Doraemon: Castle of the Undersea Devil has landed with a splash — Rs 9.25 crore gross in its opening weekend, a strong showing for an anime film in India’s crowded theatrical landscape. The number includes a 45% jump on Day 3, when it pulled in Rs 3.75 crore, suggesting momentum that could carry into the weekdays. That’s not just a win for the franchise. It’s a step up from every previous Doraemon outing in the country. And it did it head-to-head with Drishyam: The Conclusion, a major commercial release. That’s no small feat. So far, so good. But the real test begins now. Can the film hold its audience beyond the weekend? A clean hit hinges on weekday performance, especially as the novelty of the clash fades and competition heats up. The story itself is classic Doraemon: Nobita and friends dive into undersea chaos using futuristic gadgets, stumble upon the lost Mu Federation, and face off against Poseidon, an AI born from Atlantis that wants to end the world. El, a Mu native, joins the team. The Bermuda Triangle becomes a battleground. The stakes are high, but the tone stays true to the series’ blend of whimsy and peril. Whether it sticks around long enough to cross the 10-crore mark will depend on word-of-mouth and repeat viewings. For now, the numbers suggest this isn’t just another animated import. It’s a contender. Next update: Monday morning collections.