Overview
- Released on December 11, the film secured nearly 90% of single screens in Karnataka with more than 150 predawn and early-morning shows starting from 6:30 am.
- Advance bookings were strong, with over one lakh tickets sold online on day one of sales and totals crossing two lakh before opening.
- Fans staged large celebrations inside and outside theatres with dancing, flags and towering cut-outs, and police presence was increased at select venues for crowd control.
- Darshan remains lodged in Ballari Central Prison; on December 9 he sent a note via his wife urging supporters to ignore rumours and channel their energy toward the film.
- First-show reactions on social media were mixed, praising Darshan’s screen pull while critiquing the storyline, leaving exhibitors to see whether enthusiasm holds into the weekend.