Kantara Chapter 1 Review & First Day Collection: Rishab Shetty’s Epic Prequel Creates Box Office Storm
Kantara Chapter 1 Review is here! The much-awaited prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has finally hit theatres—and it’s nothing short of a box office phenomenon. Directed and led by Rishab Shetty, the film blends coastal folklore, mythological drama, and intense action, opening to massive numbers and setting high expectations for fans of Indian epic cinema.
Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Story & Direction
Set during the Kadamba dynasty era, the film explores the origins of the Daiva and the mystic guardianship of the region.
- Rishab Shetty plays a conflicted warrior torn between faith, legacy, and divine wrath.
- The story balances spiritual folklore, family rivalries, and intense action, expanding the universe in scale compared to the original.
Direction: Rishab Shetty excels in turning rural folklore into mythic cinema. The immersive world-building, haunting rituals, and breathtaking action elevate the film, though the first half moves at a slow pace before the gripping second half and climax.
Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Performances
- Rishab Shetty: Steals the show with a powerful performance, switching between vulnerability, rage, and devotion.
- Rukmini Vasanth: Delivers strong support in emotional scenes.
- Gulshan Devaiah & Jayaram: Add depth—Gulshan’s antagonist role is impactful, though his subplot divides opinions.
Technical Excellence
- Cinematography: Arvind Kashyap’s lens captures Karnataka’s landscapes with grandeur and mystical tones.
- Music & Score: B Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score intensifies every ritual and battle.
- VFX & Action: World-class visuals and combat sequences rank among the best in Indian cinema this year.
Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection – Day 1
- India Net Collection: ₹60 crore on Day 1 (3rd biggest opener of 2025, after Coolie & They Call Him OG).
- Screen Count: Released across 8,800+ shows in five languages.
- Occupancy: Kannada (88%), Telugu/Tamil (70%+), Hindi (30%).
- Overseas Earnings: $4 million gross from the US premiere.
- Worldwide Opening Day Gross: Expected to cross ₹100 crore.
- Advance Booking: 1.7 lakh+ tickets and ₹5.7 crore in pre-sales.
- Click here to book your tickets now!
Audience & Critical Reaction
- Audience Buzz: “10x bigger than the original,” “goosebump climax,” “visual masterpiece.”
- Critic Reviews: Some hail it as a “cinematic thunderstorm” and “masterpiece,” while others note pacing issues and lack of emotional depth compared to the first film.
What Works
- Mythological storytelling
- Cinematography & visuals
- Climax & action sequences
- Background score & performances
What Doesn’t
- Predictable first half
- Some subplots are underdeveloped
- Occasional rushed action sequences
Verdict: Should You Watch Kantara Chapter 1?
Absolutely, yes—In this Kantara Chapter 1 Review, especially for fans of Indian mythology, folklore, and big-screen spectacles.
Despite minor flaws, Rishab Shetty delivers a grand, goosebump-worthy cinematic experience that expands the franchise with epic scale and vision.
Related post: OG Movie Review and Box Office Collection
FAQ – Kantara Chapter 1 Review & Box Office
Q1: What is the story of Kantara Chapter 1?
Kantara Chapter 1 is set during the Kadamba dynasty, exploring the origins of the Daiva and the region’s mystic guardianship. Rishab Shetty plays a conflicted warrior torn between faith, family, and divine wrath.
Q2: How much did Kantara Chapter 1 earn on its first day?
The film earned ₹60 crore net in India on Day 1, making it the third-biggest Indian opener of 2025, after Coolie and They Call Him OG.
Q3: Who are the lead actors in Kantara Chapter 1?
The movie stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role, with Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in pivotal roles.
Q4: How is the audience reacting to Kantara Chapter 1?
Audiences are calling it “10x bigger than the original,” praising its cinematography, climax, and music, though some critics point out slow pacing in the first half.
Q5: Should I watch Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres?
Yes—Kantara Chapter 1 is a big-screen spectacle with mythological storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and powerful performances, making it best experienced in theatres.
