All eyes on 'Devil': Darshan's big release arrives while the star remains in jail

As Darshan stays behind bars in the Renukaswamy murder case, the success of Devil becomes crucial for his career, the producers, and the actor’s massive fan base.

Kannada superstar Darshan’s latest film Devil has arrived in cinemas under extraordinary circumstances, with the actor lodged in Parappana Agrahara Jail as an accused in the Renukaswamy murder case. For both the makers and the star, the film’s outcome carries unusual weight.

When Darshan was first taken into custody during the investigation, the shoot of Devil was still underway. After securing bail from the High Court, he returned to complete the project within four to five months, reportedly working through severe back pain to finish the film without delay. However, the Supreme Court later cancelled his bail, resulting in his return to jail just weeks before release.

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Despite these complications, Devil has entered theatres with high expectations. Darshan commands one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in Kannada cinema, and their early response has been overwhelming. The film has already crossed ₹3.5 crore in advance bookings, a sign of strong initial momentum.

Industry observers believe the first few days are certain to be driven by his fans, who are treating the film’s release as a mission to support their hero during a difficult phase. But the real test begins once the initial hype slows. The film’s long-term performance hinges on regular viewers and families choosing to watch it. Only if the film appeals to the broader audience can it deliver the big success that the makers are hoping for.

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For Darshan, the stakes are unusually high. With his legal future still uncertain and the court’s verdict yet to come, a box-office failure would be a significant professional setback. Many in the industry see Devil as a film that could breathe new life into his career. A strong run would not only help recover the heavy investments made by the producers, many of whom raised funds through loans, but also reinforce his standing as a bankable star.

Fans, meanwhile, are determined to push the film to victory, seeing it as their contribution during a turbulent period in the actor’s life. Whether Devil can convert early buzz into sustained success will become clear in the coming days, making this one of the most closely watched releases of the year.

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