Bengaluru: There seems to be no stopping for Rishab Shetty, as his magnum opus Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 continues to rewrite box office history. The sequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has now crossed the lifetime collection of its predecessor and several major Indian films, becoming the 18th highest-grossing film in Indian cinema.
Second biggest hit of 2025
At the end of its extended first week, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 not only surpassed the lifetime earnings of the first installment but also overtook Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, to become the second biggest hit of 2025.
On its second Friday, the film collected an impressive ₹22.35 crore, taking its total to ₹359.75 crore. With this, it has officially gone past Rajinikanth’s Jailer (₹348.55 crore) and Ranbir Kapoor’s Sanju (₹342.57 crore), cementing its position as a modern-day blockbuster.
Overtakes Leo and eyes ₹500 crore mark
The Rishab Shetty directorial has also pushed Thalapathy Vijay’s Leo out of the top 20 list of highest-grossing Indian films. Leo had previously held the 20th position with ₹341.04 crore.
Now, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 sets its sights on even bigger milestones — next in line are Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame (₹373.05 crore) and Aamir Khan’s Dangal (₹387.88 crore).
Trade analysts say the film’s second weekend performance will be crucial in determining whether it can cross the ₹500-crore mark. If momentum holds, it could become Rishab Shetty’s career-defining record.
Rishab Shetty’s success and next projects
Following the phenomenal success, Rishab Shetty was recently spotted seeking blessings at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai.
Kantara 2 features Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and Rukmini Vasanth in pivotal roles. The film’s climax teases the third chapter in the franchise, which the makers have already announced. However, Shetty is expected to take a break from the series as he moves to other major projects — including Teja Sajja’s Hanu-Man 2 and an upcoming biopic on Chhatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj.
With its strong box office hold and cultural impact, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 continues to prove that regional cinema, when told with authenticity and passion, can command pan-India dominance.