Kantara: Chapter 1 has roared into cinemas with a historic start, collecting over Rs 89 crores worldwide on its very first day. The film’s opening not only makes it the biggest debut of 2025 so far, but also sets it on course to possibly cross the much-coveted Rs 1000 crore milestone in the weeks ahead.
From its first show on October 2, the film drew packed audiences across India and abroad. With Rs 89+ crore in worldwide earnings, it has outperformed every other release of the year. Strong pre-release hype, rooted in the legacy of Kantara (2022), and glowing word-of-mouth have played a key role in the blockbuster start. Trade experts are already calling it a cultural and commercial phenomenon in the making.
Released in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, the film has achieved rare pan-India resonance while retaining its deep cultural essence. Unlike many big-ticket releases that struggle to connect equally across regions, Kantara: Chapter 1 is finding audiences everywhere, from metropolitan multiplexes to rural single screens. This multilingual rollout has amplified its box office impact, making it a truly nationwide spectacle.
The film is also being praised for its technical brilliance. Music director B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s powerful score, Arvind Kashyap’s stunning cinematography, and Vinesh Banglan’s meticulous production design have together elevated the folklore-driven narrative into a visual and emotional powerhouse. The immersive world-building, combined with a storyline rooted in faith, culture, and mythology, has struck a strong chord with viewers.
With such a staggering start, Kantara: Chapter 1 is poised to dominate the box office in the coming weeks. Positive reviews from both critics and audiences suggest a long theatrical run. The real test will be whether it can sustain its momentum against upcoming releases and continue pulling crowds at repeat value. If it does, the film has every chance of becoming the first Rs 1000 crore grosser of 2025, setting new benchmarks for Indian cinema.
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