Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 is still going strong at the box office, even as it heads into its third week in theaters. The film has already surpassed the impressive ₹550 crore mark in India and is now getting closer to the remarkable ₹600 crore milestone. Despite the typical pre-Diwali slowdown and the arrival of new films in the South, Kantara Chapter 1 is holding its ground, demonstrating once again that compelling content and cultural resonance can triumph over commercial trends.
On its third Friday, the film raked in about ₹9.25 to ₹9.50 crore across India. While this reflects a 65% drop from the second Friday, it’s not surprising given the stiff competition from fresh Diwali releases. The most significant decline was seen in Tamil Nadu and the Telugu states, where new titles took over the screens. However, Karnataka has remained relatively stable, with around a 60% hold, showcasing the state’s enduring affection for Rishab Shetty’s storytelling.
Interestingly, the Hindi version of the film has proven to be the most consistent performer this week. With no major Bollywood releases competing, Kantara Chapter 1 (Hindi) continues to draw audiences in both metropolitan and tier-2 cities. The week-on-week drop of just about 50% in the Hindi belt suggests that the film still has enough appeal to maintain its momentum. Many cinema owners have even noted steady attendance during late-night shows, which is quite a feat for a dubbed South Indian film in its third week.
Currently, the total gross for Kantara Chapter 1 in India is around ₹561 crore. With the third weekend projected to bring in another ₹42–45 crore, the movie is on track to comfortably reach the ₹600 crore mark by Sunday or early next week. This would position Kantara Chapter 1 among the highest-grossing Indian films of the year, right alongside Chhaava, which currently holds the top spot.
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What’s truly captivating about this film’s box office journey is its ability to emotionally resonate with a wide range of audiences. The film’s divine theme, compelling performances, and Rishab Shetty’s grounded direction have successfully crossed language barriers. The mythic storytelling and authentic rural energy of Kantara continue to strike a chord across different states, transforming it from a regional hit into a national cinematic phenomenon.
Looking at the numbers, Karnataka is leading the pack with an impressive ₹185 crore, while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together contribute ₹91 crore. Tamil Nadu has brought in about ₹54 crore, Kerala stands at ₹47.5 crore, and the rest of India—including the Hindi version—adds roughly ₹183.5 crore. This broad territorial success showcases how Kantara Chapter 1 has bridged cultural divides while staying true to its roots.
Trade analysts are optimistic that the film’s performance during the Diwali week could push it past the ₹600 crore mark, and it might even soar higher if the festive spirit works in its favor. Some are even speculating that strong word-of-mouth could help it hit the ₹650 crore milestone by the end of its run. No matter the final figures, Kantara Chapter 1 has already secured its spot among the top earners in Indian cinema.
Rishab Shetty, who not only directed but also starred in the film, has once again showcased his talent for weaving spirituality into storytelling. His vision for Kantara is being lauded not just for its narrative strength but also for how it beautifully captures local traditions, faith, and human emotions in a cinematic experience that feels both grand and personal.
Even with the Diwali releases filling up theaters, the excitement around Kantara Chapter 1 remains vibrant on social media, with fans celebrating the film’s incredible success and dubbing it “a triumph of belief over hype.” Memes, reels, and fan edits are still trending, keeping the movie alive and buzzing in the digital realm.