The wait is finally over, and Kantara Chapter 1—better known as Kantara 2—has stormed into cinemas with an earth-shattering opening. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the film continues the mystical journey that began in 2022, and its box office collection has already become the talk of the town.
Released on Gandhi Jayanti, this sequel has lived up to sky-high expectations, making a massive splash on its first day. The numbers, buzz, and audience reactions clearly show that Rishab Shetty has yet again managed to deliver a cultural phenomenon wrapped in cinematic brilliance.
So, let’s dive deep into everything you need to know about Kantara 2 box office collection, its budget, audience response, controversies, and how it stacks up against other blockbusters.
A Record-Smashing Opening for Kantara 2
On its first day, Kantara Chapter 1 (Kantara 2) raked in an estimated ₹60 crore across India, almost on par with Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which earned ₹65 crore on its opening day. To put things into perspective, the first Kantara (2022) had earned only ₹2 crore on Day 1 before turning into a word-of-mouth juggernaut that grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide.
The massive jump from ₹2 crore to ₹60 crore within just two years speaks volumes about how much the franchise has grown in popularity. Fans had been waiting with bated breath for this prequel story, and their enthusiasm has translated into a phenomenal opening day collection.
Kantara 2 Day 1 Box Office Breakdown
The film released in multiple languages—Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam—covering a staggering 8,800+ shows across the country. Here’s how the occupancy looked:
-
Kannada: 1,500 shows with around 88% occupancy.
-
Hindi: 4,700 shows, 30% occupancy.
-
Telugu: 1,000 shows, over 70% occupancy.
-
Tamil: 840 shows, also around 70% occupancy.
-
Malayalam: 600 shows with 65% occupancy.
Clearly, the Kannada version dominated the opening day, while the Hindi market showed promise but lower occupancy compared to South India. However, given the Hindi belt’s weekend rush, trade experts believe collections will skyrocket over the next few days.
How Does Kantara 2 Compare to Other Biggies?
In terms of sheer numbers, Kantara 2’s box office collection has already put it in the same league as some of the biggest Indian films of recent years.
-
Rajinikanth’s Coolie: ₹65 crore (Day 1, India).
-
Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG: ₹63 crore (Day 1, India).
-
Kantara 2 (Kantara Chapter 1): ₹60 crore (Day 1, India).
Though it slightly trails behind Coolie and OG, the numbers are still extraordinary for a film rooted in regional folklore. The fact that a Kannada-origin film is battling shoulder-to-shoulder with megastars like Rajinikanth and Pawan Kalyan says a lot about the impact of Rishab Shetty’s vision.
Kantara 2 Budget and Production Challenges
Every blockbuster comes with its share of struggles, and Kantara Chapter 1 (Kantara 2) was no exception. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie reportedly had a budget of around ₹120–₹130 crore, a huge leap compared to the modest budget of the first film.
But the journey to completion wasn’t smooth. From accidents on set to unfortunate tragedies, the production faced multiple hurdles:
-
A boat accident with 30 crew members, including Rishab Shetty, capsized mid-stream. Luckily, there were no major casualties.
-
In 2024, a bus accident injured crew members, though thankfully none were serious.
-
The heartbreaking deaths of three artists, including actor Rakesh Poojary, left the team devastated.
Despite these setbacks, the makers ensured the project stayed on track, showing immense resilience and dedication.
The Emotional Weight of Rakesh Poojary’s Passing
One of the most painful moments during the film’s production was the sudden demise of actor Rakesh Poojary, who played a crucial role in the story. Rishab Shetty described Poojary as being “like a brother” to him, emphasizing the personal loss beyond the cinematic one.
The tragic circumstances added a layer of emotional depth to the film, making its release even more significant for the cast, crew, and fans who admired Poojary’s work.
The Legacy of the First Kantara
Before we go further, it’s worth remembering why this franchise holds such cultural weight. The original Kantara (2022) wasn’t just a film—it was an experience. Made on a small budget, it tapped into folklore, divinity, and traditions, blending them seamlessly with action and emotion.
That first film grossed over ₹407 crore worldwide, shocking everyone with its exponential growth. It wasn’t marketed as a pan-India spectacle initially, but word of mouth turned it into a nationwide phenomenon. With that reputation behind it, expectations for Kantara 2 were naturally sky-high.
Audience and Critics’ Response to Kantara 2
So far, the buzz has been overwhelmingly positive. Early reviews and audience reactions on platforms like BookMyShow and IMDb have praised:
-
The film’s grand scale and visuals.
-
Rishab Shetty’s direction and performance.
-
The haunting background score and cinematography.
-
The continuation of the folklore-inspired narrative.
While some critics feel the pacing is slightly uneven in parts, most agree that Kantara 2 is a worthy successor to the original. The audience seems particularly hooked on the mystical and spiritual undertones, which are the film’s signature appeal.
Kantara 2 vs Kantara 1: What’s Different?
You may wonder—how does Kantara Chapter 1 differ from the first film? Well, for starters, it’s actually a prequel, exploring the backstory that leads into the events of Kantara (2022).
While the first film followed the clash between tradition and modernity in a small coastal village, this prequel dives even deeper into the mythos. With a bigger budget, wider release, and more polished VFX, it feels grander and more ambitious in every way.
Simply put, where Kantara (2022) was like a hidden gem, Kantara 2 is a full-blown diamond showcase.
Worldwide Collections: How Far Can Kantara 2 Go?
Trade analysts are already predicting big numbers for Kantara 2 collection worldwide. Given its ₹60 crore start in India alone, the global tally could easily cross ₹100 crore within the opening weekend.
The film is also set to release in multiple international markets, including the US, UK, and Middle East, where South Indian cinema has a loyal fan base. If the momentum continues, Kantara 2 could potentially hit the ₹500 crore worldwide mark, repeating (or even surpassing) the magic of its predecessor.
Kantara 2 Cast and Performances
Apart from Rishab Shetty, who yet again takes center stage with his powerhouse presence, the cast of Kantara Chapter 1 includes:
-
Rukmini Vasanth (who shines as the female lead).
-
Gulshan Devaiah (in a pivotal role).
-
Supporting performances from several Kannada and South Indian actors who bring authenticity to the folklore-driven world.
Each actor contributes significantly to making the narrative immersive, making sure the sequel feels fresh despite being connected to the original story.
What’s Next for Kantara Franchise?
If the Day 1 numbers are any indication, Kantara Chapter 2 will almost certainly happen. Hombale Films has already hinted that the Kantara universe has much more to explore. With Rishab Shetty’s creativity and audience appetite for rooted yet larger-than-life storytelling, the franchise could grow into something as massive as Baahubali or KGF.
And if the Kantara 2 first day collection is just the beginning, then fans are in for a thrilling ride ahead.
Read More: WordPress Maintenance in India: Keep Your Website Secure, Fast & Hassle-Free
Conclusion
In just a single day, Kantara 2 box office collection has proved that this franchise is here to stay. With ₹60 crore already in the bank, glowing reviews, and a passionate fan following, Rishab Shetty’s film has cemented itself as one of the biggest openers in Indian cinema this year.
It’s not just about the numbers, though—it’s about what the film represents. A deeply rooted folklore-driven story from Karnataka has found global appeal, standing tall next to megastar-led blockbusters. That, in itself, is a victory worth celebrating.
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the hype, one thing’s certain: Kantara Chapter 1 (Kantara 2) is not just a movie—it’s a phenomenon. And judging by the way it has started, this ride is only going to get wilder.
