Kantara: Chapter 1 – Myth, Magic & Box Office Triumph in 2025

 “Kantara: Chapter 1 – Myth, Magic & Box Office Triumph in 2025”

---

Published on October 14, 2025 | Current Time: 10:30 PM IST

The Indian film world is ablaze with praise for Kantara: Chapter 1, a mythological action epic that is rapidly climbing box office charts and capturing audience imaginations across the country and beyond.

✨ What Is Kantara: Chapter 1?

Kantara: Chapter 1 is the prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the film delves deep into the origins of the Buta Kola ritual, exploring how faith, nature, and folklore intertwine in ancient times. Wikipedia+2India Today+2
Set centuries before the events of the first film, it introduces the legend of Berme, ancestor of Shiva in the main story, and his battles with powerful forces that sought to suppress divine traditions. India Today

📈 Box Office & Milestones

• In just over 10 days, Kantara: Chapter 1 has crossed ₹650 crore worldwide, pushing past iconic films like Baahubali: The Beginning and Sultan. mint+3The Times of India+3Hindustan Times+3

• Domestically, it has already crossed ₹450 crore net in India. Hindustan Times+2mint+2

• It now ranks among the top highest-grossing Indian films ever, marking a new peak for Kannada and pan-Indian cinema. The Times of India+2Hindustan Times+2

🧩 Story & Themes (Without Spoilers)

At its heart, Kantara: Chapter 1 is about identity, belief, and the struggle between preserving ancient traditions and the forces that seek to erase them. As Berme rises, he faces lords who wield dark magic and suppress spiritual practices. In the film’s dramatic climax, divine powers and earthly devotion converge in a stunning battle for the fate of the land. India Today

The film is not just action and spectacle — it roots itself in regional culture, showcasing rituals, folk beliefs, and mystical elements with care and grandeur.

💬 Reception & Critical Response

Audiences and critics alike are lauding the film for:

• Visual Grandeur & Cinematography: Evocative frames, immersive environments, and a sense of scale not often seen in regional films.

• Performances: Rishab Shetty’s passion for the material shines on screen, with Gulshan Devaiah and Rukmini Vasanth supporting the central narrative with depth. Hindustan Times+3www.ndtv.com+3The Times of India+3

• Cultural Resonance: The way the film weaves mythology, folklore, and ethics has struck a chord, especially among audiences who value rooted storytelling.

⚠️ Challenges & Controversies

Some viewers pointed out a small anachronism — a plastic water bottle visible in one scene, which seemed out of place in the period setting. Vijay Karnataka+2Maharashtra Times+2
Additionally, issues of piracy have surfaced, prompting the makers to issue warnings and urge fans not to distribute unauthorized versions. The Times of India

🔮 What’s Next?

With Kantara: Chapter 1 laying strong foundations, speculation is rife about future chapters. The narrative hints at further expansions, possibly bridging to the original film’s timeline or exploring new mythic strands. India Today

The success of this film underscores that Indian regional cinema, when backed by ambition and authenticity, can thrive on a grand scale.