Box office: 'Kantara Chapter 1' beats 'Pushpa: The Rise'

Entertainment Oct 07, 2025

"Kantara Chapter 1" just set a new box office record, pulling in a massive ₹370cr worldwide since its release on October 2, 2025—leaving "Pushpa: The Rise" behind.
As a prequel to the popular 2022 film, this Rishab Shetty-directed hit is making waves for Kannada cinema and quickly becoming a fan favorite.

Domestic and international collections

Most of the earnings—₹255.75cr—came from India, with another ₹63cr from international fans.
Set in pre-colonial Karnataka, the movie weaves in Bhuta Kola (a traditional spiritual ritual) to add cultural depth.
Shetty leads as Berme, a tribal hero standing up to royal power; Gulshan Devaiah plays the fierce Prince Kulashekara; and Rukmini Vasanth brings heart as Princess Kanakavathi.