By Ashna Shree

Copyright latestly

It’s not just a movie release, it’s a cultural phenomenon. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Castle has stormed Indian theatres with the kind of fever usually reserved for Bollywood blockbusters or pan-India South hits. In just six days, the film crossed INR 50 crore net collections, what’s even more astonishing is that this is an anime film, a genre once considered niche in India. Today, packed screenings, sold-out shows and fans cheering inside cinema halls prove that anime is no longer just “cartoons for kids” – it’s big-screen spectacle with an emotional punch. Outperforming multiple Hindi releases, including Ajay Devgn’s Son of Sardar 2 and is now on track to surpass Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 4. But what exactly makes Infinity Castle such a runaway success in India? The answer lies in its storytelling, unforgettable characters and battles that blend philosophy with raw scene. ‘Demon Slayer – Infinity Castle’ Beats ‘Suzume’ and ‘Jujutsu Kaisen 0’ With INR 15 Crore, Haruo Sotozaki’s Directorial Becomes Highest-Grossing Anime in India Even Before Release! ‘Infinity Castle’: The Beginning of the Endgame Infinity Castle adapts the famous “Infinity Castle” arc from Koyoharu Gotouge’s best-selling manga. It marks the start of Demon Slayer’s endgame Tanjiro Kamado, his loyal friends Zenitsu and Inosuke, along with the surviving Hashira, descend into Muzan Kibutsuji’s labyrinth-like lair. Here, the strongest demon slayers must face the most terrifying Upper Moons in battles where even plot armour feels unreliable. The tension is relentless, every clash could be a character’s last. The anime makes no promises of survival and that unpredictability grips audiences in a way few franchises manage. Akaza: Upper Moon 3 Demon Stole the Spotlight No conversation about Infinity Castle can begin without mentioning Akaza, the Upper Moon 3 demon who has become one of anime’s most complex antagonists. From the moment he appeared in Mugen Train and took down the beloved Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku, Akaza became the villain fans used to hate. His brutal efficiency, martial arts mastery and chilling ability “Compass Needle,” which allows his fists to lock onto vital points like magnets, made him unforgettable. But what elevates him is not just his strength, it’s his humanity. Before he was Akaza he was Hakuji, a boy born into poverty who only wanted to save his sick father. His life spiralled from tragedy to brief hope a mentor, a fiancee, a chance at peace – before being shattered once again. That despair led him to Muzan, who twisted his grief into demonic rage. Every punch Akaza throws is fuelled not just by bloodlust but by ghosts of a life he lost. Akaza In Infinity Castle, Akaza’s battle against Tanjiro Kamado and Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka is nothing short of breathtaking. Giyu, fighting with a broken Nichirin blade, refuses to back down, proving his worth as a Hashira despite years of self-doubt. Tanjiro, meanwhile, confronts not just Akaza’s fists but the question: what does it mean to be strong? For Akaza, strength is survival. For Tanjiro, strength is sacrifice. Their ideological clash is as intense as their physical one. And then comes the jaw-dropping moment: Akaza survives decapitation, becoming the first demon to regenerate after losing his head. It’s the kind of scene that leaves audiences gasping, proving why Akaza isn’t just a villain, he’s the chaotic force that keeps this saga alive. Zenitsu’s Transformation: From Crybaby to Conqueror If Akaza is the villain stealing scenes, Zenitsu Agatsuma is the hero rewriting his own narrative. Long dismissed as the comic relief crybaby, Zenitsu has been one of the most surprising evolutions in Demon Slayer. In season one, Zenitsu was the boy who cowered at the sight of demons, fainting his way into battle victories. His Thunder Breathing was effective but often undermined by his fear. Many fans loved him for his quirks but never saw him as leading-hero material. Zenitsu Defeats Kaigaku Infinity Castle changes that perception forever. Zenitsu steps into the arena against Kaigaku, who was once his senior fellow student under their master, the former Thunder Hashira Jigoro, turned Upper Moon 6. Kaigaku is powerful, blending Thunder Breathing techniques with his newfound demonic strength. By all logic, Zenitsu should have been overpowered. But this isn’t the same Zenitsu we met at Mt. Natagumo. After grueling Hashira training, Zenitsu has shed his old cowardice. He doesn’t tremble. He doesn’t run. He faces Kaigaku with unshakable resolve, wielding