Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 takes global box office by storm

KATHMANDU: Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has emerged as one of the biggest cinematic hits of 2025.

Serving as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, this mythological action-thriller explores the origins of the Buta Kola ritual, blending folklore, spirituality, and tradition into a visually stunning cinematic experience.

Film Overview:

• Director & Lead Actor: Rishab Shetty

• Co-stars: Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram

• Genre: Mythological Action Thriller

• Release Date: Oct 2, 2025

• Production Company: Hombale Films

The film’s narrative combines divine intervention, ancestral rites, and the eternal battle between good and evil, complemented by striking visuals, authentic performances, and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack.

Box Office Performance:

Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 has smashed box office records worldwide:

• Total Worldwide Gross: ₹508 crore

  • Domestic (India): ₹428 crore

  • International Markets: ₹80 crore

• Achieved ₹100 crore in just 2 days.

• First weekend gross of ₹335 crore.

• Joined the ₹500 crore club on Day 9, becoming the fourth Indian film of 2025 to reach this milestone.

• Outgrossed major films to become the 18th highest-grossing Indian film of all time.

In Nepal, the film has garnered significant attention, benefiting from the festive Dussehra period and strong word-of-mouth.

However, specific box office figures for Nepal are not readily available.

Notably, the Hindi version of the film has also performed exceptionally well, surpassing ₹100 crore in collections and becoming the second-highest-grossing Hindi-dubbed release of 2025.

Critical Acclaim:

Critics and audiences have praised the film for its immersive storytelling and visual grandeur.

Performances by Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth have been highlighted for their authenticity, while the blend of mythology and modern filmmaking techniques has earned widespread acclaim.

Records & Achievements:

• Became the second-highest-grossing Kannada film worldwide, surpassing previous lifetime records in just 10 days.

• Leading the box office for 2025, topping other major releases.

• Achieved significant international success, earning over $8 million overseas, including $5 million in North America.

With its continued strong performance, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is expected to break more records, and discussions about potential sequels and spin-offs are already underway.

Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 has surpassed major films like Rajinikanth’s Jailer and Aamir Khan’s Dangal, solidifying its position as the 18th highest-grossing Indian film of all time