Bollywood (and beyond!) can’t stop talking about Kantara: Chapter 1. After a phenomenal second weekend that saw theatres packed and fans cheering through every frame, the film is now just a step away from entering the prestigious ₹500 crore club! But — and here’s the twist — the film has also started showing some signs of fatigue after its thunderous first two weeks.
Let’s dive into what’s really happening with Rishab Shetty’s mythological blockbuster that has taken the box office — and the internet — by storm!
After a dream run in its opening week, Kantara: Chapter 1 continued its stronghold through its second weekend, raking in an incredible ₹78.75 crore in just two days. Talk about unstoppable!
But then came the weekdays — and as expected, the pace slowed. On second Monday, collections dropped sharply to ₹13.35 crore, followed by ₹10.5 crore on Wednesday and ₹9 crore on Thursday. Despite the dip, the film’s total domestic box office now stands at ₹485.40 crore, a staggering figure by any measure.
And here’s the real deal — while it’s inching toward the ₹500 crore mark in India, it has already crossed ₹500 crore worldwide, solidifying its place among the biggest Indian films of the year.
Why It’s Going Viral Kantara: Chapter 1 Smashes ₹485 Crore
The secret to Kantara: Chapter 1’s success isn’t just its numbers — it’s the soul of the film. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the movie explores the origins of Daiva worship (Bhuta Kola) in pre-colonial Karnataka. It’s mystical, emotional, and deeply rooted in Indian folklore — something audiences clearly missed in today’s fast-paced, commercial cinema.
Rishab’s portrayal of Berme, a fierce protector of land and faith, has struck a chord with millions. With Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram adding emotional depth to the story, Kantara: Chapter 1 has become more than just a film — it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Honestly, it’s no surprise critics and fans alike are calling it a visual and spiritual masterpiece.
Social media is literally flooded with love for Kantara: Chapter 1. Fans are sharing heartfelt posts, goosebump-inducing clips, and even recreating Bhuta Kola-inspired moments.
One fan wrote on X (Twitter):
“Every frame of #KantaraChapter1 gave me chills! This is not cinema, this is an emotion 🇮🇳🔥.”
Another commented on Instagram:
“Rishab Shetty deserves a national award. Period. No one tells a story like this anymore!”
The hashtag #KantaraChapter1 continues to trend across platforms, with fans calling it “a once-in-a-decade cinematic experience.”
The success of Kantara: Chapter 1 has sent shockwaves through the industry. It has officially beaten films like Saiyaara, Coolie, War 2, and Lokah Chapter 1, securing its position as the second-highest-grossing film of the year.
However, it’s still trailing behind Vicky Kaushal’s historical epic Chhaava — the reigning box office king of 2025. Chhaava, which also stars Rashmika Mandanna and Akshaye Khanna, stormed into the history books with an unbelievable ₹601.54 crore India net and ₹807.91 crore worldwide.
Still, insiders say Rishab Shetty’s Kantara could soon join the ₹500 crore club, cementing his position as one of India’s most visionary storytellers.
Even the big guns of Bollywood can’t stop talking about it. Legends like Amitabh Bachchan, Anupam Kher, Mahesh Babu, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and Ram Gopal Varma have publicly praised the film for its “raw authenticity” and “divine depth.”
Anupam Kher even tweeted:
“Rishab Shetty’s storytelling is spiritual cinema at its best. Kantara: Chapter 1 is pure magic!”
