The highly anticipated film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle, made a spectacular debut in India on September 12, 2025, utterly dominating the box office. It not only achieved the biggest opening weekend for any anime or animated film ever but also surpassed the lifetime earnings of all previous anime films in India on its very first day.
This phenomenal success also positions it as the second-highest-grossing international film for any weekend in 2025. Cumulatively, the movie has grossed an impressive Rs 38.93 crore (with a nett collection of 27.45 crore). Its opening day alone brought in a massive 12.25 crore nett (14.95 crore gross).
Historically, anime films in India saw their widest distribution across approximately 120 cities. However, Demon Slayer shattered this precedent, releasing in nearly 600 cities—introducing anime to theatrical audiences in almost 480 new locations nationwide.
A key factor in its widespread appeal was its availability in multiple languages, including Japanese, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and English. This inclusive approach ensured that both passionate anime enthusiasts and general moviegoers could enjoy the film. Initially, over 750 screens across India were allocated when tickets first went on sale a week before the premiere. Due to overwhelming demand, Sony Pictures Releasing International, the film’s distributors, rapidly expanded its theatrical footprint to more than 1900 screens.
Multiplexes enthusiastically responded to this unprecedented demand by offering round-the-clock screenings, even scheduling 5:00 AM shows—a truly remarkable event for any film in 2025.
In a groundbreaking strategic move, Demon Slayer successfully penetrated smaller cinemas and single-screen theaters in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities—regions typically unaccustomed to programming anime or animated features. Recognizing the latent demand, Sony Pictures and Crunchyroll proactively encouraged these smaller exhibitors to showcase the film.
Ultimately, Demon Slayer has moved beyond its dedicated fan base, establishing itself as a significant mainstream entertainment phenomenon for Indian audiences. This achievement undoubtedly marks a pivotal and historic moment for anime’s presence and popularity in India.