Hombale Films’ Kantara: Chapter 1, directed and starring Rishab Shetty is continuing its extraordinary run at the box office, achieving a feat that will be remembered in the history of Kannada cinema. After breaking multiple records, the film has now achieved a new feat ahead of its English language release. The epic period mythological drama has now grossed over Rs 800 crore worldwide, taking the pride of Kannada cinema to a global audience. It has also established itself as the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
Even in its third week, theaters across Karnataka remain packed, reflecting the unwavering support and love of Kannada audiences. Its global total currently stands at Rs 818 crore, surpassing the collections of films like Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's Chhaava and Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s Saiyaara. The film has also broken the record held by Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Animal, which earned about Rs 554 crore in India.
In Karnataka alone, it has set a historic milestone by becoming the first Kannada film to gross over Rs 250 crore. The film is also the only Kannada movie to earn more than Rs 200 crore within the state, marking an unprecedented achievement in the region’s cinematic history.
What sets Kantara apart is not just the numbers but its powerful storytelling. Rooted in Karnataka’s folklore, culture, and beliefs, the film has presented local stories with universal appeal, resonating with audiences across the world. Its remarkable success has established a new benchmark for Kannada cinema, proving the strength and potential of regional films on the global stage.
It is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films. The production house has also planned to submit the prequel for Oscar consideration, aiming to share this uniquely Indian story with a global audience.
A prequel to the 2022 Rishab Shetty directorial, Kantara, the film also features the director in the lead role as Kaadubettu Shiva. Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram are new additions to the cast, who are seen in prominent roles. Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Hariprashanth MG, Shaneel Gautham and Naveen Bondel round out the cast of the film.
Kantara: Chapter 1, set during the Kadamba dynasty in pre-colonial Karnataka, follows the Bhuta Kola ritual, which became deeply rooted in the culture, laying the groundwork for the emergence of Kaadubettu Shiva. It dives into the reason behind the disappearance of Shiva's father and the history of Kantara - the forests and the deities in the area.