Set 1,000 years before the original, Kantara: Chapter 1 explores ancient traditions and has grossed ₹660 crore worldwide. With ₹100 crore overseas earnings, it ranks among 2025’s top Indian films, highlighting the global appeal of rooted cultural storytelling.
'Kantara Chapter 1' created a tsunami at the box office
New Delhi: "Kantara: Chapter 1" is a prequel to the 2022 hit film "Kantara," meaning it depicts events that take place before that story. Set a thousand years ago, the film explores the ancient origins of a traditional ritual called "Bhoot Kola," which was the central theme of the first film.
Rishabh Shetty not only directed the film but also plays the lead role. He also stars Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, and Jayaram in pivotal roles. The film was released on October 2nd, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, and has been a box office success ever since.
Kantara Chapter 1 breaks records, surpasses Baahubali and Salaar with massive Box Office success
"Kantara: Chapter 1" has grossed over ₹100 crore overseas, becoming the fifth Indian film of 2025 to cross this mark. The four previous films to achieve this feat are
Rajinikanth's Coolie – ₹180 crore
Ahan Pandey and Anit Padda's Saiyyanaara – ₹170 crore
Mohanlal and Prithviraj's L2: Anpuran – ₹140 crore
Kalyani Priyadarshan and Dulquer Salmaan's Lok: Chapter 1: Chandra – ₹120 crore
Kantara: Chapter 1 has also surpassed Chava, which earned ₹95 crore overseas.
Kantara: Chapter 1 sets a new record in Indian cinema
The film has grossed ₹475 crore (net) in India, taking its total worldwide earnings to ₹660 crore. The film is still running successfully in theaters and is expected to continue its strong run until the release of Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui's film "Thamma" on October 21st.
The film is produced by Vijay Kirabandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films, which has previously produced superhit films like "Kantara" and "KGF."
Kantara: Chapter 1 roars past ₹500 Cr worldwide in first week, becomes Pan-India blockbuster
"Kantara: Chapter 1" is not only an entertaining film with a historical backdrop but also highlights the roots of Indian culture. Its success has proven that good content and stories based on local culture resonate with today's audiences. The film's box office performance so far makes it one of the biggest films of 2025.
