Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 has earned over Rs 259 crore in just four days, emerging as a strong contender for the Rs 1000 crore club in 2025 with its rooted storytelling and mass appeal.
Published: October 7, 2025 6:38 AM IST
The Indian film industry has been abuzz with the release of Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth’s Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if it will become the first film of 2025 to touch the benchmark of Rs 1000 crore. Let’s dive into the numbers and trends to predict the possibility.
Strong opening and positive word-of-mouth
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is on a roll, having collected around Rs 74.25 crore on its opening day and crossing Rs 259 crore in four days in India. Worldwide, the film has grossed Rs 326 crore, with Rs 55.75 crore coming from overseas collections. The movie has seen a phenomenal response in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and other southern states. Positive word-of-mouth and buzz have driven audiences to theaters, with the film’s epic storytelling and immersive experience getting high praise. It’s set to challenge records and potentially reach Rs 500 crore+ in India and Rs 1000 crore worldwide.
Why are mythological and folklore tales dominating the box office?
Recently, the landscape of Indian cinema has completely shifted its narrative towards mythology and folklore, which are now emerging as powerful box office magnets, leaving behind traditional action-packed masala films. Big-ticket films like War 2, Coolie, and Thug Life were expected to easily enter the Rs 1000 crore club, given their star-studded casts and massive production scale. However, they fell short of audience expectations. Despite high-octane action and glossy visuals, these films lacked emotional connection and cultural depth, making them forgettable experiences for many viewers. In contrast, movies like Kantara, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, and Mahavatar Narsimha have redefined cinematic success by rooting their narratives in India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Kantara, based on coastal folklore, brought an intense local story with universal appeal, while Mahavatar Narsimha drew heavily from mythology, offering not just entertainment but a soulful experience. Adding to this wave is Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, a film that blends mysticism, celestial lore, and human emotion. Rooted in Vedic themes and cosmic balance, Lokah captivated audiences with its fresh narrative and stunning visual storytelling. These films sparked discussions, drew families to theatres, and inspired repeat viewings. Their success signals a clear shift in audience preference, from flashy spectacles to stories that resonate deeply with identity, belief, and tradition. Cinema lovers today are valuing authenticity and emotional storytelling over formulaic action, pushing the industry toward more rooted, culturally inspired narratives that speak to both heart and heritage.
Why Chhaava did not touch the mark of Rs 1000 crore?
Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna’s blockbuster film, Chhaava, helmed by Laxman Chandrakant Utekar, fell short of the Rs 1000 crore mark despite earning over Rs 800 crore globally. Several factors contributed to this, including its limited budget, mixed reviews, and regional appeal rooted in Maratha history, which limited its pan-India reach. The film faced criticism for historical inaccuracies, and steep weekday drops in collections further slowed its momentum. Strong competition from other releases also impacted its box office performance. Despite being a commercial success, these factors combined to keep Chhaava just shy of the Rs 1000 crore milestone.
Can Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 become the first one of 2025 to join Rs 1000 crore club?
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is making waves at the box office and has the potential to join the Rs 1000 crore club in 2025, becoming India’s last hope for a film to reach this milestone this year. With a record-breaking collection, the movie has taken the third biggest opening of 2025, grossing around Rs 160 crore. Trade experts had predicted a strong opening, and the film has lived up to expectations.
If it sustains its momentum, this epic folklore could achieve the coveted Rs 1000 crore mark, becoming only the second Kannada film to do so after Yash’s KGF Chapter 2, helmed by Prashanth Neel. The film’s positive word-of-mouth and decent advance bookings are contributing factors to its success. However, its future depends on the film’s performance in the coming weeks and its ability to retain audiences. A successful run would be a significant milestone for Indian cinema, particularly for a mythological story-driven film like Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1.
Story Highlights
- The Indian film industry is witnessing a shift towards mythology and folklore, with films like Kantara, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, and Mahavatar Narsimha redefining cinematic success.
- Cinema lovers are valuing authenticity and emotional storytelling over formulaic action, pushing the industry toward more rooted, culturally inspired narratives.
- Chhaava fell short of the Rs 1000 crore mark due to limited budget, mixed reviews, and regional appeal, despite earning over Rs 800 crore globally.
- The success of mythological and folklore films signals a clear shift in audience preference, from flashy spectacles to stories that resonate deeply with identity, belief, and tradition.
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is making a significant impact at the box office, crossing Rs 259 crore in four days in India. With positive word-of-mouth and decent advance bookings, it has the potential to join the Rs 1000 crore club in 2025, becoming the second Kannada film to do so after KGF Chapter 2.
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