Devara – Part 1, one of the most awaited films of 2024, finally hit theaters on September 27, 2024. Directed by Koratala Siva and starring Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, the film is an action-packed saga set in the backdrop of coastal conflicts and power struggles. The hype around Devara was immense, as it marks Jr NTR’s return after his globally successful stint in RRR. Given the massive pre-release buzz and strong advance bookings, all eyes were on how the movie would fare on its opening day at the box office.
Budget and Pre-Release Buzz
The production budget of Devara – Part 1 is estimated at ₹300 crore, making it one of the most expensive Telugu films in recent times. The film was extensively promoted across multiple platforms, with fans eagerly awaiting its release. Jr NTR’s collaboration with Koratala Siva, who previously delivered hits like Bharat Ane Nenu, added to the excitement. The involvement of Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan and the promising debut of Janhvi Kapoor in Telugu cinema further heightened anticipation. Pre-release bookings saw over 10 lakh tickets sold in India alone, promising a massive opening day collection.
Devara Box Office Collection Day 1 Worldwide
Devara – Part 1 had a spectacular start at the box office, grossing an estimated ₹131-137 crore worldwide on its opening day. In India, the film earned approximately ₹90-95 crore, with a stronghold in the Telugu-speaking states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it collected ₹65-70 crore. Other regions such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of North India contributed around ₹11-12 crore.
| Region | Day 1 Gross (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | 65-70 |
| Karnataka | 10 |
| Tamil Nadu & Kerala | 11-12 |
| North India | 7-8 |
| Overseas | 45 |
| Total Worldwide | 131-137 |
Internationally, Devara performed exceptionally well, earning ₹45 crore from overseas markets. The film saw strong openings in key markets like the United States, the Gulf countries, and Australia, where Jr NTR’s popularity has surged post-RRR. These overseas collections played a significant role in making Devara one of the highest-grossing Indian films on Day 1 in 2024.
Hit or Flop Verdict
For a film like Devara – Part 1, with a budget of ₹300 crore, a strong Day 1 performance was crucial to ensure its financial success. With a worldwide gross of ₹131-137 crore, the film has already covered a substantial part of its production costs on its opening day, making it a potential hit. If the film maintains its momentum over the next few days and sustains strong weekend collections, it is well on its way to being a major box office success.
Jr NTR’s star power, combined with Koratala Siva’s direction and high production value, has ensured that Devara delivers on the massive expectations placed on it. As the movie continues to generate positive buzz, industry experts predict that Devara could become one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.
Reasons for Devara’s Success
One of the primary factors behind Devara’s success is the star power of Jr NTR. Post-RRR, his fanbase has expanded not only in India but also globally. His performance in Devara has been praised for its intensity, and the character’s larger-than-life persona resonates with the audience. The addition of Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist has also helped widen the movie’s appeal.
The film’s production values have set it apart from regular action films. With breathtaking action sequences, top-tier visual effects, and a gripping storyline, Devara stands as a visually stunning film that offers audiences a cinematic experience worth watching on the big screen. The coastal backdrop, power struggles, and dynamic action scenes add to its mass appeal.
Another key factor is the strategic timing of the release. Releasing during a festive period, Devara has taken full advantage of the holiday season, ensuring higher footfall in theaters. The combination of festive excitement, a star-studded cast, and high expectations helped boost the Day 1 box office collections.
Challenges Ahead
While Devara has opened to massive numbers, the real test will be whether it can sustain its momentum. The film faces competition from other regional and Bollywood films, as well as Hollywood releases in the coming weeks. Maintaining strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews will be key to ensuring a steady box office run. Additionally, the film’s high budget means that it must continue performing well in its second and third weeks to be a blockbuster success.
Conclusion
Devara – Part 1 has made a thunderous entry into the box office with an opening day collection of ₹131-137 crore worldwide, setting it up as a strong contender for one of the highest-grossing films of 2024. With its engaging storyline, stellar performances, and Jr NTR’s star power, the film has managed to capture the attention of audiences globally. As it continues its box office run, Devara looks poised to become another feather in Jr NTR’s cap and a significant milestone in Telugu cinema.
