Why 'Demon Slayer' is trending across Indian screens right now

Walk into a theatre this week and you’ll notice something unusual. Rows of young fans in anime T-shirts, some even in cosplay, are lining up for early morning shows of 'Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle'. The excitement isn’t just online, it has spilled into cinemas across the country. So why exactly is 'Demon Slayer' trending so strongly in India right now?

The simplest answer: this is the first time an anime release has been treated like a mainstream blockbuster in India. Unlike past anime films that quietly slipped into a few select theatres, 'Infinity Castle' has arrived with a full-scale release. It is screening in multiple languages—Japanese, English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu—making it accessible to audiences far beyond the metro cities. For many fans, watching their favourite anime on the big screen, in their own language, feels like a cultural landmark.

This wider reach has collided with a fan base that has been steadily growing over the past decade. Young Indians, especially Gen Z, discovered anime during the streaming boom and lockdown years. They bonded over online fan clubs, memes and conventions, building a sense of community. When a global hit like 'Demon Slayer' finally comes to theatres on such a scale, that energy translates into packed screenings and record-breaking pre-sales.

There’s also something about 'Demon Slayer' itself that connects. Beyond its stunning visuals and high-octane action, the story touches on themes of family, resilience and sacrifice—values that resonate strongly with Indian audiences. It offers the emotion and drama of a big-screen spectacle, but with a freshness that many feel is missing from repetitive local releases.

In short, 'Demon Slayer' is trending now in India because anime has finally broken out of its niche. With the film’s grand release and the passion of its young fan base, anime is no longer just a subculture here—it’s becoming a mainstream movement.