Kantara: Chapter 1

 

Kantara: Chapter 1 — Movie Information & First Day Collection

Basic Details & Background

• Title: Kantara: Chapter 1

• Franchise Context: This film is a prequel (in the Kantara universe) to Kantara (2022). Wikipedia+2The Indian Express+2

• Director / Lead Actor: Rishab Shetty (he also acts in it) Wikipedia+2The Indian Express+2

• Producers / Banner: Produced by Hombale Films (Vijay Kiragandur, etc.) The Indian Express+2Wikipedia+2

• Key Cast: Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram (among others) The Indian Express+2Wikipedia+2

• Story / Setting: The film explores the origin of divine and mythical elements from the first film — focusing on Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva — set in pre-colonial Karnataka (during the Kadamba reign in the Banavasi region) Hindustan Times+3Wikipedia+3The Indian Express+3

• Certification: The film cleared the censor board with a UA certificate (i.e. parental guidance recommended) after one cut. The Times of India

• Runtime, Languages & Versions: One report notes a runtime of about 169 minutes. The Indian Express

• OTT / Digital Rights: The OTT (streaming) rights have reportedly been sold (e.g. to Prime Video) for a substantial sum (reportedly ₹ 125 crore) The Times of India+1

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First Day (“Day 1”) Box Office & Opening Figures

• On its opening day (October 2, 2025) — which coincided with Dussehra / Gandhi Jayanti — Kantara: Chapter 1 had a very strong opening performance. Wikipedia+4The Indian Express+4FilmiBeat+4

• By 4 PM on day 1, the film had collected about ₹ 33.25 crore across all languages (as reported) Hindustan Times+2The Indian Express+2

• Some sources claim a “massive opening” of ₹ 65 crore on day 1 (gross) for the combined versions, though this might be an optimistic or aggregate figure. The Economic Times

• Another source (Filmibeat) mentions that by ~4:15 PM, the movie had already done ₹ 33.25 crore in its opening day. FilmiBeat

• The Indian Express live updates indicate that the film had crossed ₹ 50+ crore (by 8 pm) across India on day 1. The Indian Express

• In early tracking, Sacnilk data suggests the net India collection on day 1 (all languages) was about ₹ 22.46 crore by 2 PM. The Indian Express

• Some commentary frames that the opening day collection surpassed many recent big films, establishing it as one of the major openers in 2025. The Economic Times+2FilmiBeat+2

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Additional Notes, Observations & Reception

• Advance Bookings: Before release, the advance bookings were modest compared to some other big-budget films, though they improved on the release day. Hindustan Times+3The Indian Express+3FilmiBeat+3

• Critical & Audience Response (Early): The film has been described as visually grand, mythologically rich, and technically strong (VFX, cinematography) by early reviews and social media reactions. FilmiBeat+3The Indian Express+3Wikipedia+3

• Challenges / Incidents: During the shoot of the film (which was referred to sometimes as “Kantara 2” in some media), there was a tragic incident where a junior artiste drowned on set. The Times of India

• Public Expectation & Hype: Given the phenomenal success of Kantara (2022), expectations for this prequel were very high, and that added pressure on its opening performance to match or exceed prior benchmarks. Hindustan Times+3The Indian Express+3Wikipedia+3

• Comparisons with Other Films: The opening was compared (in media) with openings of films like KGF, and it was suggested this film might break some box office records for Kannada / pan-Indian releases.

Movie Title: Kantara: Chapter 1 (though many fans call it Kantara 2 since it’s the second release).

Release Year: 2025

Release Date: 2 October 2025 (pan-India in 5 languages).

Opening Day (2025): Collected between ₹50–65 crore worldwide gross depending on reports — making it one of the biggest Indian openings of 2025.

Significance (2025): It’s considered a prequel set centuries earlier than the original Kantara (2022), exploring divine origins of the Daiva tradition

1. Background and Development

• After the unexpected blockbuster success of Kantara (2022), Rishab Shetty announced that the next installment would be a prequel, exploring the mystical, divine origins of the Daiva traditions portrayed in the first film.

• Official title: Kantara: Chapter 1 (but widely called Kantara Chapter 2 by audiences, since it is the second release in the franchise).

• Production House: Hombale Films (makers of KGF and Salaar), ensuring pan-India scale and aggressive promotions.

• Filming Locations: Dense forests, traditional shrines, and heritage spots in Karnataka and Kerala. The production emphasized authenticity in costumes, art direction, and rituals.

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2. Story & Mythological Context

• While Kantara (2022) was set in the 1990s, this prequel goes back several centuries.

• The film narrates the origins of Panjurli Daiva and the conflict between divine protectors and human rulers.

