Two Years of Kantara: Epic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences

Kantara introduced audiences to a new world, deeply intertwined with India’s rich cultural roots.

Hombale Films made waves with the release of Kantara in 2022, delivering a mesmerizing tale rooted in the heartlands of India. The film provided audiences with an unparalleled divine experience, redefining the cinematic landscape. Blending intense action, gripping thrills, humor, and a captivating story, Kantara quickly became a sleeper hit, rising to one of the year's biggest successes. As the film marks its second anniversary, it's clear that Kantara remains a unique cinematic phenomenon that set a new standard in storytelling.

Kantara introduced audiences to a new world, deeply intertwined with India’s rich cultural roots. The film offered a deeply spiritual experience, showcasing the country's traditions, devotion, and cultural heritage in an enthralling manner. The standout moment was undoubtedly the climax, where Rishab Shetty’s powerful performance during the Bhoota Kola ritual, as he becomes possessed by Panjurli, left viewers with goosebumps. This scene became the defining moment of the film, elevating it to a whole new level.

Additionally, Hombale Films celebrated a remarkable achievement as Rishab Shetty won the National Award for Best Actor, while Kantara received the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 70th National Film Awards for 2022. The film also shattered box office records, becoming a major commercial success and ranking as the second highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, following K.G.F: Chapter 2, which was released in the same year.

Also Read: Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 shoot is near completion, likely to release in summer 2025

It was the fourth highest-grossing film in India for 2022, grossing over Rs 400 crores worldwide and Rs 96 crores in North India alone. Impressively, the film set a new record for the highest box office collections for a Hindi film in its 7th and 8th weeks, surpassing the previous record held by the 2001 film Gadar by Rs 200 crores, demonstrating the immense love and admiration it garnered from audiences. In its seventh week, Kantara collected Rs 24 crores, marking the highest collection for an Indian movie at that time.

As we mark the two-year anniversary of Kantara, the makers are preparing for the release of its prequel, titled Kantara: Chapter 1.