Bengaluru, October 7, 2025: Rishab Shetty’s mythological action drama Kantara Chapter 1 has made a thunderous impact at the box office, crossing ₹370 crore globally within its first five days of release. The film, which opened in theatres on October 2, is now positioned to challenge the benchmarks set by some of India’s biggest cinematic hits.
Set in pre-colonial Karnataka, Kantara Chapter 1 explores the origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition through the story of Berme, a tribal warrior fighting for his people’s autonomy. The film stars Rishab Shetty in the lead, alongside Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. Produced by Hombale Films, the prequel expands the universe introduced in the 2022 sleeper hit Kantara.
Kantara: Chapter 1: Box Office Breakdown: Day 5 Snapshot
- India Net Collection: ₹255.75 crore
- India Gross Collection: ₹307 crore
- Overseas Gross: ₹63 crore (approx. $7 million)
- Worldwide Gross: ₹370 crore
These figures place Kantara Chapter 1 ahead of Pushpa: The Rise, which earned ₹350.1 crore globally during its lifetime. The film is now eyeing the ₹407.82 crore mark set by the original Kantara, and fans are watching closely to see if it can eventually rival KGF Chapter 2, which amassed ₹1215 crore worldwide.
The film’s strongest performance has come from Karnataka, where it recorded the biggest weekend opening of the year. Theatre occupancy in cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Tumakuru remained high even on weekdays, with night shows nearing full capacity.
Dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam have also contributed significantly, reflecting the film’s pan-India appeal. The Kannada version, however, continues to dominate, accounting for the bulk of the domestic earnings.
Cultural Roots, Commercial Success – continues its phenomenal run
Kantara Chapter 1 blends folklore, rebellion, and spiritual tradition, offering a narrative that resonates across linguistic and regional boundaries. Its success underscores the growing appetite for culturally rooted storytelling in Indian cinema.
The film’s budget, reportedly ₹125 crore, has already been recovered, with strong returns expected to continue through the second week. Trade analysts suggest that if current trends hold, the film could cross ₹500 crore before its theatrical run concludes.
The film ends with hints of future chapters, suggesting that the Kantara saga is far from over. With audiences embracing the prequel, expectations are high for the next installment.