Kantara Chapter 1 has stormed the box office, collecting over ₹300 crore in its first week of release. The Rishab Shetty directorial, produced by Hombale Films, has now become the second-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, after KGF Chapter 2. The film continues to perform strongly across languages, reflecting its wide pan-India appeal.
Strong first-week performance
According to box office tracker Sacnilk, Kantara Chapter 1 earned an estimated ₹25 crore net on Wednesday, taking its total domestic collection to ₹316 crore. The film opened to massive numbers, collecting ₹61.45 crore on its first day, followed by ₹45.4 crore on Friday. Over the weekend, it grossed ₹55 crore on Saturday and ₹63 crore on Sunday.
Despite a slight drop during weekdays, the film maintained solid momentum with ₹31.5 crore on Monday and ₹34.25 crore on Tuesday. Trade analysts expect the film to comfortably cross the ₹400 crore mark in the coming weeks, especially with festive season footfall boosting theatre attendance.
Occupancy across languages
Kantara Chapter 1 has recorded impressive occupancy not just in Karnataka but also in other regions. On Wednesday (October 8), theatre occupancy was reported as follows:
- Kannada: 55.73%
- Telugu: 23.83%
- Hindi: 16.41%
- Tamil: 35.00%
- Malayalam: 28.60%
This widespread audience response highlights the film’s success in reaching viewers beyond the Kannada-speaking belt. Industry experts credit its deeply rooted storytelling and emotional narrative for connecting with diverse audiences.
Rishab Shetty on the film’s success
Speaking in New Delhi, director and lead actor Rishab Shetty expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response. “We began the world of Kantara from the first film, exploring the relationship between nature and humans. This story, rooted in the folklore of coastal Karnataka, proves that regional can also be universal,” he said.
He further added that the film’s acceptance across India shows that audiences appreciate authenticity and cultural depth. “People everywhere relate to emotion, faith, and identity — these are universal themes, even if told in a local setting,” he said.
Emotional reunion and promotional tour
During a promotional event in Delhi, Rishab Shetty met veteran Malayalam actor Jayaram, who plays a key role in the film. Their emotional reunion video went viral on social media, with fans praising the camaraderie between the two. The team also met Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who lauded the film’s portrayal of culture and devotion.
The makers, Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda, from Hombale Films, said they were humbled by the audience’s response. “We knew Kantara Chapter 1 had strong emotional value, but the love it’s receiving across states is beyond our expectations,” they said in a joint statement.
About the film
Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 explores the ancient traditions of Bhuta Kola and the deep connection between humans and nature. The film also stars Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles. Set in the rugged landscapes of coastal Karnataka, the story blends folklore, mysticism, and faith with stunning cinematography and powerful performances.
The technical aspects, including Ajaneesh Loknath’s music and Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography, have been widely praised for enhancing the film’s immersive experience.
Critical and audience reception
Critics have called Kantara Chapter 1 a “cinematic triumph” for its blend of tradition, spirituality, and storytelling. Audiences have particularly appreciated Rishab Shetty’s performance, calling it both intense and authentic. The film’s dialogues and background score have also trended across social media platforms.
Trade analysts suggest that Kantara Chapter 1 could become the first non-KGF Kannada film to enter the ₹500 crore club if its strong run continues for the next two weeks.
Conclusion
With its record-breaking first-week earnings and continued dominance across markets, Kantara Chapter 1 has reaffirmed Kannada cinema’s growing presence in the national film industry. Its success proves that stories deeply rooted in local culture can resonate widely when told with sincerity and cinematic brilliance.