• Themes explored:

  • Clash of faith vs power.

  • Struggles of tribal communities against feudal oppression.

  • Mystical elements of Bhuta Kola rituals, taken from Tulu Nadu traditions.

• The screenplay blends mythology, folklore, spirituality, and action into a visually rich narrative.

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3. Cast & Crew

• Rishab Shetty — Lead actor and director. He plays a royal warrior with divine connections.

• Rukmini Vasanth — Female lead, bringing emotional weight and a cultural arc.

• Gulshan Devaiah — Antagonist with layered shades.

• Jayaram — Senior actor, playing a spiritual leader figure.

• Music composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, whose background score was a highlight in the first film.

• Cinematography by Arvind Kashyap, focusing on natural landscapes, fire sequences, and ritualistic grandeur.

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4. Release Strategy

• Released on October 2, 2025 — a national holiday (Gandhi Jayanti + Dussehra week).

• Languages: Kannada (original), dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

• Runtime: 169 minutes, designed as an epic with large-scale battle scenes.

• OTT Rights: Reportedly sold to Prime Video for ₹125 crore, signaling confidence in long-term digital success.

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5. First Day Box Office Performance

• Advance bookings were steady but not record-breaking; however, word of mouth + holiday factor boosted footfalls.

• Day 1 Numbers (various reports):

  • Early reports: ₹ 22–25 crore net (India, all languages) by afternoon.

  • Evening updates: ₹ 33.25 crore gross (till 4 pm).

  • Final day estimate: ₹ 50–65 crore worldwide gross on Day 1.

• Comparison:

  • Surpassed openings of several 2025 big releases, including some Tamil and Hindi films.

  • Edged close to KGF and Salaar in terms of Kannada cinema’s biggest openers.

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6. Reception & Reviews

• Critics: Mixed-to-positive reviews. Most praised the visual scale, rituals, cinematography, and Rishab’s performance, though some felt the film’s pace was uneven in the first half.

• Audience: Strongly positive. Social media praised the film as a “spiritual experience” and “divine storytelling,” reinforcing its cultural roots.

• Word of Mouth: Very strong in Karnataka, Kerala, and Telugu states; decent in North India, where Kantara (2022) had already built a cult fanbase.

Kantara Chapter 1 as 2

 

Kantara Chapter 1 – Movie Review

Director: Rishab Shetty | Genre: Action, Folklore, Mythological Drama

Review:

Kantara Chapter 1 takes audiences deep into the mystical roots of folklore, spirituality, and power struggles. Directed and acted by Rishab Shetty, the film serves as a prequel to the blockbuster Kantara (2022), revealing the origins of the Daiva (demi-god) tradition and the sacred bond between land, faith, and people.

The story is set in the Kantara forest of South Karnataka, centuries before the events of the first film. It narrates how the spiritual practices, Bhoota Kola, and divine interventions became central to protecting the land. Rishab Shetty once again shines with his raw performance, perfectly balancing mythology and human emotion. The narrative is layered with cultural depth, blending action, devotion, and mysticism.

Technically, the movie is a marvel. The cinematography beautifully captures forests, rituals, and battles with grandeur. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music elevates the divine sequences, giving goosebumps. The sound design and visuals create an immersive experience that transports the audience into a world of gods, men, and destiny.

While the film might feel slow-paced in parts due to its mythological storytelling, it succeeds in building anticipation for the next chapters. Unlike typical action dramas, it places equal emphasis on philosophy, tradition, and spirituality.

Verdict:
Kantara Chapter 1 is not just a film—it is an experience rooted in Indian culture and folklore. It leaves the viewer curious and emotional, eager to see how the saga unfolds. A must-watch for those who loved Kantara and for anyone who values stories woven with tradition, belief, and raw human conflict.

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 is a powerful prequel that dives into the origins of the Daiva tradition and the mystical bond between humans, nature, and divinity. Unlike the first Kantara film that explored modern conflicts, this chapter is set centuries earlier, where the roots of rituals and belief systems were first established.

The movie captures the birth of Bhoota Kola and divine worship, mixing mythological storytelling with human struggles over land and power. Rishab Shetty delivers a gripping performance, embodying both the warrior’s strength and the believer’s vulnerability.

Technically, the film is outstanding. Cinematography beautifully portrays forests, rituals, and battles with grandeur. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music intensifies the divine atmosphere, giving the audience goosebumps. The visuals and sound design together create an immersive, almost spiritual experience.

While the narrative moves at a slower pace in some parts due to its world-building, the depth of culture and tradition makes it worth the watch. Instead of being just an action drama, the film highlights faith, spirituality, and destiny.