Kantara: Chapter 1, the eagerly-awaited prequel to 2022’s Kannada hit Kantara, has entered the box office in a big way, breaking several records and emerging as one of the most discussed Indian movies this year.
Box Office Triumph
Released on 2 October 2025 in India in Kannada and various dubbed languages, Kantara: Chapter 1 debuted with a whopping ₹60 crore on the opening day. During its opening weekend (four days), the movie made ₹223.25 crore (net, India) and earned ₹325 crore globally—one of the largest openings in Kannada cinematic history. On the fourth day alone, it collected ₹61 crore in the domestic market.
While doing this, the film overpassed several recent hit films’ lifetime collections, such as KGF: Chapter 1, and is now the third-highest grossing Kannada film till date. Regionally too, its domination can be seen — it outboxed OG and Lokah Chapter 1 in most markets.
Creative Team & Cast Backstage
Directed, written, and starring Rishab Shetty, the movie is co-produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films. He is supported in this by Rukmini Vasanth, who also stars in an important role as Kankavati, a warrior princess. In order to play the demanding role, she trained hard in horse riding, sword fighting, and traditional dance in an attempt to infuse her performance with realism and power.
Off-screen, Rishab’s collaborator Pragathi Shetty played an important creative role as the film’s costume designer and supported the film’s grounded visual identity.
Critical Response & Themes
Critics have praised the film’s immersive world-building and mythic themes, although some comment that Chapter 1 relies more on spectacle and visceral intensity than on the subtle, soulful balance of the original. The story probes the origins of Daiva worship in the Tulunadu region, which involves tribal resistance, ritual, nature, and authority.
Industry persons from the film industry—like Prabhas, Yash, Jr. NTR, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga—have openly complimented the movie. Experienced actor Anupam Kher and his family too have been in awe, terming the film as “speechless” in a video that they posted.
Challenges & Digital Buzz
While stage numbers fly high, the producers have issued staunch warnings against piracy following a pirated version going online shortly after release. In the meantime, the original Kantara (2022) has gained popularity again on OTT platforms. The Hindi version of the original is now trending at #4 on Netflix in India, following the success of its sequel.
