If you considered Rishab Shetty performed something remarkable in 2022, reconsider. His newest masterpiece is breaking all records you can imagine.
The Numbers That Speak Volumes
Kantara Chapter 1 has just surpassed ₹438 crore at the domestic collection counter after 11 days of release. The movie had a powerful beginning on October 2, 2025, and then continued with its stronghold.
Here’s what makes these numbers even crazier:
- The opening day alone brought ₹61.85 crore
- First week total stood at ₹337.4 crore
- Second weekend jumped by 75 percent compared to the previous weekend
- Sunday collection alone reached ₹39.77 crore
The Kantara film crossed ₹100 crore in both Kannada and Hindi versions separately. Telugu raked in ₹63.55 crore, Tamil brought over ₹30 crore, and Malayalam earned ₹26.65 crore. These are the kind of numbers we only saw before from massive hits like Baahubali 2 and RRR.
Breaking Past The Giants
What makes this run extra special? Kantara Chapter 1 has really put some heavyweights down. It overtook Prabhas’s Salaar Part 1 which grossed ₹406.45 crore during its lifetime. Besides, it also reached beyond Baahubali: The Beginning which had ₹420 crore as its collection.
Just a moment ago the second-largest Kannada movie ever received the title of being the second film from this language to earn more than ₹400 crore after KGF Chapter 2.
What Makes Kantara Film Different?
The action takes place at the coastline of Karnataka during 4th century A.D. The narrative brings you to an era where ancient customs and folklore were still very much alive. Berme (Rishab Shetty), a forest of Kantara’s tribal village warrior, plays the lead.
The drama escalates when Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah), the new king of the Kadambas, tries to acquire the estate.
The movie portrays the Bhoota Kola rituals which are believed to connect the people with the divine spirits, in a very elaborate manner. The movie doesn’t just play about with the rituals to create drama; rather, it draws from the cultural roots of coastal Karnataka, which have existed for centuries.
Audiences Felt The Energy
Rishab Shetty has recently shared his experience regarding what clicked. He stated that the Daiva Guliga character was his dream role and that the audience could really experience the frenzy through his acting.
His faith reflects in every shot. Recently in a public event he stated his vision was uncomplicated: the more local you get, the more universal you become. This is exactly what happened here.
Theaters throughout the nation recorded an occupancy of 80-90 percent. The audiences irrespective of their linguistic backgrounds were drawn to the tale. The Hindi version alone collected ₹13.47 crore on the 11th day, matching the earnings of Kantara version.
The Weekend That Changed Everything?
The second weekend provided unbelievable momentum. After the first day of collecting ₹22.25 crore, the second day saw it jump to ₹39 crore. The performance on the third day was also strong as another ₹40 crore came in. This means a total of ₹101.25 crore in three days.
The reason of this was not sheer luck. The viewers were recommending it to their circle. There were heated debates on social media about the end and what would be the next. The impact of the words of mouth was such that no marketing budget could surpass it.
Why People Keep Coming Back
Here’s the thing about Kantara Chapter 1 that sets it apart. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. The film stays true to its roots while delivering a visual experience that rivals any big-budget production.
The climax alone has people talking. Without giving too much away, Berme faces off against forces that threatened everything his people held sacred. The final sequence shows him diving into the same well where his story began as an infant. People walked out of theatres wanting more, which is probably why the film teases Kantara Chapter 2 at the very end.
What The Future Holds
Amazon Prime Video reportedly grabbed digital rights for ₹125 crore. That’s one of the highest deals for a Kannada film, second only to KGF 2. The film will stream in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Right now though, the theatrical run shows no signs of slowing down. Trade analysts predict the film will easily cross ₹500 crore domestically. Worldwide collections already touched ₹600 crore.
The Platform Factor
Are you in search of something new and exciting this season? Khelofun has been keeping track of all the latest happenings around this cultural phenomenon.
You will be informed about the latest updates from the world of cinema through Khelofun and similar platforms, from collection reports to behind-the-scenes stories.
A Story Worth Watching
What Rishab Shetty did here is not only regular filmmaking. His path from a struggling director to making a ₹400 crore hit is a clear display of what dedication can do. Each and every ritual shown on screen came from months of thorough research and practice. The genuineness of it all is apparent.
The movie asserts that the viewers have not yet forgotten culture-related stories. With a vibrant narrative and energetic performances, one does not need flashy tricks. Kantara Chapter 1 gets: ‘day-to-day’ with its people while presenting superbly on both fronts.
If you are the kind who enjoys mythology, history, or just good storytelling, give this one a try. The figures are evident, but the true enchantment is when you witness it on a big screen.
