Rishab Shetty’s directorial extravaganza, Kantara: Chapter 1, stormed the Indian film sector, creating record-breaking box office figures and surpassing a number of big Bollywood and Tollywood films. Released on October 2, 2025, during the festive season of Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, the movie has become a milestone victory in Kannada cinema.
Box Office Triumph
In only four days, Kantara Chapter 1 has collected a whopping ₹335 crore globally, becoming the year’s highest-grossing Kannada film and the second-quickest Sandalwood film to reach the ₹300 crore mark. At home, the movie has collected ₹223.25 crore, with Sunday collections reaching an impressive ₹61.85 crore, more than the opening weekend collections of megahit films such as KGF Chapter 1.
Globally, the film collected more than ₹22 crore ($2.5 million) in two days, indicating its international popularity. Dubbed copies in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam also helped its outstanding global performance.
Record-Breaking Success
- Kantara: Chapter 1 broke several box office records:
- Highest First-Day Collection of 2025: ₹61.85 crore, with more than 1.28 million tickets sold.
- Overwhelmed: KGF Chapter 1 surpassed its lifetime collection on Day 4 alone.
- Largest Weekend Opening of the Year: ₹335 crore global gross.
Performed Better Than Other Big 2025 Releases: Beat Bollywood’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (₹30 crore in 4 days) and Tollywood’s Idli Kadai (₹40 crore), establishing its strength across sectors.
Audience Reception and Critical Acclaim
The movie has received widespread acclaim for its engrossing narrative, strong performances, and stunning visuals. Its mix of mythology, action, and local cultural themes has struck a chord with audiences everywhere. Word-of-mouth referral has been a key driver in continuing to fuel its box office success, turning it into a crowd-puller.
Veteran actor Anupam Kher praised the movie, declaring that it left him and his family “speechless,” pointing to its emotional and cultural resonance. Critics have also praised Shetty’s direction, the taut screenplay, and the smooth blend of traditional folklore and high-octane action sequences.
Global Impact
Kantara: Chapter 1 has also caused ripples abroad. With high overseas collections and dubbed releases, the film has proven that regional cinema is capable of competing at a global level and transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. The popularity of the movie across regions indicates increasing acceptability and appreciation for Kannada movies on the global platform.
Looking Ahead: Sequel Buzz
In the wake of Kantara: Chapter 1’s blockbuster success, excitement is already underway for its sequel, Kantara: A Legend—Chapter 2. The franchise’s extension promises to delve further into the rich mythology, cultural setting, and tribal lore established in the opening chapter, setting expectations for another cinematic marvel.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is not only a box office sensation—it is a testament to the growing strength of regional Indian cinema. Through record-breaking performances, beating Bollywood and Tollywood blockbusters, and mesmerizing viewers across the globe, the movie has created a new benchmark for Indian storytelling and cinematic mastery.
