Home » Reviews » Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 review: Expect the unexpected from the grandness of Akaza’s Return
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 review: Expect the unexpected from the grandness of Akaza’s Return
While every fight in Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 leaves you impressed, Akaza’s fight with a co-ordinated Tanjiro and Giyu Tomioka is the absolute highlight of the film.
4.0/5
Sep 17, 2025
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle movie 1 aka Akaza's Return
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 Story:
As all the Hashiras fall into the Infinity Castle, they are faced against their past and have to fight to their death. Tanjiro is faced against his old enemy (from Mugen Train) Akaza in the most intense battle you have witnessed yet. This time, he fights the demon along with his mentor Giyu Tomioka. Shinobu Kocho is faced against Douma, while Zenitsu fights his estranged brother, Kaigaku.
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Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 Review:
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 – Akaza’s Return is one of the most awaited movies to exist today, but can it keep up the hype? The answer is a slow but resounding yes! From VFX to a storyline that slowly but steadily grows on you, the movie has everything that is peak Demon Slayer (and more).
The action in Demon Slayer begins almost as instantly as the movie commences. Inosuke's entry is one of the best, given his action.
Douma represents his demon form best as he devours human. Shinobu Kocho catches him doing, and that is when we get to know Kanae's story as promised when Hashira Training Arc had released. The story is about how Kanae died in the arms of Shinobu. She hopes to avenge her sister with Infinity Castle.
The fight we get to witness is the one between Shinobu and Douma. She almost succeeds in killing him, but of course, that was just the beginning of their fight which was about to get interesting. With it, Douma's human side is explored, and it is the exact opposite of what he is as a demon - even if there were hints of his demon self back then, too.
Insect Hashira Shinobu uses some special powers, but unfortunately, it is cut short. The sisters' story is one that makes you emotional. Of course, it is linked to Gyomei's story, who has one of the saddest backstories to exist.
Shinobu resembles hope till the very last moment. Douma, however, holds power. Kanao gets introduced in a sensitive moment. Whether she would carry on the legacy of the sisters or not, is a question the movie answers.
The transition between Shinobu and Zenitsu’s story is an interesting tale told in the movie which just gets started with the moment. Just as Upper Rank Six demon Kaigaku meets Zenitsu, the story shifts to Tanjiro trying to catch up with Giyu Tomioka, who leads us to a new tale. Despite the complicated and fast-paced narrative, it is always the little details in this film that leave you impressed. Ubuyashiki might have sacrificed himself at the hands of Muzan, but it was never without a plan. Owing to that, the Hashiras get stronger even in Muzan's territory.
After the constant back-and-forth, Zenitsu's story finally comes into focus. His backstory with Kaigaku is explored through the same. This is because the two have been compared to one another long before the fight. As expected, this is one of the most interesting fights not only in terms of the past but also the emotions portrayed through the VFX. If redemption had a scene, it is Zenitsu's fight with Kaigaku. The fight shows just how far this 'loser' has come from his first moment in the franchise.
Yushiro vs Murata brings relief after the intense battle. It is, of course, just a breather before the ultimate battle unfolds. It is a hint about Akaza's grand entry. To make matters grander, Muzan's current state is displayed. He, of course, holds power at the moment. Given he has strong opposition Muzan isn't even aware of, there's constant hope. Gyomei and Tokito take charge of helping Doctor Tamayo who is holding Muzan hostage. Of course, Renguko's past self also makes it to the film, but only as a ray of hope.
We finally meet Nezuko, but she's in a sad state. Displaying Tanjiro's growth from his first moment with Giyu is a masterstroke. With it, Akaza's entry is also complete. If you thought that the fights up until now were interesting, this tops them all. Giyu and Tanjiro working together is the best thing that happens to the movie. The fights are on a whole new level. You barely get the time to breathe, let alone blink because the VFX in this battle is something you just wouldn't want to miss. The only disappointing thing about this fight is the dialogue, even if it is an instigation. An interesting detail on Tanjiro's sword is something you cannot miss.
Tanjiro's strategic thinking takes the cake. And just when you think it cannot get better, Giyu makes his re-entry. This time things turn more serious than ever. Giyu unlocks a power we have never seen before, and of course, the VFX in the fights continue to impress. Even bloodshed turns into power - something that is the strength of Demon Slayer.
Although the fights and VFX continue to impress, the slow-mo is something that leaves the opposite kind of impression. Inosuke's advice comes in handy, and at the same time, it provides relief in the midst of the intense fight.
Giyu having Tanjiro's back, while cute, can also feel repetitive and weak. However, they prove why you should not be early to judge - for like always, Giyu and Tanjiro work best together and in sync.
Tanjiro's backstory, that plays an important part to what is coming in the movie, is explored again. The story is about Tanjiro and his father's bonding. It is something that would play an important role soon enough. It is also the comparison between the father and his son's strength while using the same technique.
Once Tanjiro's powers awaken, nothing is like ever before. All three are on a whole new level - something that you have never seen before. The beauty in this battle is literally out of the world.
In the midst of the battle, Tanjiro's stupidity turns out to be a letdown. Just when he was growing as a hero, he looks dumb. As Demon Slayer Infinity Castle goes, expect the unexpected - especially with Akaza.
The demon's backstory as human Hakuji is explored. It is the very story of how a villain is born. It is what defines Akaza of today.
Even the punches in Demon Slayer are strong. Keizo and Akaza's story is funny but inspiring. Koyuki's introduction to the story is sure to pierce through your heart, especially given the parallel stories running. Akaza's training in Soryu Dojo, which is the highlight of his character, also has a backstory and somehow, that also leaves you emotional. With that, we also explore the very moment Hakuji turned into the demon Akaza that we know today.
The way Akaza's story is similar to Rengoku, even in death, is eerie. And just like that, humanity wins the race.
The promise with Kokushibo and Douma, and the other Hashiras all heading out for the ultimate battle, all while Inosuke and the Shinazugawa brothers are themselves, is the ultimate cliffhanger ending this movie could give you. The unseen threat Nakime is, and the ultimate demon Muzan has turned into, all with the music, leave you with goosebumps.
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle movie Part 1 verdict:
Demon Slayer is impressive for various reasons. The story told despite the fast pace, an emotional storyline and obviously, the VFX through the action scenes play a major highlight in the same. This one is definitely worth the hype.
FAQs:
Q. Is season 4 out of Demon Slayer?
A. Yes, Demon Slayer season 4 - Hashira Training Arc is available for streaming on JioHotstar. It can also be accessed via OTTplay Premium.
Q. Is Demon Slayer season 5 out?
A. No, Demon Slayer season 5 - Infinity Castle is not out as a series. The first instalment of the film trilogy, titled Akaza's Return, is out in theatres in Japan and will be released in India on September 12, 2025.
Q. Where can I watch Demon Slayer in India?
A. You can now watch four seasons of Demon Slayer on JioHotstar. The same can be accessed with your OTTplay Premium subscription.
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