Kantara is a film you must see.
Kantara: Chapter 1” takes audiences back nearly 1,000 years before the events of the original Kantara. Set during the ancient Kadamba dynasty, the film explores the mystical origins of the sacred forest and the divine spirits worshipped by the people of Kantara. Rishab Shetty returns as both director and lead, portraying Berme — a warrior bound to the power of nature and the will of the gods. Blending myth, folklore, and stunning visuals, this prequel reveals how the legend of Kantara truly began.
The film Kantara: Chapter 1 was released on October 2, 2025 in India
The much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 cultural phenomenon Kantara, titled Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 (often referred to as Kantara 2), has stormed the box office since its release on October 2, 2025. Directed, written, and starring Rishab Shetty, this mythological epic set in 4th-century coastal Karnataka explores the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the legend that captivated audiences in the original film. Released pan-India in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, the film has already shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025 in just three days.
With stunning VFX, powerful performances, and a gripping narrative blending folklore, action, and spirituality, Kantara Chapter 1 has not only recovered its budget but is on track to deliver blockbuster returns. In this post, we’ll dive into the film’s budget, day-wise collections for the first two days, and its current standing as of October 5, 2025. All figures are based on early estimates from reliable trackers like Sacnilk and trade analysts.
Budget: A Modest Investment with Epic Ambitions
The original Kantara (2022) was a low-budget triumph, made on approximately ₹16 crore and grossing over ₹407 crore worldwide—a staggering 25x return on investment. Building on that success, Kantara Chapter 1 scales up in scope with grand sets, advanced VFX, and a larger cast (including Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Achyuth Kumar).
Total Budget: ₹125 crore (including production, marketing, and prints). This is a significant jump from the first film but remains efficient for a pan-India spectacle of this scale.
The film’s strong pre-release buzz, fueled by the original’s word-of-mouth legacy and festive Dussehra timing, ensured advance bookings crossed ₹30 crore worldwide even before opening day.
Day-Wise Box Office Collections: A Roaring Start
Kantara Chapter 1 is deeply rooted in Karnataka’s folklore, and its performance reflects that cultural connection—dominating the home state while expanding its footprint globally. Below, we compare its collections in Karnataka (primarily driven by the Kannada version) against worldwide figures for the first three days. Note: Karnataka collections are estimated based on Kannada version shares and state-specific reports, as exact breakdowns evolve with official audits.
A Legend Chapter 1 box office collections in Karnataka (primarily driven by the Kannada version) versus worldwide gross figures for the first three days, with the “Day” column removed as requested. All figures are in ₹ Cr and based on early estimates as of October 5, 2025.
A Legend Chapter 1 box office collections in Karnataka (primarily driven by the Kannada version) versus worldwide gross figures for the first three days, with the “Day” column removed as requested. All figures are in ₹ Cr and based on early estimates as of October 5, 2025.
Karnataka vs Worldwide
| Day | Karnataka (Gross Est.) | Worldwide Gross | Key Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Oct 2) | ₹17-22 Cr | ₹87.75-90 Cr | Karnataka led with ~25% of India net (₹19.6 Cr Kannada), 2nd-highest opener in state history (behind KGF 2’s ₹24.5 Cr). Global boost from US ($0.8M) and Middle East. |
| Day 2 (Oct 3) | ₹12-15 Cr | ₹148-151 Cr (Cumulative) | Home state held 82%+ occupancy; contributed ~28% of Day 2 India net. Overseas added $0.5M more, pushing worldwide past ₹150 Cr. |
| Day 3 (Oct 4) | ₹18-22 Cr (Est.) | ₹200-230 Cr (Cumulative) | Massive weekend jump in Karnataka (66% hike in evening shows vs. Hindi); state now ~₹47-59 Cr total. Global nears ₹200 Cr, with overseas at ~$2.5M cumulative. |
| 3-Day Total | ₹47-59 Cr | ₹200-230 Cr | Karnataka accounts for ~25-30% of worldwide, underscoring regional pride; rest from pan-India dubs and strong US/UAE markets. |
The film’s Hindi version alone contributed ₹30-34 Cr over two days, marking the 8th biggest South Indian opener in Hindi markets. Overseas markets (especially the US and UAE) added $2 million (₹16.5 Cr) on Day 1, pushing the global tally higher.
Current Collections: Crossing Milestones at Warp Speed
By the end of Day 3 (October 4, Saturday), Kantara Chapter 1 had amassed ₹169.32-172.24 Cr net in India, with early trends suggesting a massive Saturday haul that fully recovered the ₹125 Cr budget. Worldwide, it’s eyeing the ₹200 Cr mark by Day 4 and could hit ₹300 Cr by mid-week, thanks to rave reviews (4.5/5 from analysts like Taran Adarsh) and endorsements from stars like Yash, who called it a “benchmark for Indian cinema.”
3-Day India Net Total: ₹169.32-172.24 Cr
Worldwide Gross (3 Days): ~₹220-230 Cr (estimated, including strong overseas hold)
Occupancy Trends: Peaked at 98% for evening/night shows in Tamil and Kannada circuits; Hindi held at 30-75% across versions.
Compared to competitors like Varun Dhawan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (₹14.5 Cr in two days) and Dhanush’s Idli Kadai (₹28.28 Cr total), Kantara Chapter 1 has eclipsed them entirely, turning the box office into a one-film show.
Kantara Chapter 1 & 2:
The first film was a slow-burn miracle, starting small in Karnataka before exploding nationwide. Here’s a quick head-to-head:
| Metric | Kantara Chapter 2 (2022) | Kantara Chapter 1 (2025) | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹16 Cr | ₹125 Cr | 8x higher, but justified by scale. |
| Day 1 India Net | ₹0.92 Cr (mostly Karnataka) | ₹61.85 Cr | 67x bigger opener; Hindi dubs turbocharged growth. |
| Karnataka Lifetime | ₹158-180 Cr | ₹70+ Cr (projected) | Original edges out, but Chapter 1 on pace to challenge with bigger release. |
| Worldwide Lifetime | ₹407 Cr | ₹200+ Cr (3 days; projected ₹500+ Cr) | Chapter 1 started stronger globally; could surpass if WOM sustains. |
Kantara: Chapter 1 Movie Review:
“Kantara: Chapter 1” is a breathtaking prequel that dives into the origins of the divine legend first seen in the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Set nearly a thousand years earlier, the film combines mythology, spirituality, and raw tribal storytelling with stunning cinematography and music. Rishab Shetty shines as both actor and director, bringing depth to the character of Berme, a warrior connected to nature and divine forces.
Critics and fans alike have praised its powerful visuals, authentic folklore portrayal, and emotional storytelling. The film’s strong cultural roots and universal appeal make it not just a regional success, but a pan-India cinematic triumph.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
Verdict: A visually rich, spiritually intense masterpiece that expands the Kantara universe with heart and grandeur.
Movie Links
Kantara (2022):
🔗 Watch Now Kantara: Chapter 2
Kantara (2025):
🔗 Watch Now Kantara: Chapter 1
