Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection Day 1: A Thunderous Start
The highly anticipated Kantara Chapter 1 has exploded onto the big screen, rewriting box office history on its very first day. Rishab Shetty’s magnum opus collected an estimated ₹60 crore worldwide on Day 1, a figure that not only cements its place as one of the biggest Indian openings of 2025 but also positions it as a strong contender against recent mega blockbusters.
Audiences across Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and the Hindi belt flocked to theaters in record numbers. From early morning shows to midnight screenings, halls were packed, and the energy outside cinemas resembled that of a festival. Trade analysts suggest the film’s domestic gross alone stood close to ₹43–45 crore, while overseas markets contributed significantly, pushing the tally to ₹60 crore.
The Rishab Shetty Effect
When the original Kantara released in 2022, it became an unexpected cultural phenomenon. With Chapter 1, Rishab Shetty has returned not only as the lead actor but also as the creative force behind the camera. His ability to blend rooted storytelling with grandeur has clearly struck a chord again.
Film critic and analyst Arvind Rao commented, “The opening of Kantara Chapter 1 is extraordinary. It’s rare for a regional film to command such pan-India appeal on Day 1, but Shetty’s storytelling has created that magic once again.”
Social media, too, has been buzzing with praise. Fans described the movie as a “visual treat” and “spiritually powerful.” Many even compared its scale with KGF Chapter 2 and Baahubali.
Record-Breaking Numbers
The first day numbers of Kantara Chapter 1 are remarkable because they outperform several established stars’ films released this year. According to box office trackers:
- ₹60 crore worldwide gross (approximate)
- ₹43+ crore domestic gross on Day 1
- Surpasses the opening of superstar Rajinikanth’s Coolie in terms of first-day earnings
- Stands just behind KGF Chapter 2 in South India’s all-time biggest openings
Trade experts believe that the film’s performance in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has been particularly strong, something that often decides a movie’s long-term box office sustainability.
Audience Reactions and Cultural Connect
One of the biggest strengths of Kantara has always been its ability to connect with audiences at a spiritual and emotional level. While the original highlighted Bhoota Kola traditions, Chapter 1 reportedly dives deeper into folklore, blending mythology with action and human drama.
A viewer outside a Bengaluru theater shared, “It feels less like just a movie and more like a cultural experience. The way Rishab Shetty has presented our traditions with such intensity is unbelievable.”
In North India too, the dubbed versions have opened strongly. Single-screen theaters in UP, Bihar, and Delhi NCR reported occupancy of 70–80%, which is an outstanding start for a Kannada-origin film.
The Bigger Picture: Kantara vs KGF and Beyond
The comparison with KGF 2 is inevitable. While KGF had a larger pre-release hype and international backing, Kantara Chapter 1 is being praised for achieving massive numbers with a more grounded promotional strategy. Industry insiders suggest that the word-of-mouth for Shetty’s film is extremely positive, which could give it stronger legs in the coming weeks.
Film trade expert Komal Nahta observed, “The way Kantara Chapter 1 has started, it can go beyond ₹500 crore lifetime if momentum continues. The festive season will only add fuel to the collections.”
Overseas Reception
Beyond India, Kantara Chapter 1 has surprised distributors. Early reports indicate a strong opening in the Middle East, the US, and Europe. Advance bookings in cities like Dubai, London, and Toronto were nearly sold out, indicating that Shetty’s vision resonates with the global Indian diaspora.
What Lies Ahead
The true test for any big film lies beyond the opening day. With excellent word-of-mouth, Kantara Chapter 1 seems poised for a massive first weekend, possibly crossing ₹150 crore worldwide within three days. If sustained, it could emerge as one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Beyond numbers, the film also sets a precedent. A Kannada film making waves across India and overseas at this scale is proof of the changing dynamics of Indian cinema. Regional no longer means limited, and Kantara Chapter 1 is a shining example of how authentic storytelling can cross borders effortlessly.
Conclusion
Day 1 of Kantara Chapter 1 is nothing short of historic. With ₹60 crore in its kitty already, the film has silenced skeptics and raised expectations sky high. The coming days will decide whether it can sustain and match the gigantic benchmarks set by KGF and Baahubali. For now, Rishab Shetty has given his audience a film that not only entertains but also reaffirms the power of rooted Indian cinema on the global stage.