In a major win for Indian cinema, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 has become the highest-grossing film in the world this week, outpacing Hollywood heavyweights. The film’s epic mix of mythology, emotion, and visual grandeur has connected deeply with audiences everywhere.
During its opening week, Kantara Chapter 1 collected over $50 million worldwide, a milestone rarely achieved by an Indian film. Its success reflects not only Shetty’s vision but also the growing global appetite for culturally rooted storytelling.
Worldwide Box-Office Collection Crosses $53 Million
Trade analysts confirm that Kantara Chapter 1 grossed ₹379 crore ($42 million) in India within seven days and is expected to cross ₹400 crore ($45 million) by the end of its extended first week. Overseas earnings of $8 million pushed its total to about $53 million, placing it ahead of Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl ($50 million) and Leonardo DiCaprio’s *One Battle After Another ($40 million).
Even the re-released Avatar: The Way of Water could not compete, earning under $10 million during the same period. With this, Kantara Chapter 1 officially became the #1 film in the world for the week.
A Pan-India Blockbuster
Originally made in Kannada, Kantara Chapter 1 has evolved into a true pan-India success. The Hindi version crossed ₹100 crore, while the Kannada version achieved the same soon after. The Telugu dub added ₹60 crore net, and the Tamil and Malayalam versions each brought in ₹20 crore plus.
This multilingual triumph proves that regional stories, when told authentically, can capture hearts nationwide. Word-of-mouth publicity and emotional resonance, not massive marketing, drove the film’s momentum.
A Mythological Epic with Heart
Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, set nearly a thousand years earlier. It delves into the mystical origins of the deity central to the first film’s legend.
The film stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram alongside Shetty, whose performance has earned wide acclaim. Critics describe it as “a visual masterpiece,” blending breathtaking cinematography with a soul-stirring score.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga called the movie “a masterpiece Indian cinema has never seen before,” underscoring its unique blend of culture and cinematic craft.
Global Reception and Future Plans
International audiences have praised Kantara Chapter 1 for its raw storytelling and spiritual depth. Many reviewers compared it to Dune and The Revenant for its atmosphere and grandeur. Streaming platforms are reportedly offering record-high bids for its digital rights, confirming its worldwide appeal.
Its global success highlights how authentic, emotionally grounded stories can outshine big-budget spectacles. The film’s triumph rests on passion and cultural pride rather than celebrity hype.
Kantara Chapter 2 on the Way
After this phenomenal success, the makers have confirmed that Kantara Chapter 2 is already in development. It will continue exploring the divine lore and expand the universe Shetty created. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this mythological saga.
Jay-Ho Today
Kantara Chapter 1 isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon proving that regional Indian cinema can rule the global stage. With its heartfelt storytelling, rooted traditions, and stunning visuals, the movie reaffirms that great stories transcend borders and languages.
As Rishab Shetty’s creation continues to break records, one truth stands tall — authentic Indian storytelling has truly gone global.
