Demon Slayer Infinity Castle Opens Strong At India Box Office With ₹13 Crore

The world of anime has long held a loyal fan base in India, but rarely has it commanded the kind of mainstream attention it is receiving today. With the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Indian theaters witnessed a remarkable first-day box office collection of ₹13 crore. This staggering number not only positions the film as one of the biggest anime openings ever in India but also outshines nearly every Hollywood release of 2025—falling behind only two. The debut signals a cultural and commercial shift, where anime no longer caters to a niche audience but emerges as a powerful player in India’s entertainment industry.

Box Office Day 1 Numbers: A Breakthrough

On its opening day, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle collected ₹13 crore in India, a figure few expected for a Japanese anime release. For context, several Hollywood blockbusters struggled to cross the ₹10 crore mark this year, despite heavy marketing and franchise legacies. The film’s performance puts it ahead of nearly all Western counterparts, except for two tentpole films, showcasing anime’s ability to compete head-to-head with Hollywood in Indian cinemas.

We previously analyzed how global films find resonance in Indian markets.

Why Anime Is Becoming a Box Office Force in India

The success of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle did not happen in isolation. Anime has been steadily building an audience in India, thanks to:

• OTT Platforms making anime widely accessible to younger viewers.
• Fan Culture that thrives on cosplay, conventions, and digital communities.
• Cinematic Scale of anime films, which increasingly rival Hollywood in visuals and storytelling.
• Youth Demographics, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who are driving demand for global cultural content.

Our report on anime’s rise in India highlighted how fandom is transitioning into mainstream cinema revenue.

Comparing With Hollywood’s Big Releases

Hollywood’s dominance in India has traditionally been unchallenged, especially with franchises like Marvel, DC, and Fast & Furious. Yet, Demon Slayer’s ₹13 crore opening shows that global audiences are diversifying. Outperforming nearly every Hollywood release this year except two is not just a commercial feat but also a cultural statement. It suggests Indian audiences are ready to embrace stories that do not necessarily originate from Hollywood or Bollywood.

In our earlier feature on changing audience preferences, we documented how non-traditional genres are finding mass acceptance.

Audience Reactions: From Social Media To Theatres

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram were flooded with reactions after the first shows. Fans praised the visuals, emotional depth, and fidelity to the original manga series. Hashtags like #InfinityCastle and #DemonSlayerIndia trended throughout the day. Outside multiplexes, fans turned up in cosplay, further underlining the cultural celebration.

Challenges And Opportunities Ahead

While the Day 1 numbers are promising, sustaining momentum will be key. Factors such as:

• Word-of-mouth reviews,
• Weekend footfall in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities,
• Competition from Bollywood and regional cinema releases,

will decide whether Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle can maintain its streak. If the film crosses ₹50–60 crore in its first week, it could set an unprecedented benchmark for anime films in India.

The Bigger Picture: A Cultural Shift

The opening of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle at ₹13 crore is not just about numbers—it represents a cultural transformation. For decades, anime was sidelined as “kids’ content” or “niche viewing.” Now, it is commanding theatrical revenue comparable to Hollywood, proving that India’s entertainment landscape is changing. If this trend continues, anime may soon establish itself as a permanent fixture in Indian box office discussions.

Conclusion

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’s explosive debut is a watershed moment for anime in India. Its ₹13 crore collection reflects both the strength of its storytelling and the growing appetite of Indian audiences for diverse cinematic experiences. More than just a film, it signals the rise of anime as a mainstream cultural and commercial force in the country.