Bengaluru: After an extraordinary three-week run that shattered multiple box office records, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has finally begun to show signs of slowing down. The film, starring Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth, has captivated audiences across India since its release on October 2, 2025, but day 23 saw its collection dip to single digits for the second time.
Box office collection day 23
According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the Kannada mythological drama earned approximately ₹2.23 crore (net) on Friday, day 23 of its release, across all languages. This brings the film’s total India collection to an impressive ₹566.33 crore net.
On Thursday (day 22), the film had earned ₹6.6 crore, marking the beginning of its slowdown phase. Despite the dip, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ continues to draw viewers in regional markets, particularly in Karnataka, where it remains one of the top-grossing films of 2025.
The film’s phenomenal performance has made it India’s 12th biggest hit of all time, surpassing the lifetime collections of Baahubali within just 11 days of release.
Record-breaking journey so far
‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ opened to a thunderous response, earning over ₹60 crore on its first weekend. By the end of its debut week, the film had amassed ₹337.4 crore, a number few Kannada films have ever achieved.
During its second week, despite competition from major releases, the film continued its strong run, adding ₹147.85 crore more to its tally. The third week, however, saw the beginning of a downward trend, starting with a modest ₹8.5 crore and ending with a total of ₹78.85 crore across all languages.
Trade analysts note that the film’s powerful storytelling and rooted cultural themes have helped it sustain longer than most big-budget blockbusters. Even after more than three weeks, many theatres in Karnataka continue to report healthy occupancy levels.
A blend of history, folklore, and mysticism
Directed by Rishab Shetty, who also plays the lead, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. Set in pre-colonial Karnataka during the Kadamba dynasty of Banavasi, the film explores the lives of tribal communities caught between faith, land, and power struggles against a tyrannical king.
The film has been lauded for its authentic depiction of folklore, stunning visuals, and haunting musical score, all of which contribute to its immersive storytelling. The ensemble cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Sapthami Gowda, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, P D Satish Chandra, and Prakash Thuminad in key roles.
OTT release uncertain
While fans eagerly await the film’s digital premiere, the OTT release date remains uncertain. Initially expected to drop on Amazon Prime Video around October 30, the streaming release has reportedly been postponed due to the film’s continued strong performance at the box office. Producers are said to be considering extending its theatrical run through early November.
Industry insiders suggest that ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ could surpass the ₹600 crore mark if it sustains its momentum for another week.
Cultural impact and audience response
Beyond its commercial success, Kantara: Chapter 1 has sparked conversations around regional storytelling and cultural identity in Indian cinema. The film’s use of ritualistic art forms, mythological references, and indigenous traditions has resonated deeply with audiences, both in southern India and among non-Kannada-speaking viewers across the country.
Critics have praised Shetty’s direction for maintaining a balance between spectacle and spirituality. “It’s not just a film — it’s an experience steeped in heritage,” wrote one reviewer, capturing the sentiment of many moviegoers who have hailed it as a benchmark for regional cinema.
Conclusion
As ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ enters its fourth week, its box office graph may be flattening, but its cultural and cinematic impact remains monumental. The film has already redefined the potential of Kannada cinema on a national scale, proving that authentic storytelling rooted in local tradition can achieve global resonance. Whether its OTT release will replicate its theatrical magic remains to be seen.