Anime in India is no longer just an underground passion. With the release of Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the genre is smashing into the mainstream in unprecedented fashion. The film, set to release on September 12, has already grossed over Rs 30 crore in advance bookings, creating history for anime releases in the country.

What makes this success groundbreaking is the scale. Theatres across India rolled out 5 am screenings to cater to fan demand, with tickets selling out within hours despite premium pricing that exceeded many Bollywood and Hollywood blockbusters. The film is opening on 750+ screens, the widest-ever release for an anime film in India.

This surge is part of a growing trend. Earlier titles like Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (2021), Jujutsu Kaisen (2022), and Suzume (2023) proved there was a theatrical market, each earning between Rs 8–12 crore despite limited releases. But Infinity Castle is poised to shatter those benchmarks entirely, setting a new precedent for anime in India.

Beyond the box office, the rise of anime in India is fueled by community and culture. Cosplay conventions, watch parties, and fandom-driven celebrations have turned screenings into mini-festivals. Fans dress up as their favorite characters, cheer during battle sequences, and make the experience communal rather than solitary.

If Mugen Train opened the door in 2021, Infinity Castle is blowing the gates wide open. Its success signals a clear message: anime is serious business in India, deserving of more screens, better showtimes, and stronger marketing strategies. With Infinity Castle leading the charge, the next big wave in Indian pop culture could very well come straight from Japan.