Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection Day 14: Rishab Shetty Film Holds Steady, Crosses ₹475 Crore!

Two weeks after its release, Rishab Shetty’s “Kantara Chapter 1” continues to dominate the Indian box office, proving that authentic storytelling, rooted culture, and spiritual intensity can overpower even the biggest star-studded blockbusters. The film has now crossed the ₹475 crore mark domestically, maintaining a solid run into its second week. With strong word-of-mouth, minimal drop in collections, and extraordinary audience engagement, Kantara Chapter 1 is shaping up as one of the most successful Indian films of 2025.

A Phenomenal Start and an Unstoppable Run

Released on October 2, 2025, Kantara Chapter 1 opened to record-breaking numbers in Karnataka and strong occupancy across multiple regions. The film, a prequel to the 2022 cult classic Kantara, was expected to perform well, but few predicted it would become such a nationwide juggernaut.

The first week alone saw a collection of nearly ₹337 crore, setting new records for a Kannada film and placing it among the top openers of the year. The momentum didn’t fade; in the second week, the film added another ₹138 crore, pushing its total India net to ₹475 crore and gross worldwide collection beyond ₹650 crore.

According to trade analysts, Kantara Chapter 1 maintained occupancy rates of 45–50% even during weekdays — a rare feat for a regional-language film running in its second week.

Day-Wise Box Office Collection (All Languages, India)

The film’s consistent box office trend proves that Kantara Chapter 1 is not a one-week wonder but a sustained blockbuster with enduring audience interest.

Why the Film Works: The Magic of Kantara

1. Deep Cultural Roots

The biggest strength of Kantara Chapter 1 lies in its authentic representation of coastal Karnataka’s traditions, rituals, and beliefs. The film dives into the origins of Panjurli Daiva — the divine protector spirit from the original Kantara. By exploring this backstory, the film weaves myth, devotion, and human emotion into a powerful cinematic narrative.

2. Rishab Shetty’s Vision

Rishab Shetty’s triple role — as actor, writer, and director — gives the film a deeply personal touch. His command over storytelling and his understanding of cultural nuances make Kantara Chapter 1 both visually epic and spiritually rich. Every frame of the film reflects his creative precision and emotional honesty.

3. Technically Flawless

The cinematography by Arvind S. Kashyap transforms the dense forests of Tulunadu into mystical landscapes. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music and background score elevate every sequence — especially the climactic ritual scenes. The production design, costumes, and sound mixing add to the film’s immersive experience, making it one of the most technically accomplished Kannada films ever.

4. Word-of-Mouth Power

Unlike many big-budget films, Kantara Chapter 1 succeeded primarily through organic audience buzz. Viewers came out of theatres emotionally moved, sharing their reactions on social media. The result? Packed theatres even during weekdays — a clear indication that the film’s emotional and cultural impact resonates deeply across demographics.

Pan-India Performance

“Kantara Chapter 1” may be a Kannada film, but its reach is truly pan-India. Released in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, it performed strongly across all major markets.

• Karnataka: ₹185+ crore gross — the highest ever for a Kannada film.

• Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: ₹85 crore+ — Telugu audiences embraced the film wholeheartedly.

• Tamil Nadu: ₹60 crore+ — thanks to critical praise and positive reviews.

• Kerala: ₹25 crore — steady performance across multiplexes.

• North India: ₹100 crore+ — strong in Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, and Gujarat due to dubbed Hindi version.

Internationally, Kantara Chapter 1 collected ₹104 crore gross, with major contributions from the US, UAE, and Australia markets.

Beating Records and Setting New Benchmarks

By Day 14, Kantara Chapter 1 had overtaken the lifetime business of Vijay’s “The GOAT” (₹465 crore) and is now aiming to surpass Shah Rukh Khan’s “Pathaan” (₹542 crore) to break into the list of Top 10 highest-grossing Indian films ever.

If current trends hold, the film will easily cross ₹500 crore net in the next few days and approach ₹700 crore gross worldwide by the end of its third weekend.

This achievement is even more impressive considering that Kantara Chapter 1 is not driven by any big production house or massive marketing campaign — its success is built purely on content, conviction, and connection.

Critical and Audience Response

The film has received universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Reviewers across India have praised its intensity, authenticity, and emotional power.

• The Hindu: “A haunting spiritual experience that celebrates Indian folklore with cinematic brilliance.”

• Times of India: “Rishab Shetty proves again that cinema rooted in culture can transcend borders.”

• India Today: “An emotionally charged spectacle that cements Rishab Shetty’s place among India’s visionary filmmakers.”

On IMDb, Kantara Chapter 1 holds a stellar rating of 9.3/10, one of the highest for any Indian film this year.

What Makes Kantara Unique

While many big-budget Indian films chase spectacle and scale, Kantara focuses on spirituality and storytelling. It’s not just about heroism or action; it’s about faith, land, and the eternal bond between man and nature. This philosophical depth sets it apart from mainstream commercial cinema.

Moreover, its use of regional dialects, traditional rituals, and folklore preserves the essence of India’s cultural heritage, making it both entertaining and educational for younger generations.

Challenges Ahead

As the film moves into its third week, a few challenges lie ahead:

1. New Releases: Upcoming releases like Pushpa 2 and Singham Again may divide audience attention and theatre screens.

2. Weekday Drops: Collections may dip slightly during mid-week, as seen after Day 13.

3. Overseas Plateau: Most international markets have reached their saturation point, so major growth will now depend on repeat viewers in India.

However, considering its cultural impact and strong emotional connection, Kantara Chapter 1 is expected to continue performing steadily through the festive season.

Beyond the Box Office: The Cultural Impact

Kantara Chapter 1 is more than a film — it’s a movement. It has reawakened interest in Indian folklore, native traditions, and ritual arts. Schools and cultural groups in Karnataka have started hosting Bhoota Kola awareness programs, inspired by the movie’s portrayal.

The film has also proved that Kannada cinema can match — and even surpass — Bollywood and Tollywood in terms of storytelling and scale. It’s a proud moment for the Kannada film industry and Indian cinema as a whole.

Conclusion: A Modern Epic in Indian Cinema

After 14 days in theatres, Kantara Chapter 1 stands as a testament to the power of pure cinema. Earning ₹475 crore domestically and over ₹650 crore worldwide, it has become one of the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. But beyond numbers, its real victory lies in how it has touched hearts and revived faith in culturally rich storytelling.

Rishab Shetty’s vision, combined with breathtaking performances and soul-stirring music, has made Kantara Chapter 1 not just a box office phenomenon but a spiritual experience for millions. As the film eyes the ₹500 crore milestone, one thing is certain: Kantara has carved its name in the golden chapter of Indian cinema.