The pan-India release has not only emerged as one of the biggest openings for a Kannada film but has also outperformed several high-profile releases this year. Day one earnings have surpassed Saiyaara (Rs 22 crore), Sikandar (Rs 26 crore), and Chhaava (Rs 31 crore), placing Rishab Shetty’s directorial firmly at the top of the festive season box office.
Kantara Chapter 1 box office collection
Congratulatory messages have poured in from across the industry. Jr NTR took to social media to praise the film, writing, “Congratulations to the team of #KantaraChapter1 on scoring a resounding success. @shetty_rishab sir pulled off the unthinkable by excelling both as a mindblowing actor and a brilliant director. My best wishes to the entire cast and crew, along with @hombalefilms, for fearlessly backing Rishab sir’s vision.”
Congratulations to the team of #KantaraChapter1 on scoring a resounding success.@shetty_rishab sir pulled off the unthinkable by excelling both as a mindblowing actor and a brilliant director.
My best wishes to the entire cast and crew, along with @hombalefilms, for fearlessly…
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 2, 2025
Featuring Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah alongside Rishab, the film has been embraced by critics and fans alike, receiving acclaim for its scale, storytelling, and performances.
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Kantara Chapter 1 review
Kantara: Chapter 1 has been described by News9Live as a technically triumphant film. Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography is praised for capturing both intimate expressions and expansive action with equal flair, while the VFX for animals and mystical sequences is noted as remarkable.
“Kantara: Chapter 1 is not flawless, and it never hides that it’s reaching for something larger than itself. It’s uneven, occasionally indulgent, but it also carries flashes of brilliance that remind you why cinema is about risk. Rishab Shetty’s presence anchors the chaos, and in a way, that’s enough,” News9’s review stated.