'Kantara: Chapter 1' beats 'Chhaava,' becomes highest grosser of 2025
What's the story
The pan-Indian film Kantara: Chapter 1 has surpassed Chhaava to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. Despite a significant drop in collections due to its digital release, the movie managed to rake in approximately ₹3.5cr in its sixth weekend, pushing its total gross (₹697cr) past Chhaava's earnings (₹695cr), reported Pinkvilla. With this feat, it has also entered the list of all-time grossers in India, ranking as the eighth-highest-grossing film in the country.
Revenue boost
'Kantara' inches closer to ₹700cr mark
The film's total gross has now reached a whopping ₹697cr, just shy of the ₹700cr mark. However, it could have achieved this milestone earlier had it not been for the digital release that affected its theatrical momentum. Despite this setback, Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to cross the ₹700cr mark this week. The film is expected to maintain its top position unless Dhurandhar or Avatar 3 delivers a major surprise at the box office.
Industry impact
Early digital release impacts film's earnings
The film is estimated to be losing ₹15-20cr due to its early digital release. While this may not significantly impact the film's earnings, it raises concerns about the long-term effects on the overall business. The trend of audiences waiting for a few weeks to watch tentpole films for free could have disastrous consequences for the industry. Several midscale films have already been affected by this post-pandemic audience behavior.
Box office ranking
Top 5 highest-grossing Indian films of the year so far
The film has dethroned Chhaava to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The top five grossers are Kantara: Chapter 1 (₹697cr), Chhaava (₹695cr), Saiyaara (₹393cr), Coolie (₹323cr), and War 2 (₹287cr). The Rishab Shetty film hit theaters on October 2 but had to debut on OTT by October 31, due to previous agreements.