Rishab Shetty’s latest film, Kantara Chapter 1, has smashed box office records by crossing ₹400 crore worldwide just six days after its release. This Kannada action drama, a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, continues to draw massive crowds in India and abroad, beating several big titles and setting new benchmarks for regional cinema.
Strong Start and Steady Growth
The film opened on October 2, 2025, with a bang, collecting over ₹89 crore worldwide on its first day alone. This made it one of the biggest openers for a Kannada movie ever. Positive word of mouth and glowing reviews have kept the momentum going, even on weekdays.
In India, the movie earned ₹290.25 crore net by day six, which translates to about ₹348 crore gross. Overseas markets added another boost, with collections topping $7 million in key areas like the United States and Europe. This rapid rise shows how the film’s mix of mythology, action, and cultural themes resonates with audiences everywhere.
Experts point to discounted tickets on Tuesday as a key factor in the day’s 6 percent growth. Many theaters reported full houses, especially in Karnataka and Hindi speaking regions.
Breaking Records and Comparisons
Kantara Chapter 1 has already overtaken the lifetime earnings of its predecessor, the original Kantara, which made ₹408 crore worldwide in 2022. It now ranks as the second highest grossing Kannada film of all time, trailing only KGF Chapter 2 at ₹1,250 crore.
The movie has also surpassed other recent hits. For instance, it beat Kamal Haasan’s Vikram (₹413 crore) and the Bollywood comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (₹411 crore). If the trend holds, it could challenge even bigger films like War 2 or Coolie in the coming weeks.
Here is a quick look at how Kantara Chapter 1 stacks up against some top earners:
| Film | Worldwide Collection (₹ Crore) | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| KGF Chapter 2 | 1,250 | 2022 |
| Kantara Chapter 1 | 414 (as of day 6) | 2025 |
| Original Kantara | 408 | 2022 |
| Vikram | 413 | 2022 |
| Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 | 411 | 2025 |
This table highlights the film’s quick climb in just one week.
Performance Across Regions
Domestically, the Kannada and Hindi versions lead the charge, pulling in strong numbers from southern states and northern cities. Karnataka alone contributed over ₹150 crore in the first six days, thanks to packed screenings and repeat viewers.
Overseas, the United States has been a hotspot, with advance sales crossing $21,000 even before release. Other markets like the United Kingdom and Australia show steady interest, driven by the Indian diaspora. However, the film has not matched the explosive overseas success of pan Indian blockbusters like RRR, which crossed $100 million globally.
Analysts predict the movie could hit ₹1,000 crore worldwide if it maintains this pace through the second week. Factors like upcoming festivals and no major competing releases might help.
One challenge could be weekday drops, but so far, the film has only seen a 50 percent fall on Monday, which bounced back quickly.
Story and Cast Driving Success
Directed and written by Rishab Shetty, who also stars as the lead, Kantara Chapter 1 is set a thousand years before the events of the first film. It explores themes of land, tradition, and divine intervention in a fictional kingdom facing invasion.
The cast includes Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead, along with Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles. Critics praise the stunning visuals, powerful soundtrack by Ajaneesh Loknath, and Shetty’s intense performance. Fans love the climax, often calling it a goosebumps moment that ties into Kannada folklore.
This success builds on Shetty’s journey from small roles to stardom. His previous work, including supplying water cans early in his career, adds an inspiring rags to riches angle.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
Looking ahead, the film is on track to enter the elite ₹500 crore club by the end of its first week. With positive buzz and minimal competition, it might even become the first Indian film of 2025 to reach ₹1,000 crore.
This achievement boosts Kannada cinema’s profile, following hits like KGF and the original Kantara. It proves that strong storytelling can compete with big budget Bollywood or Tollywood productions.
Industry watchers note how the movie’s cultural roots have sparked discussions on social media, with posts praising its authentic portrayal of traditions.
What do you think of Kantara Chapter 1’s box office run? Share your thoughts in the comments below and spread the word to your friends.
