Kantara Chapter 1 Roars Past ₹22 Cr by Afternoon—Will It Hit ₹40 Cr Today?
Kantara Chapter 1 Opens Strong: A Festival Blockbuster in the Making
Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited prequel, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, has stormed the Indian box office with a powerful opening. Despite slow advance bookings initially, the film picked up momentum overnight and minted ₹22.46 crore by 2 PM on October 2, 2025—Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra holiday.
This surge was fueled by glowing reviews from paid premieres and strong word-of-mouth. The film has already outperformed Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, which earned ₹2.61 crore in the same time frame.
Advance Bookings: From Slow Start to ₹30 Cr Boom
Just a day before release, Kantara Chapter 1 saw a dramatic spike in ticket sales. Advance bookings, including block bookings, crossed ₹30 crore. According to Sacnilk, nearly 83,000 tickets were sold between 1 PM and 2 PM alone.
This turnaround highlights the power of audience trust in Rishab Shetty’s storytelling and the film’s emotional resonance with fans across India.
Comparing Box Office Rivals: Kantara vs. Sunny Sanskari
While Kantara Chapter 1 is targeting a ₹40 crore opening day, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is hoping to cross ₹12 crore. Both films had a screen count tussle in North India, with distributors vying for maximum visibility. However, Kantara’s dominance in single screens and tier-2 cities gave it a clear edge.
Why Kantara Chapter 1 Is Winning Hearts
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film dives deep into the Bhuta Kola tradition and mythological lore. Rishab Shetty plays Berme, a divine protector, while Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah add emotional depth and intensity to the story.
Fans are calling it a “goosebump-inducing experience” and praising its breathtaking visuals, gripping climax, and Ajaneesh Loknath’s powerful score.
Geo-Specific Buzz: Kantara Fever in Andhra, Telangana, Karnataka & Tier-2 Cities
In regions like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and across Karnataka, Kantara Chapter 1 is dominating local screens. The film’s cultural roots and spiritual themes resonate deeply with audiences in South India, especially in Telugu and Kannada-speaking belts.
Celebrity Reactions: Diljit Gets Emotional, Rishab Responds
Diljit Dosanjh shared his heartfelt reaction to the film, calling it a “spiritual experience.” Rishab Shetty responded with gratitude, highlighting how the film’s message transcends language and region.
This emotional exchange added to the film’s buzz on social media, with hashtags like #KantaraChapter1 and #RishabShetty trending across platforms.
What’s Next: Will Kantara Hit ₹40 Cr Today?
With evening shows expected to be packed due to the holiday, trade experts predict Kantara Chapter 1 could easily cross ₹40 crore by midnight. If momentum continues, it may even challenge the opening records of KGF Chapter 2 and They Call Him OG.
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