October 20, 2025 : Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 continues its golden run at the global box office, showing no signs of slowing down even after nearly three weeks of release. On its 18th day, the epic drama witnessed a solid jump in collections, driven largely by the weekend audience surge. With this, the film has crossed the ₹520 crore mark worldwide, solidifying its position among the highest-grossing Indian films of the year.
According to trade estimates, Kantara: Chapter 1 minted around ₹18.2 crore on Sunday (day 18) across all languages, a significant improvement over Saturday’s ₹12.4 crore. The upward trend has been credited to strong word-of-mouth, emotional storytelling, and Rishab Shetty’s powerful performance, which has captivated audiences across demographics.
Consistent Growth Despite New Releases
Even as multiple new films hit theatres in recent days, Kantara: Chapter 1 has managed to hold its ground. Despite competition from other regional and Bollywood releases, the film’s occupancy rates surged on Sunday, particularly in Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
Trade analysts suggest that Kantara’s hold in tier-2 and tier-3 cities has been phenomenal, with several theatres still running houseful shows. In North India too, dubbed versions of the film are witnessing renewed demand, supported by positive online chatter and repeat audiences.
Film trade expert Taran Adarsh shared on X (formerly Twitter):
“#KantaraChapter1 unstoppable on its third weekend! Sunday surge pushes it past ₹520 cr mark worldwide. One of the strongest word-of-mouth successes in recent times. #RishabShetty delivers another blockbuster!”
Day-Wise Breakdown (India Net Collection)
- Day 1 (Friday): ₹40.6 crore
- Day 2 (Saturday): ₹55.1 crore
- Day 3 (Sunday): ₹64.3 crore
- Week 1 Total: ₹320 crore
- Week 2 Total: ₹140 crore
- Week 3 (so far): ₹60 crore (approx.)
Total (India Net): ₹520 crore+
The film’s overseas performance has also been exceptional. Kantara: Chapter 1 has reportedly earned around ₹105 crore internationally, with strong performances in the US, UAE, and Australia. It has already surpassed the lifetime overseas collections of many major Indian blockbusters, including Brahmastra and RRR in some regions.
The Secret Behind Kantara’s Success
The magic of Kantara: Chapter 1 lies not just in its scale but in its soul. Directed, written, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film combines folklore, spirituality, and human emotion in a gripping narrative that connects with audiences at multiple levels.
Critics have praised Shetty for maintaining the authenticity and rootedness that made the original Kantara (2022) a cultural phenomenon. This prequel delves into the mythological and historical origins of the forest deity Panjurli and the socio-cultural conflicts that shaped the world of Kantara.
Critics and Audience Response
The film holds an IMDb rating of 8.9/10 and has been applauded for its cinematography, music, and visual grandeur. The haunting background score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath and the breathtaking visuals of the Western Ghats have become major talking points.
Audience reviews continue to pour in, with many calling the film “an experience rather than just a movie.” Fans have especially appreciated how Kantara: Chapter 1 expands the lore while retaining the spiritual energy that made the first part iconic.
Social media has been buzzing with fan theories and discussions about how the film connects to Kantara (2022). Rishab Shetty’s powerful screen presence and direction have been widely celebrated, with hashtags like #KantaraChapter1 and #RishabShettyMagic trending for days.
Box Office Comparison
At ₹520 crore, Kantara: Chapter 1 now surpasses the lifetime domestic collection of Brahmastra: Part One (₹431 crore) and 3 Idiots (₹460 crore). It is now eyeing to overtake Gadar 2 and Pathaan in total worldwide earnings if the current pace continues for another week.
Trade analysts predict that the film could easily reach ₹600 crore by its fourth weekend, especially with festive holidays approaching. The film’s dubbed Hindi version has also crossed ₹60 crore, which is a remarkable feat for a Kannada-language film.
Industry Reactions
Bollywood and South Indian film personalities have lauded Rishab Shetty’s storytelling. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap wrote,
“Kantara: Chapter 1 is raw, poetic, and spiritually stirring. Rishab Shetty proves again why Indian cinema needs more rooted storytellers like him.”
Meanwhile, Allu Arjun and Prithviraj Sukumaran also praised the film’s visual scale and cultural depth on social media, calling it a “masterclass in blending folklore with cinematic brilliance.”
What’s Next for Kantara Universe
Fans are already speculating about Kantara: Chapter 2, though Shetty has clarified that he plans to take a break before starting the next installment. In a recent interview, he said,
“The universe of Kantara is vast. I want to take time to explore it properly. We have only scratched the surface so far.”
Hombale Films, the production house behind Kantara and KGF, has hinted at expanding the Kantara universe into other mediums, including web series and graphic novels.
Conclusion
Eighteen days after release, Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to dominate theatres and hearts alike. Its soaring box office numbers reflect not just a commercial success but a cultural celebration of Indian folklore, faith, and cinematic artistry.
As the film crosses ₹520 crore globally, it cements Rishab Shetty’s status as one of India’s most visionary filmmakers, proving that stories deeply rooted in tradition can indeed conquer the global stage.
Summary
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 crosses ₹520 crore worldwide on day 18, driven by strong word-of-mouth and Sunday growth, solidifying its place among India’s top blockbusters of 2025.