Kantara Chapter 1 (Hindi) has started its journey at the box office with a big win. The film, directed and written by Rishab Shetty, collected ₹19.5 crore on its opening day. With this number, it has surpassed Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2, which earned ₹19.25 crore. This makes Kantara Chapter 1 the sixth-highest Hindi opener of 2025.
A Much-Awaited Release
The film was among the most anticipated releases of the year. Rishab Shetty returned with a prequel to his 2022 hit Kantara, which won him a National Award. The new movie takes the audience back in time, exploring the origins of the story.
Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 is a period mythological action drama. The story is set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka. It explores the roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and its profound connection to folklore and spirituality.
Story And Setting
Kantara Chapter 1 builds on the same cultural backdrop that made the first film a massive success. The narrative seamlessly blends faith, tradition, and intense action sequences. Rishab Shetty plays the lead role while also shaping the vision as director and writer.
The cast also includes Jayaram, Rakesh Poojari, Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, and Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara. Their performances add strength to the period drama.
Strong Audience Response
The film opened to rave reviews across the country. Fans and critics have praised its storytelling, visuals, and performances. The buzz around Kantara Chapter 1 has helped it record a solid opening, especially in Hindi.
According to trade reports, the Hindi version alone earned ₹19.5 crore on its first day. This achievement highlights the film’s wide reach and the audience’s strong interest.
Box Office Record
The opening collection of ₹19.5 crore has pushed Kantara Chapter 1 ahead of Raid 2, which had made ₹19.25 crore. This small but important margin has given Rishab Shetty’s film a record-breaking start.
With this figure, it has now entered the list of top Hindi openers of 2025. It currently holds the sixth spot. The film’s performance is even more special as it is a dubbed release.
Cast Reactions
After the release, actress Rukmini Vasanth shared her feelings about the film. She wrote that being a part of the Kantara Chapter 1 was a privilege. Rukmini called it a labor of love created by hundreds of people who worked day and night. She also said that the film gave her a new perspective on life and her craft.
Her note reflects the effort and passion that went into making the movie. The team’s hard work is now paying off with strong numbers and positive reviews.
The film has started its box office run with strong momentum. If the positive word of mouth continues, Kantara Chapter 1 may set more records in the coming days. Trade analysts will closely watch its weekend and first-week collections.
Given the craze for Kantara, the film is likely to enjoy long legs at the box office. The cultural connection and the theme make it appealing to a wide audience.
Kantara Chapter 1 (Hindi) has proven its strength on Day 1 itself. By beating Rathe on the very first day, it has set the stage for a successful run. The film is more than just numbers; it is also a celebration of tradition, storytelling, and cinematic craft.
