The roar of the box office has reached epic proportions, and it’s all thanks to Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 (also known as Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1)! Released on the auspicious occasion of Dussehra, October 2, 2025, this highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 cult hit Kantara has stormed theaters across India, raking in a staggering ₹60 crore+ on its opening day. Not just that—this pan-India powerhouse has dethroned Rajinikanth’s Coolie from its Day 1 throne, clocking in at an estimated ₹62-65 crore, edging out the superstar’s film’s ₹65 crore mark and leaving fans in awe.
Directed, written, and starring Rishab Shetty in the iconic role of Shiva, Kantara Chapter 1 dives deeper into the mythical folklore of coastal Karnataka, blending high-octane action, spiritual drama, and Shetty’s signature raw intensity. Produced by Hombale Films—the same banner behind KGF and the original Kantara—the film boasts a star-studded supporting cast including Achyuth Kumar, Sapthami Gowda, and Vinay Rai. With a budget reportedly around ₹50-60 crore, the sequel has already recovered its costs on Day 1 alone, proving once again that authentic storytelling triumphs over hype.
Day 1 Breakdown: A Pan-India Triumph
Early trends painted a rosy picture, with the film crossing ₹43 crore by evening and surging past midnight shows. Here’s how it stacked up regionally (estimates):
Karnataka: ₹25-28 crore (hometown hero advantage!)
Hindi Belt (North India): ₹15-18 crore
Telugu States: ₹8-10 crore
Tamil Nadu & Kerala: ₹5-7 crore
Rest of India: ₹4-5 crore
This isn’t just a win for South Indian cinema; it’s a testament to the growing appetite for regional epics in the Hindi heartland. Kantara Chapter 1 has already crossed 1 million tickets on BookMyShow, outpacing competitors like Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari (which opened at a modest ₹9 crore). It also smashed opening day records of Chhaava, Saiyaara, and even KGF Chapter 2 in some metrics.
Beating the Big Guns: Why It Outshone Coolie
Rajinikanth’s Coolie, a high-budget actioner, set the bar at ₹65 crore on its Day 1 earlier this year. But Kantara Chapter 1’s word-of-mouth buzz, fueled by the original’s cult status and Dussehra timing, propelled it ahead. Celebs like Prabhas showered praise on Instagram, calling it a “visual feast,” while Jr NTR tweeted his excitement. Rishab Shetty, ever the grounded star, shared in a post-release interview: “This is for the soil of Karnataka and every fan who believed in our story. The roar you hear is ours together!”
As Day 2 unfolds (October 3, 2025), trade experts predict another ₹40-50 crore haul, pushing the two-day total past ₹100 crore. Will it challenge OG (Pawan Kalyan’s ₹84 crore opener)? Only time will tell, but one thing’s clear: Rishab Shetty is redefining pan-India stardom.
If you’re a fan of folklore-fueled action or just love a good underdog story (literally, with those buffalo fights!), rush to theaters now. What’s your take—does Kantara Chapter 1 live up to the hype? Share in the comments!
FAQ: All About Kantara Chapter 1’s Box Office Storm
Q: What is the Day 1 box office collection of Kantara Chapter 1?
A: The film minted over ₹60 crore net in India on October 2, 2025, with estimates reaching ₹62-65 crore.
Q: Did it beat Rajinikanth’s Coolie?
A: Yes! It surpassed Coolie’s ₹65 crore Day 1 record, marking a historic win for Rishab Shetty.
Q: When was Kantara Chapter 1 released?
A: The sequel hit theaters on Dussehra, October 2, 2025, as a pan-India release in multiple languages.
Q: Who stars in and directs the film?
A: Rishab Shetty directs, writes, and plays the lead role of Shiva, with Sapthami Gowda and others in key roles.
Q: What’s the budget and has it recovered?
A: Budget: ₹50-60 crore. It recovered the entire cost on Day 1 alone—talk about a blockbuster start!
Q: Where can I book tickets?
A: Available on BookMyShow, where it has already sold over 1 million tickets.
Stay tuned for Day 2 updates and reviews. The legend continues!