Kantara Chapter 1 (popularly called Kantara 2) has delivered a record-smashing opening at the box office, proving itself as a pan-India phenomenon. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the film’s Day 1 collection and critical buzz have placed it among the giants of Indian cinema, with industry leaders and fans raving on platforms like BookMyShow.
Box Office Collection Kantara Chapter 1
Kantara Chapter 1 earned an astounding ₹61.85 crore in India on its first day, making it the third biggest Day 1 opener of 2025 after Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG. This explosive performance easily eclipses the original Kantara’s ₹2 crore Day 1 earnings in 2022, a leap that signals enormous franchise growth. The film’s advance ticket sales and occupancy rates on platforms like BookMyShow underline its expanding cultural footprint.
| Film | Day 1 Collection | Year | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolie (Rajinikanth) | ₹65 crore | 2025 | Tamil |
| They Call Him OG (Pawan Kalyan) | ₹63 crore | 2025 | Telugu |
| Kantara Chapter 1 (Kantara 2) | ₹61.85 crore | 2025 | Kannada + |
Day 1 Occupancy and Language Breakdown
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Kannada: 1,500 shows with 88% occupancy
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Hindi Movie: 4,700 shows with 30% occupancy
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Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam: 1,000+, 840, and 600 shows with 70%, 70%, and 65% occupancy respectively
Kannada showings dominated the box office. However, trade experts predict that Hindi film audiences will increase sharply over the weekend, particularly with the strong word-of-mouth and prominent coverage on platforms like BookMyShow.
Kantara 2 Budget and Production
The budget for Kantara Chapter 1 (Kantara 2) was approximately ₹125–₹150 crore, a major leap from the original’s modest budget. Despite high stakes, producers overcame serious production challenges, including on-set accidents and the emotional loss of key cast members, including actor Rakesh Poojary. The dedication of the crew helped keep the ambitious project moving forward and contributed to the film’s raw authenticity.
| Aspect | Kantara Chapter 1 Budget | Kantara 1 Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹125–₹150 crore | ₹15 crore |
Cast of Kantara Chapter 1
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Rishab Shetty (lead, director)
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Rukmini Vasanth (female lead, known from many Rukmini Vasanth movies)
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Gulshan Devaiah (key supporting role)
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Ensemble cast featuring Kannada and South Indian actors
Each performer brings important depth to the folklore-inspired narrative, with Gulshan Devaiah’s role especially noted across reviews and audience forums.
Movie Review Kantara Chapter 1 & Audience Response
Kantara Chapter 1 reviews on BookMyShow and IMDb have praised its breathtaking visuals, powerful direction, and immersive soundtrack. While some critics noted uneven pacing, most agree that the film carries forward the mystical and spiritual elements that made the original Kantara a nationwide sensation.
Worldwide Collection and Future Predictions
Kantara 2 opening day worldwide collection touched nearly ₹85–₹90 crore. Industry experts are projecting a potential total of ₹500 crore, indicating that Kantara Collection Worldwide — boosted by a wide international release — may rival India’s biggest franchises like Baahubali.
Read More: Kantara 2 Roars: Smashes Box Office With ₹60 Cr Day 1, Sets New Record For Indian Cinema
Kantara 2 Box Office Collection Day 1—Why It Matters
With its stunning box office performance and overwhelming viewer reactions, Kantara 2 (Kantara Chapter 1) stands as a testament to regional cinema’s national appeal. Its folklore-driven story, substantial budget, and dedicated cast have brought Karnataka’s legends to a global audience, setting new standards for Indian film success.
