Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 had an impressive opening at the box office, gathering ₹60 crore in India on its first day. The film was released in five languages: Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi. It has achieved significant success not only in Karnataka but also in several other states, making it a hit across India right from the start.
Apparently, the film’s strong debut surpassed the first-day collections of a few record-breaking Bollywood films. This marks a significant accomplishment for a Kannada film, showcasing the broad appeal of Rishab Shetty’s storytelling, direction, and acting. These figures only account for domestic earnings, in five languages released in India, with international collections might give a different figure, increasing the total further.
Fans have been thrilled since the premiere on October 1. Social media is buzzing with celebratory posts as viewers praise the gripping story, stunning visuals, and memorable performances. One excited fan tweeted, “Every frame feels alive. Rishab Shetty has outdone himself. Packed theatres show how people connect with this story.”
Industry insiders share the positive sentiment about audience reception. Many filmmakers and actors have noted the strong turnout and full shows, calling it "a rare moment for Kannada cinema” and pointing the film’s ability to attract viewers from different language backgrounds. In Bengaluru and other major cities, weekend tickets are nearly sold out, highlighting the excitement and anticipation for the film.
Trade analysts suggest that while weekday earnings might dip slightly, the upcoming weekend will likely boost the box office, solidifying Kantara: Chapter 1 as one of the biggest openers of the year. High ticket prices have also contributed to its impressive collections, establishing historic numbers for the film.
From its premiere on October 1 to the nationwide release on October 2, Kantara: Chapter 1 has not only highlighted Rishab Shetty’s vision as a filmmaker and actor but has also set a new standard for Kannada cinema at the box office, earning respect from both fans and the industry.