Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated mythological thriller Kantara Chapter 1 is rewriting box office history, emerging as a cinematic phenomenon. Released on October 2, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has received tremendous acclaim, both critically and commercially. In just eight days, the film has stormed past the Rs 300 crore mark, raking in a staggering Rs 334.94 crore so far.
According to early estimates from Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 20.5 crore on Day 8, setting the tone for a strong second-week run. Its performance in the first week was nothing short of extraordinary opening with Rs 61.85 crore on Thursday, followed by Rs 45.4 crore on Friday. Over the weekend, collections skyrocketed, with Rs 55 crore on Saturday and Rs 63 crore on Sunday. Even as weekdays kicked in, the film showed minimal drop earning Rs 31.5 crore on Monday, Rs 34.25 crore on Tuesday, and Rs 25 crore on Wednesday.
These impressive numbers suggest Kantara Chapter 1 could surpass the worldwide lifetime gross of its predecessor, which earned around Rs 400 crore. The film’s occupancy rates reflect its widespread popularity with a 45.69% Kannada occupancy on Thursday, along with significant presence in Telugu (21.42%) and Hindi (14.63%) markets.
Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 transports audiences to the Kadamba era in Karnataka a period often hailed as a Golden Era in Indian history. The film explores rich mythology and cultural legacy, blending folklore with cinematic grandeur. Shetty’s meticulous storytelling and powerful performance lie at the heart of the film’s success.
The movie boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Rukmini Vasanth, Rakesh Poojari, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles. Their compelling performances, combined with a visually rich narrative, have contributed significantly to the film’s broad appeal.
Released in multiple languages — including Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English Kantara Chapter 1 has broken linguistic barriers to resonate with a pan-Indian and global audience. Its mythological depth, emotional storytelling, and cultural authenticity have struck a chord with viewers across regions.
With both critical acclaim and commercial success, Kantara Chapter 1 has set a new benchmark for Kannada and Indian cinema, proving that rooted stories with universal appeal can thrive on the global stage.
