October 1, 2025: Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated prequel, Kantara Chapter 1, is gearing up for a grand theatrical release this Dussehra, and early indicators suggest a powerful opening—especially in its home turf of Karnataka. But while the buzz is strong, the film’s pan-India ambitions may face stiff competition from other big-ticket releases.
Kantara Chapter 1 , which explores the origins of the mystical world introduced in the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, has already raked in over ₹12 crore in advance bookings across languages. The Kannada version leads the charge with ₹7.5 crore, while the Hindi version is steadily climbing with ₹2 crore booked ahead of release.
Kantara Chapter 1 Eyes ₹40 Cr Opening
Trade analysts predict a ₹30–40 crore net opening across India, which would place Kantara Chapter 1 ahead of recent Bollywood releases like Saiyaara, Sikandar, and Chhaava. However, it’s unlikely to match the massive openings of pan-India giants like Pawan Kalyan’s OG (₹84 crore) or Rajinikanth’s Coolie (₹65 crore).
Directed and headlined by Shetty himself, the film dives centuries back into folklore, setting the stage for the spiritual and cultural themes that captivated audiences in the original. The cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah, adding depth to the narrative.
Despite the competition, Kantara Chapter 1 is expected to dominate the festive box office in the South, and its simultaneous release in five languages could help it build momentum nationwide.