Kantara Chapter 1 has hit theaters like a storm, diving deep into mythology and action that ties back to the roots of the original film. Directed and led by Rishab Shetty, this prequel explores ancient traditions and divine elements in a gripping way, blending folklore with intense drama. Fans are buzzing about the stunning visuals, powerful performances, and those goosebump moments during the ritual scenes, calling it a step up from the first one in scale and storytelling.
Theaters are packed, especially in Karnataka where occupancy hit around 88% on opening day, with Telugu versions at 75% and solid crowds in Hindi belts too. People are sharing reactions online, saying it’s “divine cinema” that gives a real emotional punch, with many praising Rishab’s raw energy and the film’s cultural vibe. Social media is full of clips and reviews, with audiences hooked on the soundtrack and action sequences, though some mention it’s heavy on mythology which might not click with everyone right away.
The original Kantara from 2022 was a surprise hit, made on a shoestring budget of about ₹16 crore but raking in over ₹400 crore worldwide thanks to word-of-mouth magic. This time, Chapter 1 comes with a bigger budget of around ₹125 crore, and the hype was real leading up to release. Pre-bookings crossed ₹11 crore in India, with over 4 lakh tickets sold in advance, making it one of the top pre-sales for 2025. The buzz built from trailers showing epic battles and spiritual themes, plus no major clashes helped pack the houses on Gandhi Jayanti.
Kantara Chapter 1 Day 2 Box Office Collection
Day | Date | India Gross(₹ Cr)
Day 1 | Thursday October 2 | ₹72 crore
Day 2 | Friday October 3 | ₹53.1 crore
Lifetime India Net
₹95 crore
Lifetime India Gross
₹111.6 crore
Lifetime Worldwide Gross
₹125 crore
The box office figures shared in this article are independently compiled and estimated through our in‑house tracking system, which analyses theatre occupancy trends, distributor inputs, and regional trade signals. These numbers reflect the most accurate industry insights available at the time of publishing. While minor variances may occur compared to final official tallies, the data presented here is considered a reliable representation of the film’s commercial performance.
Top 10 Highest Opening Day Film in Kannada 2025
- Kantara Chapter 1 – ₹60 crore
- Mahavatar Narsimha – ₹25 crore
- Su from So – ₹15 crore
- Ekka – ₹10 crore
- Junior – ₹8 crore
- Maadeva – ₹7 crore
- Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2 – ₹5.5 crore
- Elumale – ₹5 crore
- Vaamana – ₹3.4 crore
- Coolie (Kannada dub) – ₹3 crore
Top 10 Highest Opening Films of Rishab Shetty
- Kantara Chapter 1 – ₹60 crore
- Bell Bottom – ₹4.1 crore
- Kantara – ₹3.7 crore
- Sarkari. Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai – ₹2 crore
- Ricky – ₹1 crore
- Katha Sangama – ₹0.8 crore
- Laughing Buddha – ₹0.5 crore
- Raja Huli (cameo) – ₹0.4 crore
- Kirik Party (cameo) – ₹0.3 crore
- Hari Hara Veera Mallu (guest) – ₹0.2 crore
FAQ related to Kantara Chapter 1 Box office Collection
Q1. What is the box office collection of Kantara Chapter 1 on day 1?
A1. The film collected around ₹72 crore gross in India on its opening day, with strong numbers from Karnataka and Hindi markets, pushing worldwide to about ₹90 crore.
Q2. What is the budget of Kantara Chapter 1?
A2. The movie was made on a budget of approximately ₹125 crore, a big jump from the original’s low-cost setup, reflecting its grand scale and VFX work.
Q3. Is Kantara Chapter 1 a sequel or prequel?
A3. It’s a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, diving into the backstory and mythological origins of the characters and traditions shown in the first film.
Q4. Who stars in Kantara Chapter 1 and what’s the cast like?
A4. Rishab Shetty leads as both director and actor, with Rukmini Vasanth in a key role, plus supporting cast including Achyuth Kumar and Sapthami Gowda for that authentic Kannada flavor.
Q5. How does Kantara Chapter 1 compare to other Kannada films in box office terms?
A5. It’s already the biggest Kannada opener of 2025, surpassing recent releases, and could challenge all-time records if word-of-mouth keeps the momentum going like the original did.
Conclusion
Kantara Chapter 1 is off to a flying start, proving that strong storytelling rooted in culture can still draw massive crowds in a crowded market. With high occupancy and rave reactions pouring in, it looks set to build on the legacy of the first film and possibly cross major milestones soon.
If the weekend holds strong, this could be another game changer for Kannada cinema, blending entertainment with deeper themes that resonate across India. Keep an eye on the numbers this one’s just getting started.