The Devil advance bookings open; shows sold out despite higher ticket rates
Bookings for the 6.30 am shows of Darshan Thoogudeepa’s The Devil opened in single-screen theatres, with multiplexes to be added shortly. The film releases on December 11, 2025
Last Updated: 05.48 PM, Dec 06, 2025
December 6 is when the team of Darshan Thoogudeepa’s The Devil said that advance bookings for the 6.30 am shows on December 11 would be opened. As promised, bookings have begun, albeit in single-screen theatres, with multiplexes to join in later. Ticket prices have been hiked for the morning show, with rates beginning at Rs 400 and going up to Rs 900 for recliner seats. But that hasn’t stopped Darshan’s celebrities, with pretty much every show that’s been opened for online booking either sold out or fast filling.
The Devil: Multiplex bookings to open by December 9
According to the distributors, multiplex bookings will open next week, likely by December 9. The Devil is releasing only with a Kannada version; the team has ruled out dubbing for the theatrical outing. Director-producer Prakash Veer has teamed up with KVN Productions for the distribution of the film. The filmmaker had earlier told OTTplay that they were targeting in the range of 300-400 screens, which would easily give them over 1,200 shows across Karnataka. Should the makers of Akhanda 2 choose to release on December 12, then this equation could change, but there’s no word so far.
The Devil is releasing in Darshan’s absence, the second time in his career so far. His fans, though, are looking at making a celebration of the release and have erected massive cut-outs of the actor at most theatres. The film comes nearly two years after Darshan’s last Kaatera, and is Prakash’s first since his last collaboration with the actor, Tarak. The filmmaker has promised a pucca commercial entertainer and going by the colourful and stylish trailer, the expectation is that fans will not be disappointed.
Also read: The Devil trailer: Darshan goes for style and substance in action-packed mass entertainer
Prakash has not revealed much about the plot of the film, but the trailer has alluded to a power struggle between Mahesh Manjrekar and Achyuth Kumar’s characters. The green and red pills shown are also said to be of vital importance to the narrative, what with Darshan’s character having multiple shades in the film. The makers have confirmed the presence of Rachana Rai, Sharmiela Mandre, Huli Karthik, Gilli Nata, Chandu B Gowda, Vinay Gowda, among others, with some surprises in store for audiences.
The Devil FAQs
Q. What was Darshan Thoogudeepa's last release?
A. Darshan Thoogudeepa was last seen onscreen in 2023's Kaatera , which is available on Z5 (via OTTplay Premium also).
Q. What is Darshan's next film?
A. Darshan's next is The Devil, which has him reuniting with Tarak maker Prakash Veer. The film had been announced as a December 12, 2025 release, but has now been advanced by a day. The film is being released in the actor's absence, as he is currently in jail in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case.
Q. Why is Darshan in jail?
A. Darshan is currently in jail as accused no. 2 in the Renukaswamy murder case. The trial in the case begins in mid-December. The actor is charged as the conspirator who orchestrated Renukaswamy's torture and eventual death, for allegedly sending obscene messages and images to 'good friend' Pavithra Gowda. The actor was arrested during the making of The Devil and later released on bail. During the 8 months that he was out on bail, he completed the shoot of the film, and shortly after, the Supreme Court cancelled his bail and sent him back to jail.