The roar from the forests has returned — louder, grander, and more powerful than ever. Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 has become the talk of the nation once again as it continues its dream run at the box office. The mythological action-drama, which serves as a prequel to the 2022 cult phenomenon Kantara, has not only captured the imagination of audiences across India but is also rewriting box office records with each passing day.
According to early trade estimates, Kantara: Chapter 1 has amassed massive earnings within its opening days, putting it well on track to overtake the lifetime total of Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara — a film that recently made waves for its own impressive collection. With its mix of spiritual mysticism, rooted storytelling, and raw emotional power, Kantara: Chapter 1 is proving that regional cinema can once again outshine big-banner Hindi releases at the box office.
A Thundering Start at the Box Office
From the moment the film hit theatres, the response was electric. Early morning shows saw packed audiences, many dressed in traditional attire, echoing chants that mirrored the spirit of the film. Within three days, Kantara: Chapter 1 has reportedly grossed over ₹85 crore worldwide, making it one of the fastest-opening films of the year.
The film’s performance in Karnataka has been nothing short of historic. Screens across Mangaluru, Udupi, Hubballi, and Bengaluru have reported near 100% occupancy, while multiplexes in other southern states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have witnessed remarkable footfall. Even in the Hindi-speaking belt, the dubbed version is performing far better than expected, particularly in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi NCR.
Trade insiders note that Kantara: Chapter 1 has successfully drawn both single-screen and multiplex audiences — a rare feat in today’s market. Its appeal lies in its authenticity, intense storytelling, and Rishab Shetty’s commanding screen presence.
Rishab Shetty’s Vision: A World Rooted in Faith and Fury
Chapter 1 goes deeper into the origin of the divine protector that audiences met in the first film. Rishab Shetty, who also directs and stars in the film, builds a mythic prelude filled with ritual, legacy, and raw human emotion. The film dives into the folklore and cultural ethos of coastal Karnataka — portraying the clash between faith, power, and human greed.
Rishab’s dual role as actor and director is one of the film’s strongest aspects. His performance — primal, restrained, and spiritual — connects deeply with the audience. The screenplay balances mythology with emotion, turning every scene into something larger than life.
From intense forest chases to ritualistic dance sequences, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a cinematic experience that thrives on both grandeur and heart. The music, composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, amplifies the mysticism, while Arvind Kashyap’s cinematography turns the Western Ghats into a living, breathing character.
Audience Craze: From Theatres to Temples
The Kantara phenomenon has transcended cinema — it has become a cultural movement. Fans across Karnataka and Kerala have been performing traditional rituals outside theatres, lighting lamps and offering prayers before showtime.
Videos of audiences dancing to the drum beats from the film’s soundtrack and chanting “Daiva! Daiva!” during end credits have gone viral. For many, Kantara: Chapter 1 isn’t just a film — it’s an emotion tied to identity and tradition.
The connection audiences feel with the film is profound. Its themes of devotion, pride, and justice resonate deeply, particularly among younger viewers rediscovering their cultural roots through cinema.
Box Office Breakdown and Records
As per early trends, Kantara: Chapter 1 has posted extraordinary numbers across multiple markets:
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Day 1 (Friday): ₹32 crore gross worldwide
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Day 2 (Saturday): ₹28 crore
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Day 3 (Sunday): ₹25 crore
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Total (Worldwide): ₹85 crore+ and climbing fast
If the film continues this momentum, it could surpass the ₹100 crore mark within its first week — a monumental achievement for a Kannada-language film with limited marketing compared to mainstream Bollywood productions.
At this pace, Kantara: Chapter 1 is poised to overtake Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara by mid-week, as it already trails that film’s total by a small margin. Industry analysts believe the surge in regional audiences, coupled with strong overseas interest, could push Kantara: Chapter 1 past ₹150 crore in its full theatrical run.
Critical and Public Reception
While box office numbers are soaring, critical reception has also been glowing. Viewers have praised the film’s attention to detail, its depiction of folklore, and Rishab Shetty’s storytelling mastery. Many have called it an “immersive spiritual experience” that bridges the gap between myth and reality.
Audiences highlight the emotional depth and visual intensity of the climax sequence — calling it “one of the most powerful scenes in recent Indian cinema.” The film’s pacing, world-building, and ritual authenticity have all drawn wide appreciation.
The dubbing in Hindi and Telugu has also received positive feedback, helping the film reach a broader audience without losing its rooted essence.
Beyond Box Office: A Cultural Moment
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara franchise has become a shining symbol of India’s regional storytelling renaissance. It’s not just a commercial triumph — it’s a reminder that films grounded in local traditions, dialects, and rituals can achieve global resonance when made with sincerity.
With Chapter 1, Rishab has deepened the universe he first introduced in 2022. The film’s success proves that audiences are hungry for originality and depth, not just formulaic spectacle. It also highlights the growing power of Kannada cinema, which continues to expand its influence across India.
The Road Ahead
If current trends continue, Kantara: Chapter 1 will easily cross the ₹100 crore milestone by the end of its first week. With positive word-of-mouth and repeat audiences, the film has the potential to reach ₹200 crore worldwide, a feat that would cement its place among the highest-grossing South Indian films of the year.
Meanwhile, fans are already buzzing with excitement for Kantara: Chapter 2, which Rishab Shetty has hinted will bring the story full circle. The filmmaker has confirmed that he plans to expand the mythos even further, exploring deeper spiritual and cultural layers of the world he has created.
