Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, produced by Hombale Films, has emerged as both a cultural and commercial phenomenon, not just in Karnataka but across India. The film, released simultaneously in multiple languages, has achieved a rare milestone: its Hindi box office collections have surpassed its Kannada earnings, a feat few regional films accomplish.
While Kantara was already celebrated, Chapter 1 has amplified its legacy. Within just nine days, the film has earned ₹114 crore in Kannada and an impressive ₹116 crore in Hindi, drawing acclaim for its storytelling, scale, and rooted spiritual essence.
Rishab’s visit to Mumbai last week resembled a victory parade. At the iconic Gaiety Galaxy theatre, fans lined up to shower him with flowers and applause, a vivid reflection of how deeply Kantara: Chaper 1 has resonated beyond linguistic boundaries. Viral videos of the reception show the filmmaker-actor visibly moved by the overwhelming adoration.
Adding to the significance, Rishab Shetty was invited as a guest on Amitabh Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati, honoring a Kannada filmmaker whose vision has successfully bridged regional and national cinema.
For Rishab, the success is deeply personal. Kantara: Chapter 1, produced by Vijay Kiragandur, was a project fueled by belief and ambition, and the outcome has far exceeded expectations, and The Mumbai reception, both emotional and box-office were a few examples.