Bengaluru: Rishab Shetty's much-awaited prequel Kantara: Chapter 1, a mythological folk action thriller, continues its triumphant run at the Indian box office. Released on October 2, 2025 (Dussehra), the film has captivated audiences with its blend of Tulu Nadu folklore, intense action, and cultural depth, emerging as one of the biggest openers of the year. By the end of Day 3 (Saturday, October 4), it has amassed a staggering ₹162.85 crore net in India across all languages (Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam), surpassing the lifetime collections of blockbusters like Salman Khan's Sikandar (₹110 crore) and Ram Charan's Game Changer (₹131 crore).Also Read: ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan: Today’s match- Here is the info
The film recorded a robust 20.11% growth from Day 2, driven by the extended Dussehra holidays and strong word-of-mouth. This momentum positions it to potentially hit the ₹200 crore milestone in its opening week, challenging all-time Kannada records and solidifying its pan-India appeal.Safari Flip 32L Casual Printed Backpack, 2 Compartments, Bottle Holder, Front Pocket, School Bag for Boys and Girls, College Bag, Office Bag,
Day 1 (Thu, Oct 2)- Record Dussehra opener; 3rd biggest of 2025 after Coolie and They Call Him OG. Hindi version contributed ~₹20 crore. Worldwide gross: ~₹89-90 crore.
Day 2 (Fri, Oct 3)- Steady hold despite weekday; crossed ₹100 crore club by evening. Total so far: ₹107.85 crore.
Day 3 (Sat, Oct 4)- 20.11% jump from Day 2; morning shows saw 69% occupancy in Kannada circuits. Total so far: ₹162.85 crore.
Critical & Celebrity Acclaim: Directed, written, and starring Rishab Shetty (as Shiva Shivappa/Devendra Surya), the film has been hailed as a "masterpiece" for its immersive storytelling and VFX. Celebs like Yash ("New benchmark for Kannada cinema"), Nivin Pauly, Ram Gopal Varma, and cricketer Varun Chakravarthy have showered praise. Critics rate it 4.5/5, calling it a "visual spectacle rooted in tradition."
Budget vs. Earnings: Made on a modest ₹25-30 crore budget (vs. original Kantara's ₹16 crore), it's already a massive ROI, following the 2022 hit's ₹400+ crore worldwide haul.
Occupancy Trends: Day 3 morning shows: 69.04% (Kannada), 36.71% (Telugu). Expect even higher weekend footfalls.