Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter One’ enters ₹500 cr club, ranks next to ‘KGF 2’

The Kannada film ‘Kantara: Chapter One’ has crossed the ₹500-crore mark at the global box office. The film’s production house, Hombale Films, officially announced the worldwide collection. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the film has emerged as the second-highest-grossing Kannada movie worldwide, following Yash’s ‘KGF: Chapter 2’.

The film has received an overwhelming response in Kerala as well, collecting nearly ₹35 crore from the state alone. Released in six languages, ‘Kantara: Chapter One’ grossed around ₹334.94 crore net within eight days in India. Produced on a budget of approximately ₹125 crore, fans now expect the movie to enter the ₹1,000-crore club.

Audiences have praised the film for maintaining its brilliance from start to finish. Rishab Shetty’s performance has drawn widespread acclaim, while Rukmini Vasanth, who played the female lead, has also been lauded for her portrayal. The film’s VFX work, B Ajaneesh Loknath’s music, and Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography have received high praise from viewers and critics alike.

Viewers say the final ten minutes elevate the film to another level. Many describe the climax as the movie’s defining moment, claiming it is unlike anything seen before in Indian cinema. “Pure cinema—divine visuals, genuine emotions, and a spine-chilling climax. If Kantara was magic, this one shakes your soul,” a fan wrote on X.

Rishab Shetty, who also wrote and directed the film, has made ‘Kantara: Chapter One’ on a budget four times higher than the first part. Nirup Mahesh and Shanil Guru co-wrote the screenplay, with cinematography by Arvind S Kashyap, music by B Ajaneesh Loknath, and production design by Banglan.