Bengaluru: The highly anticipated film ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025, releasing in five languages – Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam – and has received a tremendous response from audiences in just two days. Blending traditional culture, nature, and miraculous tales, the movie has garnered critical acclaim and created a festive atmosphere in cinemas, particularly in Karnataka.
Box office performance: Record-breaking opening
According to Sacnilk, the film recorded an impressive day 1 opening. India’s net collection alone reached ₹61.85 crore across all languages:
- Kannada: ₹19.6 crore
- Telugu: ₹13 crore
- Hindi: ₹18.5 crore
- Tamil: ₹5.5 crore
- Malayalam: ₹5.25 crore
Globally, the film grossed approximately ₹89 crore on its first day, setting a stunning pan-India record for a movie that began as a regional project.
Day 2 collections and continued hype
‘Kantara Chapter 1’ continued its box office momentum on the second day, with day 2 collections estimated at ₹43.65 crore in India. The two-day net collection in India has crossed ₹105.5 crore, and trade analysts predict further growth over the weekend, aided by the addition of new shows in multiple regions to meet audience demand.
Critical reception and audience response
The film has been praised for its storytelling, direction, and performances, particularly by Rishab Shetty, who also plays a central role. Critics have highlighted how the film successfully marries local traditions with universal cinematic appeal, drawing viewers beyond the regional audience. Fans have shared overwhelmingly positive reviews, making it one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
Impact on Karnataka and the film industry
The release of ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ has created a festival-like atmosphere in Karnataka, with theatres fully packed and advance bookings sold out in many regions. Industry experts say the film’s success demonstrates the growing pan-India acceptance of regional cinema and highlights the commercial potential of well-crafted stories in multiple languages.
Conclusion
With record-breaking collections and positive critical reception, ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ has firmly established itself as one of the biggest releases of 2025. Its combination of cultural storytelling, strong performances, and pan-India appeal indicates continued box office success in the coming weeks.