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Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 roared into theaters on October 2, 2025, and it’s making waves. As a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, this film takes us 1,000 years back, weaving culture, nature, and mystical tales. Released in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, English, and Bengali, it’s captivating global audiences. Hombale Films calls it the legend’s beginning, and fans agree. Starring Rishab Shetty, who also writes and directs, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and Pramod Shetty, it’s a visual feast.
Let’s explore why this film shines—and where it stumbles.
A Box Office Powerhouse
Kantara Chapter 1 broke records from day one. It earned ₹61.85 crore net in India on its opening day, fueled by the Dussehra holiday. The breakdown: Kannada ₹19.6 crore, Hindi ₹18.5 crore, Telugu ₹13 crore, Tamil ₹5.5 crore, and Malayalam ₹5.25 crore. Day two added ₹46 crore net, pushing the two-day domestic total to ₹106.85 crore net (₹128.25 crore gross). By noon on Saturday, it collected ₹6.83 crore more, nearing ₹115 crore by day three. Sunday saw a massive ₹61 crore, ending the opening weekend at ₹223.25 crore net in India.
Globally, it grossed ₹88 crore on day one, ₹65 crore on day two, and jumped 25% to ₹82 crore on Saturday. The three-day worldwide total hit ₹235 crore, with ₹195 crore from India and ₹40 crore overseas. By the four-day weekend, it crossed ₹300 crore globally, with ₹250 crore gross in India and over ₹50 crore abroad. The four-day net total reached ₹217.72 crore. Overseas, it earned over $4 million in three days, a feat for a regional film.
The film outdid KGF Chapter 1’s ₹237 crore worldwide, becoming the third-highest-grossing Kannada film, behind Kantara (₹408 crore) and KGF Chapter 2 (₹1,215 crore). It’s also 2025’s top Kannada earner, surpassing Su From So (₹92 crore). By day three, Hindi audiences contributed ₹50.5 crore, Kannada ₹47.6 crore. It’s set to hit ₹300 crore worldwide by Monday or Tuesday, driven by strong word of mouth.
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Beating the Competition
Kantara Chapter 1 left recent blockbusters behind. By Sunday, it surpassed Sitaare Zameen Par (₹167 crore), They Call Him OG (₹179 crore), Lokah Chapter 1 (₹153 crore), Mirai (₹142 crore), Kesari Chapter 2 (₹144 crore), and Sky Force (₹150 crore). Domestically, it topped KGF Chapter 1’s ₹185 crore. Even on Friday, a working day, it held strong at ₹45 crore net, proving its universal pull. This success shows its edge in a crowded market.
A Visual and Musical Masterpiece
The film’s visuals are breathtaking. Shot on a ₹125 crore budget, it delivers stunning cinematography. Forests and rituals come alive. The background score by Ajaneesh Loknath hits emotional peaks. Sound design immerses you fully. Renowned director Ram Gopal Varma raved on X, calling it “fantastic.” He praised the “unimaginable effort” in BGM, VFX, and production design, urging other filmmakers to step up. For a budget film, its quality feels unmatched. Fans on social media echo this, loving the cultural depth and visual flair. One X user called the cinematography “mind-blowing.”
What’s the Story About?
Set 1,000 years before the original Kantara, this prequel traces the legend’s roots. It explores a village’s spiritual ties, blending tradition and supernatural thrills. Rishab Shetty’s performance as the lead is raw and powerful. Rukmini Vasanth adds grace, while Gulshan Devaiah brings depth, though his villain role feels underdeveloped. The story weaves action, folklore, and spirituality into a gripping tale. Hombale Films calls it “the beginning of Kantara,” and it feels authentic despite its scale. Compared to the 2022 Kantara, a sleeper hit with ₹400 crore on a ₹15 crore budget, this prequel goes bigger.
My Take: Strengths and Flaws
As a movie lover, I found Kantara Chapter 1 enchanting. The divine possession scenes gave me chills. Rishab Shetty’s intensity as Chamundi is unforgettable.<grok:render type=”render_inline_citation”>13 The visuals paint a vivid ancient world. Animal VFX impress, and the music lifts every moment. The film tackles oppression and unity, resonating today. It shows how myths bind communities.
Yet, it’s not perfect. The first half feels bloated with unnecessary humor. The war sequence drags, and the villain lacks menace. The climax, while grand, feels predictable.<grok:render type=”render_inline_citation”>15 Compared to the original, it lacks intimacy but expands the universe well. It’s a bold step for pan-Indian cinema.
Packed Theaters and Lasting Buzz
The film draws huge crowds. In Karnataka, Kannada shows hit 98–99% occupancy on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Overseas, it earned $2.5 million in two days, rising to $4 million by day three. Social media buzzes with praise for its emotional pull. Housefull shows continued post-Dussehra, proving its staying power. This cultural celebration connects deeply.
Why It Stands Out
Despite a bigger budget, Kantara Chapter 1 feels grounded. Its success stems from authenticity and word of mouth. High occupancy and global earnings show its reach. For a Kannada film, it’s a game-changer, rivaling Bollywood giants. The team’s effort, as RGV noted, sets a high bar.
Final Thoughts
Kantara Chapter 1 is more than a movie; it’s a cultural celebration. Rishab Shetty’s vision, paired with stellar performances, makes it unforgettable. Whether you love action, folklore, or emotional storytelling, this film delivers. Its box office numbers prove its popularity, but its heart lies in its connection with audiences. Catch it in theaters—you won’t be disappointed.
FAQs About Kantara Chapter 1
Here are answers to common questions to guide your viewing.
Is it a sequel or prequel?
It’s a prequel, set 1,000 years before the 2022 Kantara.
Worth watching in theaters?
Yes, for stunning visuals and music.
Who are the main actors?
Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah star.
How family-friendly is it?
It’s suitable for teens and up due to intense action.
Does it reflect Indian culture?
Yes, it dives deep into folklore and traditions.<grok:render type=”render_inline_citation”>17
What’s the budget?
Made on ₹125 crore, it delivers high production value.