Rishab Shetty’s latest film, Kantara Chapter 1, has stormed the box office, crossing Rs 465 crore in India by its 13th day and beating the lifetime earnings of Vijay’s The GOAT. Released on October 3, 2025, this prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara blends mythology and action, drawing massive crowds across languages and setting new records in Indian cinema.
This achievement comes amid a busy year for South Indian films, with Kantara Chapter 1 standing out for its cultural depth and strong word-of-mouth buzz. Fans praise its portrayal of local traditions, while critics note its edge over big releases like Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 in domestic collections alone.
Strong Start and Steady Growth
The movie kicked off with a bang, pulling in Rs 61.85 crore on its opening day. This set the tone for a record-breaking first week, where it raked in Rs 337.4 crore net in India.
Crowds flocked to theaters, especially in Karnataka and Telugu-speaking regions, thanks to the film’s roots in folklore and high-energy action scenes. Early estimates showed it beating expectations, even in a competitive slot with other major releases.
By the end of week one, the film had already built a solid base. Its appeal spread beyond South India, with Hindi versions gaining traction in the north.
Experts point to smart marketing and the star power of Rishab Shetty, who also directs, as key factors. The film’s themes of divine culture and tribal life resonated deeply, boosting repeat viewings.
Day-Wise Box Office Breakdown
Tracking the film’s performance day by day reveals its impressive momentum. Here is a detailed look at the net collections in India:
- Day 1 (Thursday): Rs 61.85 crore
- Day 2 (Friday): Rs 45.40 crore
- Day 3 (Saturday): Rs 55.00 crore
- Day 4 (Sunday): Rs 63.00 crore
- Day 5 (Monday): Rs 31.50 crore
- Day 6 (Tuesday): Rs 34.25 crore
- Day 7 (Wednesday): Rs 25.25 crore
- Day 8 (Thursday): Rs 21.15 crore
- Day 9 (2nd Friday): Rs 22.00 crore
- Day 10 (2nd Saturday): Rs 39.00 crore
- Day 11 (2nd Sunday): Rs 39.00 crore
- Day 12 (2nd Monday): Rs 13.35 crore
- Day 13 (2nd Tuesday): Rs 13.50 crore (early estimate)
These figures highlight a peak during weekends, with a natural dip on weekdays. The total stands at Rs 465.25 crore net, pushing the worldwide gross past Rs 650 crore.
Beating Big Names in Earnings
Kantara Chapter 1 has outshone several blockbusters. It surpassed Vijay’s The GOAT, which ended at Rs 457 crore worldwide, in just 13 days with Indian earnings alone.
The film is also on track to beat Salman Khan’s Tiger 3 lifetime of Rs 464 crore domestically. Worldwide, it has crossed milestones set by films like Baahubali and Sultan.
| Film | Lifetime Worldwide Gross (Rs Crore) | Kantara Chapter 1 Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| The GOAT | 457 | Surpassed in 13 days (India only) |
| Tiger 3 | 464 | Set to surpass with India earnings |
| Baahubali | 650 (approx.) | Worldwide gross beaten |
| Sultan | 615 (approx.) | Worldwide gross exceeded |
| Brahmastra | 430 (approx.) | First-week worldwide surpassed |
This table shows how the movie stacks up against these hits. Its success marks a shift, with regional stories gaining pan-India appeal.
Compared to 2025 releases, it ranks among the top earners, ahead of films like Jolly LLB 3 and They Call Him OG in daily collections.
Performance Across Languages and Regions
The Kannada version leads with strong showings in home state Karnataka, contributing over Rs 100 crore. Telugu dubs have added significant chunks, nearing Rs 200 crore.
Hindi markets started slow but picked up, crossing Rs 150 crore by day 13. This growth reflects the film’s universal themes, appealing to diverse audiences.
Overseas, it has earned over Rs 100 crore, with solid runs in the US and other markets. Social media buzz, including fan posts and celebrity reactions, has fueled this global reach.
For instance, actress Kangana Ranaut praised the film for highlighting divine cultures, noting its role in cultural preservation.
Cultural Impact and Future Outlook
Beyond numbers, Kantara Chapter 1 sparks talks on tribal traditions and Hinduism’s diversity. Rishab Shetty shared that the script came together quickly, with just a few drafts before shooting.
This efficiency paid off, creating a film that entertains while educating on local deities and folklore. It ties into recent trends where movies like the original Kantara boosted tourism in filming locations.
Looking ahead, the film eyes the Rs 500 crore mark in India soon. With no major competition yet, it could sustain earnings through the month.
Industry watchers predict it might join the elite club of Rs 1000 crore worldwide earners if momentum holds. This would cement Rishab Shetty’s status as a powerhouse in Indian cinema.
What do you think about Kantara Chapter 1’s run? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to fellow movie fans.
