Jr NTR’s Devara: Part 1 Prepares for Big Release Amid Mixed Buzz Across India

South Indian superstar Jr NTR is set to make a grand return to the big screen with his highly anticipated film Devara: Part 1, co-starring Janhvi Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. Directed by Koratala Siva, the pan-India film is scheduled to hit theaters on Friday, September 27, and has already generated significant attention in the southern states. However, reports indicate a stark difference in pre-release buzz between southern and northern regions of India.

Strong Southern Buzz vs Low Northern Interest

According to industry experts, the buzz for Devara in southern markets is overwhelmingly positive. Trade analyst Ramesh Bala emphasized the excitement in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, with growing interest in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. However, he pointed out that the northern regions, especially the Hindi-speaking belt, have not shown similar enthusiasm, contrasting with previous pan-India blockbusters like Baahubali, RRR, and Pushpa.

Taran Adarsh, another industry expert, noted that while advance bookings are strong, especially overseas, the Hindi-speaking regions have not witnessed a strong promotional campaign. This lack of effort has contributed to the low-key buzz in North India, affecting the film’s overall visibility in the region.

Promotional Strategies Under Scrutiny

Several experts have pointed out that the promotional strategy for Devara has been more focused on the southern markets, leaving the northern regions underpromoted. Komal Nahta, a trade analyst, criticized the film’s promotional approach, stating that South Indian filmmakers often seek pan-India releases but fail to invest in promotions outside their home markets. He argued that for a film like Devara to make a strong impact in the North, especially in the competitive Hindi market, there needs to be a more aggressive marketing push.

“The kick-start that films get from strong promotions will not happen with Devara as they have completely ignored the rest of India, especially North,” Nahta commented. This, according to experts, could influence the film’s opening performance in non-South regions.

The Digital Release and Post-Theatrical Buzz

In addition to its theatrical release, Devara has already made headlines with its digital rights deal. Reports suggest that Netflix has acquired the film’s streaming rights for a whopping ₹100 crore, though this has yet to be confirmed by the producers. The film is expected to make its digital debut around 50 days after its theatrical release, adding to its long-term viewership potential.

What Lies Ahead for Devara

Despite concerns about the film’s promotional strategy in the North, experts remain optimistic about its performance after the initial release, particularly in the southern states. With a stellar cast, including Saif Ali Khan as the antagonist and Janhvi Kapoor making her debut in Telugu cinema, Devara is set to draw massive crowds in its home markets. However, the film’s success in the Hindi-speaking regions will largely depend on how the post-release buzz and word-of-mouth unfold.

As the release date nears, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see if Devara can replicate the pan-India success of previous southern hits and break through the competitive Bollywood landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates on Devara’s performance and its impact across the Indian film industry!