Kantara Chapter 1, directed and led by Rishab Shetty, made a grand entry in theaters across India on October 2, 2025. The film is a prequel to the hugely popular 2022 Kantara and has created massive excitement with its blend of mythology, tradition, and rural storytelling. By the evening shows on release day, the film had already collected an impressive ₹47.76 crore net in India alone, with expectations to cross ₹50 crore by the day’s end—a record-breaking debut for a Kannada film on a festive day like Dussehra.
Star Cast and Technical Brilliance
Rishab Shetty shines in the lead role, supported effectively by Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah. The film delivers a compelling package with its music, cinematography, editing, and art direction, combining beautifully to enhance the storytelling. The technical team has succeeded in capturing the emotional and mythical essence of the story, making it a vivid cinematic experience.
Audience and Critical Response
Viewers and critics have praised the film’s emotional depth, mythological elements, and rural roots. Early social media reactions are full of admiration, highlighting the breathtaking climax and Rishab Shetty’s masterful direction. Fans describe the film as an unforgettable experience blending folklore and faith, with many calling it a must-watch cinematic spectacle.
Pan-India and International Impact
Kantara Chapter 1’s Hindi and other language versions also contributed to the strong box office numbers. The film showed an occupancy as high as 96% in afternoon shows in Kannada alone, indicating widespread acceptance across different regions. The USA premiere added over ₹4 crore to the collection, pushing the worldwide opening day gross towards a staggering ₹100 crore mark.
Looking Ahead
With such a powerful start, Kantara Chapter 1 is set to dominate the box office for weeks. It has not only matched the legacy of its predecessor but is also on a path to becoming one of the biggest pan-India successes in recent times. The film solidifies Rishab Shetty’s status as a filmmaker with a unique vision and storytelling process.
