The much-awaited prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, has stormed into cinemas worldwide with a historic opening. Released on October 2, 2025, the film is written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty under the banner of Hombale Films, produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda.
Kantara Chapter 1 – Record-Breaking Day 1 Collection
According to early trade reports, Kantara: Chapter 1 collected ₹60–65 crore on Day 1 across India, making it one of the biggest openers of 2025.
Karnataka witnessed record occupancies of 88–90%.
The Hindi belt contributed around ₹19–20 crore, signaling its pan-India craze.
This opening has placed the film ahead of L2: Empuraan, Chhaava, Saiyaara, and even War 2, rewriting Bollywood and South Indian box office records.
Rishab Shetty’s Emotional Note
Rishab Shetty expressed his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), recalling his early struggles:
“From begging for a single screening in 2016 to 5,000+ houseful shows in 2025 – it’s all because of the fans and God’s grace.”
His journey from the original Kantara (2022) to the grandeur of the prequel highlights the phenomenal rise of this franchise.
The Story Connection – How the Prequel Unfolds
The narrative of Kantara: Chapter 1 takes audiences back in time, exploring the legends behind the Bootha Kola rituals.
At the end of Kantara (2022), Shiva (Rishab Shetty) disappears after being possessed by the divine spirit, just like his father.
The prequel shifts to the Bangda dynasty, where King Rajshekhar (Jayaram) crowns his son Gulshankar (Gulshan Devaiah).
His daughter Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth) manages the kingdom’s trade routes involving spices from the sacred Kantara forests.
Meanwhile, Barmey (Rishab Shetty), raised in the forest, learns trade to uplift his tribal people. A bond forms between Barmey and Kanakavathi, but destiny takes a divine turn when Guliga Devata enters Barmey, leading to the downfall of Gulshankar.
The film promises to carry forward its saga in Kantara: Chapter 2, as teased by Rishab Shetty at the end.
Technical Excellence and Performances
Cinematography: Arvind S. Kashyap has delivered breathtaking visuals, blending nature with folklore.
Visual Effects: Action sequences with tigers, monkeys, and forest landscapes blur the line between reality and graphics.
Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score elevates the intensity, though at times overpowers the dialogues.
Performances: Rishab Shetty shines once again, supported by Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Suchan Shetty, and Kishore Kumar G.
Kantara Chapter 1 Review, Industry Reactions
Film producer G. Dhananjeyan hailed it as “Divine Cinema with goosebump-inducing moments.”
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga praised it as “A cinematic thunderstorm – raw, divine, and unshakable.”
Critic Taran Adarsh described it as “A layered spectacle that fuses mythology, folklore, and emotions with extraordinary scale.”
From 2022 Blockbuster to 2025 Phenomenon
The original Kantara (2022) grossed ₹407 crore worldwide, winning two National Film Awards, including Best Actor for Rishab Shetty and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Now, its prequel has raised the bar even higher with a ₹60 crore Day 1 collection, proving the franchise’s unstoppable growth.
Conclusion
Kantara: Chapter 1 is more than just a film – it’s an experience rooted in folklore, faith, and raw cinematic power. With its record-breaking start, strong audience connect, and plans for Chapter 2, Rishab Shetty has once again cemented his place among India’s finest storytellers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the box office collection of Kantara: Chapter 1 on Day 1?
Kantara: Chapter 1 collected around ₹60–65 crore on its opening day across all languages in India, making it one of the biggest openers of 2025.
Q2. Who is the director of Kantara: Chapter 1?
The film is directed, written, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, under the banner of Hombale Films.
Q3. Is Kantara: Chapter 1 a sequel or a prequel?
It is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, exploring the legends and ancestry behind the story of Shiva and his forefathers.
Q4. Will there be Kantara: Chapter 2?
Yes, Rishab Shetty has confirmed that the story will continue in Kantara: Chapter 2, which will expand the saga further.
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