A Thunderous Start Before Release
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 has set the stage for a spectacular Dussehra release. The prequel to the 2022 blockbuster has recorded advance bookings worth over Rs 5.7 crore within just 24 hours of opening, with nearly 1.7 lakh tickets sold across India. This puts it ahead of recent big-ticket films such as Pawan Kalyan’s OG, Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2, and even Yash’s KGF: Chapter 1.
The original Kantara had opened modestly at Rs 2 crore in 2022 before snowballing into a nationwide phenomenon. With the prequel already tripling those early figures before release, industry experts believe Chapter 1 is on track for one of the biggest openings of the year.
Why Fans Are Excited
Kantara struck gold in 2022 by blending folklore, spirituality, and action into a gripping story that connected deeply with audiences across languages. Its rooted storytelling and cultural authenticity turned it into one of the biggest dubbed successes in Indian cinema. That legacy is now fueling immense hype for Chapter 1.
The trailer has further stoked anticipation, showing a young Shiva questioning his father’s disappearance during a Daiva Kola ritual. As the narrative unfolds, themes of faith, power, and rebellion emerge, with Rishab Shetty returning in a divine protector avatar. Gulshan Devaiah as a ruthless prince and Rukmini Vasanth as a princess add to the drama and emotional depth.
Advance Bookings Across Languages
Unsurprisingly, Karnataka has led the pre-sales with overwhelming demand, while Hindi has contributed around Rs 36 lakh so far. The Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions together have added just over Rs 5 lakh. Analysts expect Hindi numbers to pick up significantly closer to release as more screens open up.
The film’s multilingual strategy mirrors the pan-India model that elevated the first Kantara and promises another cultural crossover.
Will Kantara Chapter 1 Break Records?
With momentum this strong, trade experts suggest that Kantara: Chapter 1 could easily surpass the original’s Rs 400 crore lifetime gross and potentially challenge some of the biggest pan-India blockbusters in history. The combination of strong regional pull and growing national appeal is expected to make its Dussehra debut truly historic.
Final Word
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is not just another sequel or prequel; it has already become a movement before release. With its mix of folklore, action, and cultural pride, Rishab Shetty’s vision is all set to deliver a cinematic storm this festive season.
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