Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection: Rishab Shetty’s Prequel Crosses ₹100 Cr in Just 2 Days
The much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, titled Kantara Chapter 1, has taken the box office by storm since its release on October 2, 2025. Directed by and starring National Award-winner Rishab Shetty, this period folk action thriller has not only lived up to the hype but has also set new benchmarks in Kannada cinema. As fans flock to theatres during the festive Dussehra weekend, the Kantara Chapter 1 box office collection is already making headlines, crossing the ₹100 crore mark in India within just two days. Let’s dive into the detailed figures, comparisons, and what’s driving this cinematic phenomenon.
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Day-Wise Breakdown of Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection
Kantara Chapter 1 premiered on Gandhi Jayanti, capitalising on the holiday spirit to deliver one of the biggest openings of the year. On Day 1 (October 2), the film grossed an estimated ₹62 crore net in India, with a worldwide total of ₹87-90 crore. This includes a strong performance from the Hindi dubbed version, which alone collected around ₹18.50-21 crore, making it one of the top South Indian openers in the Hindi belt. Overseas markets contributed ₹13.50-14 crore (approximately $1.6 million), boosting the global tally.
Day 2 (October 3) saw a slight dip, typical for non-holiday Fridays, with collections estimated at ₹46 crore net in India—a drop of about 25-35% from the opening day. Despite the decline, the two-day India net total surged to ₹108 crore, officially entering the prestigious ₹100 crore club and cementing its status as the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025. Language-wise, Kannada led with high occupancy rates (around 88%), followed by Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi versions.
As of October 4 (Day 3), early trends indicate a potential rebound due to the weekend, with partial figures showing steady growth in South India and stabilisation in Hindi markets. Trade experts note strong advance bookings and high footfall, setting the stage for a robust extended weekend.
Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office: Worldwide Gross and Key Milestones
Globally, Kantara Chapter 1 has already grossed over ₹150 crore in just two days, with strongholds in overseas territories like the US and Australia. This performance places it among the top South Indian films, ranking 14th in the highest first-day grossers at the Indian box office with ₹74 crore gross on Day 1. It has outperformed recent hits like Chhaava, Saiyaara and even Bollywood heavyweights such as Stree 2 and Baahubali in opening day metrics in certain regions.
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Compared to 2025 releases, it’s the third-biggest opener behind Rajinikanth’s Coolie (₹65 crore) and Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG (₹63.75 crore). In the Kannada industry, it trails only KGF Chapter 2 for Day 1 records, but its pan-India appeal—fuelled by dubbed versions—signals a broader reach.
What’s Fuelling the Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Success?
The film’s triumph isn’t just numbers; it’s rooted in rave reviews and word-of-mouth buzz. Critics and audiences alike praise Rishab Shetty’s dual role as actor and director, highlighting the “goosebump-inducing” climax, stunning VFX, and evocative portrayal of folklore. Social media is abuzz with reactions like “pure cinema from the soul of India” and endorsements from stars such as Prabhas and Jr NTR, who called it a “resounding success.”
Produced by Hombale Films on a larger scale than its predecessor (which grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide on a ₹16 crore budget), Kantara Chapter 1 blends divine elements, epic action, and cultural depth. High occupancy (over 70% across languages) and advance bookings exceeding ₹4 crore in Hindi alone underscore its draw. However, piracy concerns have surfaced, prompting calls for vigilance.
Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office: Future Projections and Impact on Kannada Cinema
With positive momentum, Kantara Chapter 1 continues to captivate audiences nationwide, proving that folklore-driven stories can dominate pan-India amid clashes with films like Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.
In a year of big releases, Kantara Chapter 1 stands out as a cultural juggernaut, celebrating India’s rich traditions while delivering blockbuster entertainment. If you’re yet to catch it, head to theatres—the magic is waiting to unfold!
Watch the Official Trailer of Kantara Chapter 1 Here
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