‘Kantara Chapter 1,’ one of the year’s most anticipated films, hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025, with a pan-India release across five languages, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam.
Within just two days, the film has received an overwhelming response from audiences. The film has now successfully entered the Rs 100 crore club.
Blending folklore, nature, and mystical tales, it has not only won over fans but also impressed critics, sparking a festive mood in cinemas, especially in Karnataka.
According to Sacnilk, the film registered a phenomenal opening. On day 1, India’s net collections stood at Rs 61.85 crore across languages, with Kannada contributing Rs 19.6 crore, Telugu Rs 13 crore, Hindi Rs 18.5 crore, Tamil Rs 5.5 crore, and Malayalam Rs 5.25 crore.
What began as a regional story has now created a nationwide sensation, surprising both fans and the industry. On Day 2 (Friday), the film did not lose its brilliance and earned Rs 45 crore as per the early estimates. This makes the total tally Rs 106 crore
While ‘Kantara’ focused on land conflicts and the Daiva (deity)spirit in modern times, its Chapter 1 travels back to a much earlier period. Set in the 4th century CE during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the prequel delves into the origins of the legend and the history of the Bhuta Kola ritual.
, wrote, “The prequel’s climax and the Guliga sequences deserve special mention and multiple rewatches. Rishab Shetty, as a performer, is truly a force of nature in these moments. With visuals this arresting and a story this evocative, one can’t help but fall in love with the world of Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’.”