Kantara: Chapter 1 (Hindi) witnessed a remarkable surge at the box office on its second Saturday, indicating strong audience interest and sustained word-of-mouth buzz. Early estimates suggest that the film more than doubled its second Friday collection, earning approximately Rs. 13.50 crore nett. This represents a drop of less than 30 per cent compared to its first Saturday, signalling a robust hold for a regional folklore-based period film.
Ten-day total and weekend projections
The film’s ten-day running total has reached Rs. 122 crore nett. Industry analysts project the second weekend to contribute around Rs. 35 crore nett, while the full second week is expected to surpass Rs. 50 crore nett. With consistent performance during weekdays and strong weekend collections, the film is on track to cross Rs. 150 crore nett within two weeks.
“Initially, a lifetime total of Rs. 150-160 crore seemed optimistic for a Hindi release of a regional period film with limited face value,” said a trade analyst. “However, strong growth over weekdays and minimal drop-offs on the second Saturday make a Rs. 200 crore nett lifetime within the realm of possibility, especially with the upcoming Diwali period.”
Performance compared to expectations
Some industry experts had anticipated that Kantara: Chapter 1 (Hindi) would replicate the box office feats of South Indian blockbuster sequels like Baahubali 2, KGF 2, and Pushpa 2. While the comparisons were speculative, considering the first film’s phenomenal run from a Rs. 1.25 crore nett opening to an Rs. 80 crore plus nett final, the Hindi release’s performance remains impressive given its limited star cast and period-based storyline.
“The film’s numbers are outstanding for a period drama rooted in South Indian folklore,” noted a trade source. “It proves that strong content and audience engagement can drive collections even without conventional star power.”
Box office breakdown (India)
| Day | Nett Collection |
|---|---|
| Week One (8 days) | Rs. 101.75 crore |
| 2nd Friday | Rs. 6.75 crore |
| 2nd Saturday | Rs. 13.50 crore |
| Total | Rs. 122.00 crore |
The film is also performing well in Kannada and South Indian dubbed versions, with the all-India gross for the second Saturday expected to exceed Rs. 40 crore.
Outlook
If the current trend continues, Kantara: Chapter 1 (Hindi) may establish itself as one of the highest-grossing Hindi releases of the year adapted from a regional cinema hit. Strong word-of-mouth, coupled with festival-season momentum, could significantly enhance its lifetime earnings.