Kantara Chapter 1 Surpasses ₹650 Cr at Box Office
Kantara Chapter 1 has taken the Indian film industry by storm, achieving unprecedented success at the box office. The Kannada period action drama has crossed the remarkable milestone of ₹650 crore in worldwide collections, surpassing iconic films like Baahubali: The Beginning and Sultan. This achievement is particularly impressive considering the film's smaller budget compared to these blockbusters.
Despite a significant dip in earnings on its 12th day, where it earned ₹13.50 crore net in India, Kantara Chapter 1 saw a solid second weekend that enabled it to cross ₹450 crore in domestic collections. The film's total earnings in India now stand at ₹451.90 crore net (approximately ₹542 crore gross). Its overseas performance has also been commendable, grossing over $11 million, thanks to a strong showing in North America.
The producers, Hombale Films, reported that the film earned ₹146 crore gross over its second weekend, pushing the worldwide collection to around ₹655 crore after 11 days. While trade analysts suggest that the 12-day worldwide gross could be closer to ₹650 crore, the film's remarkable journey places it in the top 20 highest-grossing Indian films of all time. As of now, it ranks around 17th, surpassing the lifetime collections of Salman Khan’s Sultan (₹628 crore) and SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali (₹650 crore).
Directed by Rishab Shetty, who also stars in the lead role, Kantara Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 sensation, Kantara, which earned ₹400 crore worldwide. The prequel is set a thousand years before the original film and has been lauded for its captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and strong performances. Alongside Rishab, the film features Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles.
This phenomenal success of Kantara Chapter 1 not only highlights the potential of regional cinema but also reinforces the idea that compelling narratives can resonate with audiences regardless of their origins. As it continues to dominate the box office, the film exemplifies a new era for Indian cinema, where diverse stories find a global audience.
