Rishab Shetty has done it again! His latest magnum opus Kantara: Chapter 1 has stormed the global box office, earning a jaw-dropping ₹322 crore worldwide in just four days. The film, which released on October 2, 2025, has emerged as the second-highest opening of the year, only behind Rajinikanth’s Coolie.
The prequel to the 2022 cult hit Kantara has struck gold with both audiences and critics. Backed by stellar reviews, breathtaking visuals, and Rishab’s commanding performance, Kantara: Chapter 1 is rewriting box office history — one record at a time.
Kantara: Chapter 1 Breaks Records Across India
The film opened to thunderous response, collecting ₹76 crore in Karnataka during its first weekend — narrowly surpassing KGF Chapter 2’s ₹75.5 crore record. With this, it now holds the record for the biggest opening weekend ever in Karnataka.
In Tamil Nadu, despite facing competition from the local release Idli Kadai, the movie managed a strong ₹28 crore weekend gross, driven by glowing reviews and audience word-of-mouth. It’s already on track to overtake several recent Tamil hits in the coming days.
Dominating the Hindi Belt
Kantara: Chapter 1’s Hindi dubbed version is roaring in North India, collecting ₹71 crore nett in just four days — more than double what Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari managed in the same period. The trends suggest a strong lifetime total, rivaling big Bollywood blockbusters.
Kerala and Telugu States Join the Celebration
The film’s magical realism and mythological tone have also resonated strongly in Kerala and the Telugu-speaking states. In Kerala, the weekend gross stands at ₹22–23 crore, with each passing day showing upward trends — even Day 4 surpassed Day 1 collections.
In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the movie has amassed a ₹51 crore gross over four days, matching the performance of major Telugu blockbusters. The Rishab Shetty starrer is proving to be a pan-India juggernaut that appeals across linguistic boundaries.
Overseas Box Office
Internationally, Kantara: Chapter 1 is performing well with an estimated ₹56 crore gross overseas. While not as dominant as its domestic performance, the film continues to draw crowds in the UAE, North America, and Australia, where it has received widespread appreciation for its storytelling and spiritual themes.
Kantara: Chapter 1 Worldwide Box Office Collection Breakdown (4 Days)
| Region | 4-Day Gross (₹ Crore) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | 76 | Biggest weekend ever for any film in the state |
| Tamil Nadu | 28 | Strong despite local competition |
| Andhra Pradesh & Telangana | 51 | Excellent hold across all centers |
| Kerala | 22 | Day 4 surpassed Day 1 collections |
| Rest of India (Hindi belts) | 71 | Massive response for Hindi dubbed version |
| Overseas | 56 | Steady business in UAE, USA, and Australia |
| Total Worldwide Gross | 322 | 4-Day Worldwide Total |
Second-Highest Opener of 2025 After Coolie
With its ₹322 crore worldwide weekend, Kantara: Chapter 1 has now become the second-highest opener of 2025, right behind Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which grossed ₹385 crore in its extended five-day opening. The comparison becomes even more impressive considering Kantara had one day less in its opening frame.
? Audience and Critical Reception
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its mythological depth, stunning cinematography, and haunting background score. Fans are calling it “a spiritual experience” rather than just a movie. Rishab Shetty’s direction, combined with his powerful screen presence, has struck a cultural chord that transcends regions.
Kantara vs KGF vs Coolie – The Box Office Battle
- Kantara: Chapter 1 – ₹322 crore in 4 days (2nd highest of 2025)
- Rajinikanth’s Coolie – ₹385 crore in 5 days (1st place)
- KGF Chapter 2 – ₹268 crore in its first 4 days (record in 2022)
With the current momentum, Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to cross ₹400 crore within its first week, making it one of the fastest Indian films ever to reach that mark.
Conclusion
Rishab Shetty has not just delivered another blockbuster — he’s crafted a cinematic phenomenon. Kantara: Chapter 1 is proving that powerful storytelling rooted in Indian culture can triumph over even the biggest commercial entertainers. As it continues its box office rampage, the film has officially placed Kannada cinema in the global spotlight once again.
Disclaimer: Box office data compiled from independent sources and distributor reports. Figures are approximate and subject to revision.
References
- Box Office Tracker India – Kantara: Chapter 1 4-Day Worldwide Report (October 2025)
- Regional Distributors & Trade Analysts – India Gross Data
- MySouthCineBuzz – Overseas Collection Estimates
- Industry Sources – Kantara vs Coolie Comparative Data
About the Author:
Rohit Kumar
I am a skilled content writer and SEO expert with a passion for crafting engaging and informative content. I currently work at Possible11, where I contribute to the company's blog and social media channels. I am also a contributing writer for several online publications. With over 500 articles under my belt, I have a deep understanding of how to create high-quality content that resonates with readers and drives traffic. I am also an expert in SEO, and I know how to optimize content for search engines to improve its visibility. I am a valuable asset to any team, and I am always ready to take on new challenges.
