The buzz surrounding Devara: Part 1, starring Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, has reached a fever pitch as the film gears up for its worldwide release on September 27, 2024. Directed by Koratala Siva, the film marks Jr NTR’s much-anticipated return to the big screen after the global success of RRR. Given the immense hype, massive screen count, and record-breaking advance bookings, Devara is poised to be one of the biggest box office openers of 2024.
Pre-Sales and Advance Booking Surge
Devara’s pre-sales have set the stage for an explosive opening. In North America, the film has already crossed $2.5 million in pre-sales, a rare feat for an Indian movie, underscoring Jr NTR’s growing international appeal post-RRR. The film has also performed remarkably well in its domestic pre-bookings, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it has sold over 10 lakh tickets. In Hyderabad alone, Devara has generated nearly ₹10 crore in advance bookings.
Internationally, Devara is seeing a strong response in key markets like the Middle East, UK, Australia, and USA, where Indian cinema has a significant fanbase. Pre-sales in these regions are contributing heavily to the film’s projected first-day gross.
Day 1 Box Office Prediction: ₹125-150 Crore Worldwide
Trade analysts predict that Devara could rake in between ₹125-150 crore globally on its first day, setting a new benchmark for Jr NTR and South Indian cinema. Here’s a breakdown of the expected day 1 earnings across different markets:
| Region | Predicted Earnings (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | 65-70 |
| Karnataka | 10 |
| Tamil Nadu & Kerala | 11-12 |
| Rest of India | 5-6 |
| Overseas (USA, UK, Middle East, etc.) | 45 |
| Total Worldwide | 125-150 |
In the domestic market, Devara is expected to dominate the Telugu-speaking states, where Jr NTR enjoys a massive fan following. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone are expected to contribute ₹65-70 crore, with strong showings in Karnataka as well, where the movie could earn an additional ₹10 crore. Other Indian regions, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the North Indian circuits, are projected to add around ₹12 crore.
The overseas market, a key contributor to the film’s revenue, is projected to bring in ₹45 crore, driven by robust demand in the USA and Middle Eastern regions.
Massive Screen Count and Pan-India Appeal
One of the key factors driving Devara’s box office potential is its massive screen count. The film is expected to release across 10,000+ screens worldwide, ensuring a wide reach for audiences. In India, the film is releasing in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, making it a true pan-India film.
Jr NTR’s global fanbase has significantly expanded post-RRR, with international audiences now eagerly awaiting his films. This broader appeal, coupled with the presence of Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor, is expected to draw audiences from both the South and North of India.
In addition to its wide release, Devara’s global premiere at Beyond Fest 2024 in Los Angeles has added to its international appeal, attracting attention from Western critics and fans alike.
Why Devara is Set to Break Records
- Jr NTR’s Post-RRR Stardom: Following the success of RRR, Jr NTR has cemented his position as a pan-India and global star. His portrayal of Komaram Bheem in the SS Rajamouli-directed epic won him accolades worldwide, and Devara is expected to capitalize on this newfound international fame.
- Koratala Siva’s Direction: Known for his ability to blend commercial success with meaningful narratives, Koratala Siva is directing his second collaboration with Jr NTR after the hit Janatha Garage. Devara, set in a coastal backdrop, promises high-octane action, family drama, and intense performances.
- Star-Studded Cast: The film boasts an impressive ensemble, with Saif Ali Khan making his Telugu debut as the antagonist Bhaira, and Janhvi Kapoor playing the female lead. Their presence broadens the film’s appeal across multiple regions.
- Visual Spectacle and Action Sequences: The film’s cinematography by R. Rathnavelu and action choreography are expected to be standout elements. With visually stunning coastal landscapes and intense action sequences, Devara is designed as a visual treat for moviegoers.
- Strong Advance Bookings: Devara’s advance bookings have already set records, particularly in Hyderabad, where ticket sales for Day 1 have crossed ₹9 crore. With this momentum, the film is expected to perform strongly across its first weekend.
Challenges and Competition
While Devara is set for a phenomenal opening, it will face competition from upcoming films, including Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD, which currently holds the record for the biggest opening day gross in 2024. However, Jr NTR’s immense fanbase and the anticipation surrounding Devara are likely to ensure that the film holds its own against other big-budget releases.
Final Thoughts: Devara’s Path to Success
With advance bookings shattering records and the film receiving widespread attention across the globe, Devara is on track to open with a bang. Its expected ₹125-150 crore gross on Day 1 positions it as one of the biggest openings in Indian cinema for 2024. As Jr NTR continues to ride the wave of his RRR success, Devara is set to become yet another milestone in his already illustrious career.
As trade experts predict, Devara could very well surpass expectations and go on to set even bigger records as the weekend progresses.
