By NRIGlobe Entertainment Desk
October 13, 2025 | Hyderabad, India

Jr NTR’s Devara: Part 1 has stormed the Telugu box office, rewriting records and cementing its place as a juggernaut in Tollywood’s 2025 lineup. Directed by Koratala Siva and produced by NTR Arts and Yuvasudha Arts, the film has grossed an astounding ₹236 crore in Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Telangana (TG), fully recovering its ₹150 crore theatrical rights across all eight key territories: Nizam, Ceded, Uttar Andhra, East Godavari, West Godavari, Guntur, Krishna, and Nellore. This unprecedented feat places Devara ahead of recent blockbusters like Pushpa 2: The Rule and Kalki 2898 AD, making it a standout in a year of fierce competition.

A Territorial Triumph

Devara’s ability to achieve breakeven in every AP/TG territory is a rare accomplishment in today’s volatile market. The film’s distributor share has surpassed expectations, driven by sustained audience turnout well into its third week. With a global gross nearing ₹500 crore, the AP/TG markets account for nearly half of its collections, underscoring Jr NTR’s unmatched star power and the film’s universal appeal across rural and urban audiences.

The film’s success is rooted in its gripping narrative—a rustic revenge saga infused with high-octane action—and a stellar cast, including Janhvi Kapoor’s captivating Telugu debut and Saif Ali Khan’s chilling portrayal of the antagonist. Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying score and Koratala Siva’s masterful direction have further elevated Devara into a cultural phenomenon, resonating with fans from coastal Andhra to Hyderabad’s multiplexes.

Outperforming the Giants

Devara’s dominance is particularly striking when compared to other Tollywood heavyweights:

• Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024): Allu Arjun’s sequel raked in an impressive ₹323.70 crore share in AP/TG over 23 days, fueled by pan-India buzz and a festive release. However, it fell short of breakeven in East Godavari and West Godavari, where regional preferences leaned toward Devara’s mass appeal. Despite its massive haul, Pushpa 2 couldn’t match Devara’s territorial sweep.
• Kalki 2898 AD (2024): Prabhas’ sci-fi epic, with a colossal ₹600 crore budget, secured breakeven in only three territories—Nizam, Uttar Andhra, and Krishna—while underperforming in Godavari regions and Nellore. Its ₹250 crore AP/TG share leaned heavily on urban centers and the Hindi market, but its complex narrative failed to connect with rural audiences.
• They Call Him OG (2025): Pawan Kalyan’s much-hyped actioner achieved breakeven solely in Nizam, faltering in five territories, including Ceded and Guntur. With a ₹180 crore AP/TG gross, the film struggled with production delays and inconsistent audience reception, paling in comparison to Devara’s robust performance.

Tollywood’s 2025: A Market in Flux

Devara’s triumph arrives amid a dynamic year for Telugu cinema, with Tollywood’s domestic market cap reaching ₹300 crore in 2025, bolstered by major releases but hampered by inconsistent performers. Films like They Call Him OG and upcoming projects grappling with script and VFX hurdles highlight the industry’s challenges, making Devara’s success a beacon of hope.

Trade analyst Priya Venkatesh remarked, “Devara’s clean sweep in AP/TG signals a return to storytelling that resonates with the heartland. It’s not just about star power—it’s about delivering a film that feels personal to every viewer, from village theaters to city plexes.” The film’s extended run, coupled with special Dasara holiday screenings, is expected to push its AP/TG gross even higher.

A Global Milestone in Sight

As Devara eyes a ₹1,000 crore worldwide gross, its domestic dominance sets a new standard for Tollywood’s global ambitions. The film’s success is a testament to Jr NTR’s ability to bridge mass and class audiences, with Koratala Siva’s vision and a stellar supporting cast amplifying its impact. For the NRI Telugu diaspora, Devara is a proud moment, showcasing the industry’s ability to compete with Bollywood and Hollywood on storytelling and scale.

NRIGlobe readers can catch Devara: Part 1 in select international theaters, with streaming expected on major platforms soon. Stay tuned for more updates on Tollywood’s meteoric rise and exclusive insights into Devara’s journey to the top.

NRIGlobe is your premier source for global Telugu entertainment and diaspora news. Follow us at www.nriglobe.com for the latest on cinema, culture, and more.

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