Hey folks, Kannada cinema is buzzing with Cult set to hit screens on January 23, 2026. This romantic thriller stars Zaid Khan and Rachita Ram, directed by Anil Kumar. As an entertainment journalist covering Sandalwood, this one promises suspense, romance, and twists in a high stakes plot. The title hints at intriguing themes, making it a crowd puller for thriller fans.
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The movie follows a gripping story blending love and mystery, with characters navigating intense conflicts. Shot in dynamic locations, it offers stylish visuals and emotional depth. Zaid Khan brings charisma as the lead, Rachita Ram adds allure, and supporting cast like Malaika Vasupal, Rangayana Raghu enhance the narrative.
Cult is expected to open strong in Karnataka regions like Bengaluru and Mysuru, thanks to the Republic Day weekend. Urban multiplexes and single screens could see good crowds, drawn by the thriller vibe. Zaid Khan’s rising star power might drive footfalls in mass areas. Advance bookings suggest interest, especially among youth. It’s the kind of mid-budget thriller that builds on word-of-mouth, showing how Kannada films with fresh scripts succeed locally.
Globally, the film should appeal to Kannada NRIs through premieres in US and Gulf. The romantic suspense could resonate abroad without heavy promotion, like other surprise hits. Sandalwood’s growth means movies like this expand reach, mixing romance with edge-of-seat action.
Cult 2026 Overview

| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Cult |
| Directed by | Anil Kumar |
| Written by | Anil Kumar |
| Produced by | Loki Cinemas |
| Actor | Zaid Khan |
| Actress | Rachita Ram |
| Other Cast | Malaika Vasupal, Rangayana Raghu, Achyuth Kumar |
| Cinematography | J.S. Wali |
| Edited by | K.M. Prakash |
| Music by | Arjun Janya |
| Production Companies | Loki Cinemas |
| Distributed by | TBA |
| Release Date | 23 January 2026 |
| Running Time | TBA |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
| Film Industry | Sandalwood |
| Genre | Romantic, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | TBA |
Cult Box Office Collection
| Day / Category | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 23 Jan 2026 | ||
| Lifetime India Net | – | N/A | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | N/A | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | N/A | – |
Cult is a Hit or Flop
To be determined after release.
What is the budget of Cult
The budget is ₹10 crore.
Cult Ott release date
- OTT Platform: TBA; OTT date: Expected 8 weeks post-theatrical.
Our Review
Cult looks like a stylish romantic thriller with Zaid Khan entangled in mystery and love, directed by Anil Kumar who crafts suspenseful narratives. Rachita Ram adds romantic spark, while Malaika Vasupal and Rangayana Raghu bring intrigue. Arjun Janya’s music and J.S. Wali’s cinematography promise a visually slick experience. Compared to recent Kannada thrillers like Bheema, this one leans on romance like Raana but with darker twists. Pre-release trailers build hype for Republic Day; if suspense holds, it could emerge as a solid entertainer, targeting youth and couples.
The film’s appeal is in its blend of thrill and emotion, ideal for immersive watches. Unlike mass action like Toxic, it focuses on plot and chemistry, similar to hits that surprise. In Kannada 2026, it adds thriller variety amid dramas. Predictions suggest decent run if word spreads, encouraging fresh talents.
Overall, Cult seems ready for engaging suspense with heart. The cast shines, perfect for thriller lovers. Sandalwood needs this mix to stay vibrant.
Top 15 Opening day movie of Kannada 2026
- Toxic TBA
- Mango Pachcha TBA
- Surya Power of Love TBA
- Cult TBA
- Billa Ranga Baasha TBA
- KD The Devil TBA
- Pinaka TBA
- Janarinda Naanu Mele Bande TBA
- Jingo TBA
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
Top 15 Opening day movie of Kannada 2025
- Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 ₹50 cr
- Su from So ₹20 cr
- Mark ₹15 cr
- 45 ₹12 cr
- The Devil ₹10 cr
- Mahavatar Narsimha ₹8 cr
- Junior ₹6 cr
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
Top 10 Opening day movie of Zaid Khan
- Banaras ₹1 cr
- Cult TBA
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
- N/A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the director of Cult?
Anil Kumar.
What is the plot of Cult?
Romantic thriller with mystery and love entanglements.
Is Cult a remake?
No, original story.
When will Cult release on OTT?
Platform TBA, likely 8 weeks after theatres.
How does Cult compare to other Kannada films?
Thriller like Bheema, with romantic focus.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in Indian Rupees (INR) and represented in crores, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Indian Standard Time (IST) (UTC +5:30).
Reference:
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