Kantara Chapter 1 sets box office ablaze before release: Rishab Shetty’s film has already bagged ₹... crores in advance bookings

The excitement surrounding Kantara: Chapter 1 is palpable, with barely two days left for its October 2, 2025 release. Cinephiles are flocking to book tickets early, with advance sales already crossing Rs 11 crore in the domestic market, according to Sacnilk. The sequel-prequel of the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which earned over Rs 300 crore worldwide on a modest Rs 15 crore budget, has set the bar sky-high.

From Folklore to Festival Frenzy

The original Kantara captivated audiences with its blend of folklore, raw emotion, and high-octane action, becoming one of the biggest dubbed hits in recent times. Now, anticipation is even higher for the prequel, which promises to delve into the origins of the Bhoota Kola ritual while expanding the mythos introduced in the first film. The release coincides with the festive season of Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti, a prime period for audiences to hit theatres.

Behind the Scenes

During the trailer launch in Bangalore, lead actor and co-writer Rishab Shetty revealed the intense challenges faced during filming. “I was about to die four or five times during shoot. The divinity we trust saved me and gave blessings to all of us,” he shared, reflecting the physical and emotional demands endured by the crew over three months of continuous work.


Tragically, the production saw the loss of some team members, including mimicry artist Kalabhavan Niju and actor Rakesh Pujari, while junior artiste M.F. Kapil drowned during his personal time. Despite these setbacks, the cast—including Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah—continued with determination under Hombale Films’ banner.

Fans’ Anticipation Soars

Reactions to the trailer have been intense, with praise for cinematography, action, and Shetty’s commanding presence, even as some fans hope for a more layered narrative. The early booking figures indicate a strong vote of confidence from audiences eager to witness the mix of myth, action, and folklore that Kantara: Chapter 1 promises.

With the festive weekend ahead, box office analysts predict that Shetty’s latest venture could potentially surpass the original’s phenomenal success, making it one of the most awaited films of 2025.