Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Prediction: Will Rishab Shetty’s Prequel Match 2022 Magic?

Kantara Chapter 1 is one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2025. Starring and directed by Rishab Shetty, the prequel arrives in cinemas worldwide on October 2, with paid premieres held on October 1. Industry watchers are now asking if the film can repeat the unexpected box office success of the 2022 original.

The first Kantara started slow but went on to become a cultural phenomenon, earning huge collections after positive word-of-mouth. Now, with a much bigger release and simultaneous multi-language launch, trade analysts believe Kantara Chapter 1 could become 2025’s first Rs 1,000 crore grosser if it sustains momentum.

Early Box Office Predictions and Day 1 Estimates

Advance bookings opened days ago and saw a healthy response. Early data indicates that Kantara Chapter 1 grossed around Rs 21.5 crore on day 1 (including corporate bookings and blocked seats). Without those blocks, the true opening day gross is estimated at Rs 13 crore, with Kannada shows dominating sales.

The first Kantara opened at only Rs 1.95 crore in 2022 because it started with a Kannada-only release. This time, dubbed versions in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi have released simultaneously. This could help the film build a stronger pan-India base from day one.

To enter the 2025 top earners, Kantara Chapter 1 will need to cross at least Rs 350 crore. For perspective, Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava has made about Rs 800 crore so far, while Saiyaara, Coolie, Mahavatar Narsimha and War 2 make up the rest of the top five. A Rs 1,000 crore haul would place Kantara at the top of the year’s leaderboard.

Industry Reaction and Challenges Ahead

Film trade trackers note that Kannada cinema has had a tough 2025, with only one major hit (Su From So) crossing Rs 100 crore. Kantara Chapter 1 will almost certainly become the biggest Kannada hit this year. But achieving national dominance depends on strong reviews and word-of-mouth after the first weekend.

The trailer received mixed reactions before release, with some fans unsure if the prequel’s story would match the surprise depth of the original. Still, the brand recognition of Kantara remains strong. If early viewers respond positively, collections could rise rapidly across markets, especially in Hindi and Telugu-speaking regions.

The film’s reported budget is around Rs 120 crore. Given its scale and marketing push, the breakeven mark should be crossed if it reaches Rs 250–300 crore worldwide. Anything beyond that would mark a blockbuster success for Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films.

Kantara Chapter 1 now faces its real test: audience reception over its opening weekend. If buzz turns strongly positive, the film could climb fast and challenge for the Rs 1,000 crore mark — a first for 2025 so far.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the budget of Kantara Chapter 1?

The film has been made with an estimated budget of around Rs 120 crore.

Q2: How much did Kantara Chapter 1 earn on day 1?

Early estimates suggest around Rs 21.5 crore gross including corporate bookings, with Rs 13 crore from real ticket sales.

Q3: Can Kantara Chapter 1 cross Rs 1,000 crore?

It is possible but depends on strong reviews and word-of-mouth. Analysts say it must sustain momentum beyond the opening weekend.

Q4: Which language market is leading for Kantara Chapter 1?

The Kannada version is currently leading, but Hindi and Telugu markets could grow if reviews are good.

Q5: Where will Kantara Chapter 1 stream after theatres?

Amazon Prime Video will stream the film from October 30 in south languages, while Hindi will release after about eight weeks.