Jr NTR’s much-anticipated film Devara made a spectacular debut at the box office, achieving remarkable figures that solidified its position as the second-biggest opening of the year. The film, directed by Koratala Siva and featuring Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, has garnered significant attention and excitement among fans.
Main Points
Box Office Performance
Devara is estimated to have collected between ₹72 to ₹78 crores on its opening day, comfortably surpassing the previous record held by Stree 2, which earned ₹64.80 crores including paid previews. This impressive performance places Devara as the second-largest opener of 2024, following Kalki 2898 AD, which achieved ₹93 crores on its first day.
Regional Breakdown
The film’s success can be attributed to its stronghold in key regions. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh alone, Devara raked in over ₹36 crores from advance bookings. The overall occupancy rate was a staggering 79.56% in Telugu screenings, with Hyderabad contributing significantly to this figure.Here’s a breakdown of the estimated earnings:
| Region | Estimated Earnings (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Telugu States | 68.6 |
| Hindi Regions | 5-6 |
| Tamil Nadu | 3 |
| Other Regions | ~1.8 |
Audience Reception
Despite the high box office numbers, audience reactions have been mixed. While many fans celebrated Jr NTR’s return to the big screen after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus since RRR, critics noted that Devara did not quite match the expectations set by its predecessors. The film’s narrative and pacing received varied reviews, impacting its overall reception.
Competitive Landscape
The release of Devara comes at a time when Stree 2 has been performing exceptionally well at the box office. Since its release on August 15, Stree 2 has become the highest-grossing Hindi film ever, surpassing even Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. As of now, Stree 2 has accumulated around ₹594 crores globally.The competition between these two films is noteworthy as both have strong fan bases and significant star power. Jr NTR’s popularity in the Telugu-speaking states is unparalleled, making him a formidable competitor against Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree 2.
Future Projections
Looking ahead, industry analysts predict that if Devara maintains its momentum over the weekend, it could potentially reach a total collection of ₹80 to ₹90 crores across India by the end of its first week. This would further cement Jr NTR’s status as a leading star in Indian cinema
