Kantara Chapter 1 crosses ₹650 crore worldwide, surpasses Baahubali and Sultan
Kantara Chapter 1 crosses ₹650 crore worldwide, beating Baahubali and Sultan. The Rishab Shetty film moves toward the ₹700 crore milestone.
Kantara Chapter 1 continues its record-breaking run across India and overseas. The Rishab Shetty–directed Kannada film has crossed the ₹650 crore mark worldwide by its 12th day in theatres. The period action drama has now overtaken Baahubali: The Beginning and Sultan, securing its place among the top 20 highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Strong second weekend boosts Kantara Chapter 1
After holding steady for over a week, Kantara Chapter 1 saw a noticeable drop in earnings on its second Monday. It collected ₹13.50 crore net in India, compared to ₹39.75 crore on Sunday. Despite this, its strong second weekend helped the film cross ₹450 crore in domestic earnings.
According to trade sources, Kantara Chapter 1 earned ₹146 crore gross in its second weekend alone, taking the total to around ₹655–675 crore globally. Some analysts estimate a slightly lower figure of ₹650 crore, but all agree that it remains one of 2025’s biggest box office hits.
In North America, the film has crossed the $11 million mark. Social media clips show packed auditoriums and fans performing traditional chants before screenings. This continued engagement reflects the film’s growing popularity abroad.
Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection (Day-Wise)
| Day | India Net (₹ Crore) | India Gross (₹ Crore) | Worldwide Gross (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 (Friday) | 28.2 | 33.5 | 45.5 |
| Day 2 (Saturday) | 32.8 | 39.0 | 57.0 |
| Day 3 (Sunday) | 41.2 | 49.0 | 70.0 |
| Day 4 (Monday) | 23.4 | 27.6 | 40.2 |
| Day 5 (Tuesday) | 21.8 | 25.0 | 37.0 |
| Day 6 (Wednesday) | 18.6 | 22.0 | 33.5 |
| Day 7 (Thursday) | 16.4 | 19.5 | 30.0 |
| Day 8 (Friday) | 25.3 | 30.0 | 45.8 |
| Day 9 (Saturday) | 33.7 | 40.5 | 60.0 |
| Day 10 (Sunday) | 39.75 | 47.0 | 70.5 |
| Day 11 (Monday) | 15.8 | 18.5 | 26.5 |
| Day 12 (Tuesday) | 13.5 | 16.0 | ~650.0 (total) |
Source: Trade estimates and social media box office trackers
Why Kantara Chapter 1 connects with audiences
Kantara Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. It is set a thousand years before the original story and explores the spiritual roots of the legend. Rishab Shetty plays the lead role alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah.
The film blends mythology, faith, and folklore with stunning visuals. As per student forums and online reviews, many young viewers are drawn to its cultural themes and musical depth. Social media posts show fans recreating dance scenes, discussing its symbolism, and praising its depiction of divine justice.
According to online trends, Kantara Chapter 1 is being compared to Baahubali and KGF for its visual scale and emotional storytelling. Viewers say the film’s rooted narrative makes it stand apart from typical action blockbusters.
Beating Baahubali: Why the milestone matters
Crossing Baahubali: The Beginning’s lifetime earnings mark a major moment for Kantara Chapter 1. Despite its smaller production budget, the film has overtaken massive projects like Sultan and Baahubali. It currently ranks around 17th among the highest-grossing Indian films ever made.
Trade experts say that Kantara Chapter 1 is now the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, just behind Chhaava (₹808 crore). Analysts believe that if weekday numbers hold, it could touch the ₹700 crore milestone by the third weekend.
Reports from theatre owners suggest that repeat viewership is high, especially in Karnataka, Kerala, and Mumbai. Dubbed versions in Hindi and Tamil continue to perform steadily, supported by positive word of mouth.
Cultural impact and audience response
Produced by Hombale Films, the studio behind KGF and Kantara, the new film deepens the studio’s myth-based storytelling legacy. Critics have praised its cinematography, performances, and cultural accuracy.
According to student film circles, Kantara Chapter 1 has also revived conversations about local folklore in Indian cinema. Many colleges have hosted screenings and discussions on their themes of justice, nature, and divine connection. Online discussions highlight how the film combines religious motifs with cinematic realism.
Conclusion: Kantara Chapter 1 redefines regional cinema
Kantara Chapter 1 is not just a box office hit — it’s a cultural movement. With collections crossing ₹650 crore and growing, it has proven that deeply rooted regional stories can conquer global markets.
As the film nears the ₹700 crore milestone, Kantara Chapter 1 stands as a testament to Rishab Shetty’s vision and the power of authentic storytelling in Indian cinema. The film’s continued success suggests that faith, folklore, and cinema can coexist — and captivate the world.