Kantara 2 Chapter 1 Box Office Collection Day 1 Review: Rishab Shetty Returns With a Blockbuster Prequel

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara took Indian cinema by storm in 2022, blending folklore, tradition, and gripping drama into a massive blockbuster. Fast-forward to 2025, and the phenomenon has returned with Kantara: Chapter 1—a prequel that dives deeper into the mystical roots of the story. Audiences were already buzzing with excitement about Kantara 2, and now, with Chapter 1 in theatres, the anticipation has paid off with record-breaking box office numbers.

In this review and report, we break down the film’s storyline, performances, visuals, box office collections, the cast of Kantara, OTT updates, and what’s next for the franchise.

Kantara: Chapter 1 — The Prequel We Were Waiting For

Unlike what many expected, Kantara: Chapter 1 is not a direct sequel but a prequel. The film transports viewers Kantara: Chapter 1 delivers the much-awaited prequel, taking audiences thousands of years before the first film. The movie roots itself in ancient folklore, divine myths, and timeless rituals while showing the eternal clash between humans and gods. It raises powerful questions of faith, identity, and destiny as it brings mystical traditions and generational practices to life. The gripping climax leaves viewers spellbound and directly sets up Kantara 2. In one cryptic moment, a child asks if gods live in the well—teasing the mysteries and revelations that will unfold in the next chapter.

Performances: Rishab Shetty Shines Again

Rishab Shetty — The Heart of Kantara

Another movable mountain is the performance of Rishab Shetty. He strikes a balance between intensity and emotional depth, as well as making his character mythic and relatable. The fact that he is both an actor and a director makes Kantara: Chapter 1 a real work of art. Already critics and adherents are calling his performance Oscar-worthy.

Supporting Cast

• Rukmini Vasanth brings emotional weight and strong presence to the narrative.

• Kishore Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah add texture with impactful supporting roles.

• Each actor elevates the folklore-driven storytelling with authenticity.

The cast of Kantara proves why this franchise is among the finest in Indian cinema.

Direction & Cinematography

Shetty’s direction is a seamless blend of myth and cinema. The cinematography captures Karnataka’s lush landscapes while giving us grand war sequences and intimate ritualistic moments. Unlike some mythological dramas that get lost in CGI, Kantara: Chapter 1 keeps visuals raw, immersive, and close to reality.

Music and Kantara Songs

One of the biggest highlights is the music and background score. The Kantara songs fuse traditional instruments with modern composition, perfectly amplifying the spiritual and dramatic energy of the film. The background score builds tension during battles and enhances rituals, making every scene unforgettable.

Action & Visual Effects

The action is brutal yet poetic. From hand-to-hand combat to ritualistic fight sequences, each battle feels like a dance between myth and reality. The climax is especially memorable, showcasing Shetty’s mastery of blending folklore with cinematic spectacle.

Audience Reaction

The audience reception for Kantara: Chapter 1 has been nothing short of phenomenal. Fans across India are hailing it as “pure cinema” with massive family appeal, while social media platforms are overflowing with praise for its breathtaking climax and powerful storytelling. Early reviews from critics have awarded the film an impressive 4.5/5 stars, highlighting its perfect blend of action, folklore, and emotional depth. With this overwhelming response, the film has already secured its place among the top Rishab Shetty movies, further proving why the Kantara film box office collection is soaring past expectations.

Kantara Film Box Office Collection — Day 1

Releasing on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, the film had the perfect festive boost.

Day 1 Collection: According to Sacnilk, the film grossed ₹33.25 crore by 4:15 PM, smashing the first-day record of Kantara (2022).

Kantara Chapter 1 Vs KGF Chapter 1 Opening Day Collection

Comparison with KGF: Rishab Shekythprequel has already become the most successful in terms of opening collections with ₹18.10 crore and has established a new record in the history of Kannada cinema.

Having full houses in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, Kantara: Chapter 1 is poised to have a historic weekend.

The box office collection story of the Kantara film can confirm that this franchise is not only a regional success but a cultural pan-Indian hit.

Kantara Chapter 1 Budget & Production Scale

This time, the film was mounted on a massive ₹125 crore budget. The visuals, VFX, and action sequences reflect that investment. Every frame is designed to feel grand yet rooted in folklore.

Kantara OTT Release Update

For those wondering about the Kantara OTT update — Prime Video has officially acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights. That means once the film completes its theatrical run, fans worldwide will be able to stream it exclusively on Prime Video. This ensures that audiences who missed the big-screen experience can still witness the magic from home.

Kantara Chapter 2 Release Date — What’s Next?

The biggest question now is When will Kantara chapter 2 be released?

Although no official date of the release of Chapter 2 has been established yet, Chapter 1 concludes in the most powerful way that Chapter 2 will soon follow. The movie insiders indicate that the movie is under development and with the tremendous success of this prequel announcement is likely to be made in time. The second chapter of Kantara is likely to be released in the next 2-3 years and once again Rishab Shetty will be at the helm.

Why Kantara is a Cultural Phenomenon

Kantara: Chapter 1 beautifully merges folklore with modern storytelling, making it relatable to both rural and urban audiences. By bringing local traditions and rituals to the big screen, the film has given Kannada cinema a strong global platform and proved that stories deeply rooted in culture can achieve universal appeal. This is why the Kantara film box office collection is more than just impressive numbers—it reflects the cultural resonance and emotional connection the movie has created with audiences worldwide.

Verdict

The film Kantara: Chapter 1 is an amazing prequel that does not disappoint hype, spectacle, and emotion. All that with the magnetic performance of Rishab Shetty, the soulful Kantara songs, the action-thriller, and the story that makes audiences await the second sequel of Kantara, the movie is not just a film, but a celebration of folklore and belief.

Assuming that you liked the first Kantara, you will be more than satisfied with this one. This is the best place that you can get to enter the world of mysticism and wonder that Shetty has so brilliantly created, in case you are a new member of the franchise.

Final Thoughts 

Day 1, the happiest collection of all times, breathtaking images, and the emotional narrative of Kantara: Chapter 1 confirm that Rishab Shetty is reinventing Indian cinema. With the news about the release date (and eventual release) of Kantara chapter 2 on Kantara OTT (Prime Video), one thing is obvious: the Kantara franchise is not going anywhere soon.

FAQs

Q1: Is Kantara Chapter 1 a sequel or a prequel?

A: It is a prequel that features the events that are occurring thousands of years earlier than in the 2022 Kantara.

Q2: What is the budget of Kantara Chapter 1?

A: The movie has been staged on a re-estimated 125 crore budget.

Q3: What is the date of Kantara Chapter 1 streaming on OTT?

A: Prime Video has purchased the rights to stream the Kantara OTT and the streaming is likely to be available after the theatrical release.

Q4: What are the main actors in chapter 1 of Kantara?

A: Kantara Chapter 1 has the following cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Kishore Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah.

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