Thunder Breathing’s first form with precision. But what cements his transformation is his creation of a new seventh form, an unprecedented move in Demon Slayer experience. With this original technique, Zenitsu defeats Kaigaku, proving he’s no longer a burden but a warrior who can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Hashira. Tanjiro’s Growth Tanjiro Kamado remains the heart of Demon Slayer. His journey from a kind-hearted charcoal seller to humanity’s beacon of hope has been filled with both triumphs and heartbreak. In Infinity Castle, Tanjiro faces his biggest test yet. Despite mastering Water Breathing and Hinokami Kagura, even awakening the Demon Slayer Mark, he struggles against Akaza’s raw power. At one point, Tanjiro is even knocked unconscious, a reminder of how far he still has to go. Tanjiro Kamado vs Akaza But then comes his breakthrough “Transparent World”. This heightened perception allows Tanjiro to read movements in real-time, turning the tide of battle. It’s a classic shonen power-up, but visually and narratively, it lands beautifully. Transparent World isn’t just about strength, it’s about clarity seeing the enemy, seeing the truth and seeing the path forward. With it, Tanjiro finally beheads Akaza, delivering a cathartic moment that echoes through the theatre. The Tragic Bravery of Shinobu Kocho While Zenitsu and Tanjiro shine with new powers, the Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho delivers a different kind of performance one marked by sacrifice. Known for her poisons and blinding speed, Shinobu has always fought with cunning rather than brute force. Her confrontation with Upper Moon 2, Doma, is one of the most heartbreaking in the film. Despite unleashing her best poisons and moving faster than Doma could track, Shinobu is ultimately outmatched. Her lack of raw strength prevents her from landing the fatal blow, and she falls in battle. Yet, her sacrifice is not in vain. Her determination, ingenuity, and refusal to yield make her death resonate with audiences. She’s remembered not as the weakest Hashira, but as the one who gave everything for her cause. Shinobu Kocho Doma: The Chillingly Monster If Akaza embodies rage and tragedy, Doma embodies something more terrifying indifference. Upper Moon 2 finally steps out of the shadows in Infinity Castle and his ice-based fighting style is as beautiful as it is deadly. Doma treats battle like a game, smiling as he suffocates his opponents, mocking even in the face of Shinobu’s desperate efforts. His regeneration is near-instant, his strength overwhelming, and his attitude infuriating. He is the perfect contrast to Shinobu’s grit, making their fight unforgettable. In many ways, Doma represents the cruel inevitability of the demons’ world strength without conscience, power without purpose. Demon Doma About Giyu Tomioka The Water Hashira Giyu has often been overshadowed by flashier personalities, but in Infinity Castle he proves why he’s worthy of his title. Despite his imposter syndrome, Giyu holds his own against Akaza, fighting half the battle with a broken sword. His quiet determination and resilience win fans over, making him one of the understated heroes of this arc. Giyu Tomioka Why Does the Indian Audience Love ‘Infinity Castle’? So why is Infinity Castle performing like a mainstream blockbuster in India? It all comes down to a few key reasons:: The animation is breathtaking, every fight framed like a Marvel set-piece. From Zenitsu’s glow-up to Akaza’s tragic backstory, audiences connect with the humanity behind the battles. With anime fandom exploding in India, Infinity Castle arrived at the perfect moment. Historic Milestone for Anime in India Infinity Castle is now the second-highest-grossing animated film in India, behind only Mahavatar Narsimha. It has outperformed global animated hits like Frozen 2, Incredibles 2 and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. This milestone cements anime as a mainstream entertainment force in India. Box Office: ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ Creates Havoc, Beats Bollywood Biggies With INR 41 Crore India Net in Just 3 Days! Watch the Trailer of ‘Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba – Infinity Castle’: ‘Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle’ More Than Just a Movie At its core, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is more than sword fights and demons. It’s about resilience in the face of despair, about flawed heroes who rise to the occasion, and villains who remind us that tragedy can twist anyone. Whether you’re cheering for Tanjiro, crying for Shinobu or admiring Akaza, the film leaves you breathless.