Devara maintains its momentum, it could become one of the highest-grossing Telugu films of all time, further solidifying NTR Jr.’s legacy in the industry