Bengaluru: Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 has extended its blockbuster run this Diwali, crossing the Rs 535 crore mark at the box office. The mythological drama, which released to widespread acclaim, continues to draw audiences across multiple languages, cementing its position as one of India’s biggest hits.
Day 19 collections and occupancy
According to early estimates from industry tracker Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 11.75 crore on its 19th day (Monday, October 20, 2025), bringing the cumulative total to Rs 535.25 crore. The regional occupancy on Monday stood at 41.27% in Kannada, 26.05% in Telugu, 13.58% in Hindi, 74.06% in Tamil, and 29.81% in Malayalam, reflecting the film’s pan-Indian appeal.
Day-wise box office collections
- Day 1 (Thursday): Rs 61.85 crore
- Day 2 (Friday): Rs 45.40 crore
- Day 3 (Saturday): Rs 55.00 crore
- Day 4 (Sunday): Rs 63.00 crore
- Day 5 (Monday): Rs 31.50 crore
- Day 6 (Tuesday): Rs 34.25 crore
- Day 7 (Wednesday): Rs 25.25 crore
- Day 8 (Thursday): Rs 21.15 crore
- Week 1 Total: Rs 337.40 crore
- Day 9 to 19 (second and third weeks): Rs 197.85 crore
- Total till Day 19: Rs 535.25 crore
The steady collections over three weeks highlight the film’s continued resonance with audiences, driven by its storytelling, performances, and cultural themes.
Rishab Shetty on the film’s intent
Speaking to PTI, Rishab Shetty emphasised that the film was made without any political agenda. “As a storyteller, I always think I should never be biased and that we should tell stories to people, like about our folklore, Bharatiyata, and our belief system of nature worshipping,” he said. “Irrespective of all parties and people, there is no ideology or agenda in this film. We are just establishing this story, and people are liking and appreciating it.”
Celebrity reactions
Actress Kangana Ranaut also praised the film, responding to a social media post highlighting its depiction of local deity culture. She wrote, “Very nice, such films can be crucial for stopping tribal conversion also.”
About the film
Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. The story is set in the Kadamba dynasty era of pre-colonial coastal Karnataka and explores the origins of the Boota Kola ritual, regional folklore, and spirituality.
The film features:
- Gulshan Devaiah as Prince Kulashekara
- Rukmini Vasanth as Princess Kanakavathi, Kulashekara’s sister and Berme’s love interest
With its combination of historical storytelling, mythology, and strong performances, Kantara Chapter 1 continues to captivate audiences across India.