Table of Contents
🎬 Overview: The Return of the Divine Legend
After the massive success of Kantara (2022), Rishab Shetty is back with Kantara: Chapter 1 — a spiritual prequel that dives deep into the origins of the legend. Released on October 2, 2025, under Hombale Films, this cinematic spectacle explores ancient folklore, divine energy, and the eternal battle between man and nature.
The movie is written, directed, and acted by Rishab Shetty, who once again proves that Kannada cinema can dominate the pan-India stage.
🌿 Storyline: The Origin of a Legend
Set centuries before the events of the original film, Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the mystical tale of a divine protector and the roots of the Bhoota Kola tradition. It takes audiences on a breathtaking journey through dense forests, royal conflicts, and spiritual awakenings — blending mythology, culture, and action in a way only Rishab Shetty can deliver.
The storytelling is poetic, spiritual, and visually grand — a perfect combination of divine faith and raw emotion.
🌟 Performances
- Rishab Shetty is the soul of the film — intense, fierce, and deeply spiritual.
- Rukmini Vasanth shines in a limited yet graceful role.
- Gulshan Devaiah as the antagonist delivers a balanced performance, though critics felt the villain’s depth could have been stronger.
Supporting performances and realistic local dialects make the film even more authentic.
🎥 Technical Excellence
- Cinematography: Arvind S. Kashyap once again brings magic to the screen — the forest visuals, rituals, and action sequences look straight out of a mythic dream.
- Music: Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score elevates the divine intensity.
- Editing: Crisp second half and an explosive climax keep the audience hooked.
The VFX work and practical stunts make Kantara: Chapter 1 one of the most visually powerful Indian films of 2025.
🧠 Review Summary
| Category | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Story & Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.0) |
| Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| Music & BGM | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| Cinematography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| Overall Experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
Verdict: A powerful, visually stunning prequel that expands the Kantara universe with mythic depth and emotional fire. A must-watch for every Indian cinema lover!
💰 Budget of Kantara: Chapter 1
According to reports, Kantara Chapter 1 was made on an estimated budget of ₹125 crore.
The film recovered its full budget even before release through satellite, OTT, and distribution rights — making it one of the most profitable pre-release deals of the year.
📊 Box Office Collection Report (India & Worldwide)
| Time Period | India Collection | Worldwide Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹72 Crore | ₹90 Crore |
| Day 2 | ₹105 Crore | ₹135 Crore |
| Day 3 | ₹150 Crore | ₹200+ Crore |
| Week 1 Estimate | ₹250 Crore+ | ₹300 Crore+ |
Kantara: Chapter 1 has become the biggest Kannada opener of all time, beating records set by KGF Chapter 2 in several southern states. It also performed remarkably in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil markets.
🌍 Audience & Critics Reaction
Social media is flooded with praise — fans call it “a divine experience on screen.”
Critics from Indian Express, NDTV, and Times of India rated it 3.5 to 4 stars, highlighting the strong direction, mythic intensity, and Rishab Shetty’s magnetic performance.
🔥 Why It’s Trending
- #KantaraChapter1 trends on X (Twitter) with over 1 million mentions within 24 hours.
- Fans celebrate “Bhoota Kola scenes” as “pure goosebumps moments.”
- Memes, reels, and fan edits are dominating YouTube and Instagram.
🏆 Final Verdict:
Kantara: Chapter 1 is not just a movie — it’s an emotion, a spiritual journey into India’s divine roots.
Rishab Shetty’s vision and storytelling make it a cinematic triumph that connects heart, culture, and devotion.
DDXNEWS Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (9/10)
Box Office Verdict: All-Time Blockbuster 🔥
Expected Lifetime Collection: ₹600+ Crore (Worldwide)
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