Rishab Shetty’s highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, titled Kantara Chapter 1, has stormed the box office, raking in an estimated Rs 65 crore on its opening day and emerging as one of the biggest Kannada films in recent history. Released on Dussehra as a pan-India festive extravaganza, the film—directed by and starring Shetty—outperformed competitors like Chhaava (Rs 31 crore), Saiyaara (Rs 22 crore), and Sikandar (Rs 26 crore), while nearing Rajinikanth’s Coolie (Rs 65 crore). Early figures from Sacnilk peg the net collection at Rs 60 crore, including a strong Rs 19-21 crore from the Hindi belt, underscoring the sequel’s nationwide appeal amid the Navratri celebrations.
A follow-up to the original Kantara, which blended folklore, environmental themes, and high-octane action to earn Shetty the National Film Award for Best Actor, the prequel delves deeper into the mythical origins of the Shiva-Shankara lore in coastal Karnataka. Backed by Hombale Films’ Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda, the production boasts a stellar technical lineup: cinematographer Arvind S Kashyap, editor Suresh, composer B Ajaneesh Loknath, and production designer Banglan.
The cast features Shetty in a dual role, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and veteran Jayaram, promising an immersive narrative rooted in Bhoota Kola traditions. Shetty’s multifaceted involvement—writing, directing, and acting—has positioned the film as a testament to regional cinema’s global ambitions, following the original’s Rs 400 crore-plus worldwide haul.
The triumphant launch was bittersweet, however, as Shetty revealed the tragic loss of three lives during filming: two junior artists in separate accidents and a man from Kerala. In an Indian Express interview, he reflected, “Definitely it’s a huge loss, but we cannot connect it to the film. It’s about human life...” Despite these setbacks, the team pushed forward, honouring the original’s spirit of resilience. Kantara itself clinched the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, setting a high bar that Chapter 1 appears poised to eclipse, with advance bookings crossing 10 lakh tickets pre-release.
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Celebrity endorsements amplified the buzz, with Prabhas posting on Instagram: “#KantaraChapter1 is a brilliant film... the biggest blockbuster of the year. Congratulations to Rishab Shetty, Vijay Kiragandur and Hombale Films!!” Jr NTR tweeted praise for Shetty’s “mindblowing” dual prowess, wishing the cast and crew well. As the film eyes a Rs 200 crore weekend milestone, analysts credit its success to strategic marketing, cultural resonance, and Shetty’s star power in an IPL-dominated sports calendar.
Box office estimates, drawn from proprietary and public sources, remain provisional, but Kantara Chapter 1 has firmly established itself as a festive juggernaut, bridging South Indian roots with pan-India dreams.
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