When “Kantara” released in 2022, no one outside Karnataka knew of its lead actor Rishab Shetty, nor were they familiar with the film’s theme or the traditions of Bhoota Kola. But Rishab Shetty’s powerful performance as a Daiva, which later earned him the National Award for Best Actor, along with the viral song “Varaha Roopam,” helped the film become a sensational hit across North India and in the Telugu states.
The Hindi-dubbed version, which opened to just Rs 1 crore on day one, went on to collect nearly Rs 82 crore nett in India. This success created massive hype around its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, set for October 2, 2025 release.
However, with barely two days left for its release, the advance bookings for “Kantara: Chapter 1” are trending very poorly in North India. Considering the original film’s blockbuster performance in the Hindi market, trade experts had predicted an opening in the range of Rs 10 to 15 crore. But the current trend is nowhere near those expectations.
Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty with Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead, received mixed responses to its trailer.
