Kantara Chapter 1 Secures Spot in 2025’s Top 10 Hindi Openings
October 3, 2025: Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited film Kantara: Chapter 1 has created a storm at the box office just one day after its release. Released on the occasion of Dussehra on October 2, this film has achieved a spectacular opening in the Hindi belt, securing the third position in the list of 2025’s top 10 biggest Hindi film openings. Therefore, by surpassing films starring Bollywood’s major stars, this movie is not only ruling the hearts of audiences but is also on track to set a new record in terms of earnings.
The film earned over 60 crore rupees in India on its first day, with the Hindi version alone contributing 18.91 crore net. These figures are based on initial estimates from Sacnilk and other trade analysts, which demonstrate once again the strength of South Indian cinema. In addition, overall, the all-language version grossed up to 65 crore, making it the third biggest opening of 2025 after Rajinikanth’s Coolie and Pawan Kalyan’s They Call Him OG.
Box Office Storm: What is the Secret Behind Kantara: Chapter 1‘s Success?
Kantara: Chapter 1 is the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, based on the folk culture, ghost stories, and environmental conservation of Karnataka’s Tulunad region. Rishab Shetty not only handled the direction but also breathed life into the lead role. The film features supporting performances by Rukmini Vasanth, Sapthami Gowda, and others. As a result, produced under the Hombale Films banner, this movie was released in formats like Standard, IMAX, 4DX, and Dolby Cinema, drawing crowds to the theaters.
According to trade experts, the film’s opening was so explosive due to the Dussehra holiday and strong word-of-mouth. It crossed the 37 crore mark by 11 AM on the first day, and by evening, it surpassed 60 crore. Moreover, in the Hindi market, this represents a 1356% higher opening compared to the original Kantara. In South India, the Kannada version contributed the most at 25 crore, while the Telugu and Tamil versions added 10 crore each.
According to updates for the second day (October 3), the film has now earned over 75 crore, with an addition of 17.54 crore on Friday. If this trend continues, it could easily cross 150 crore by the weekend.
2025’s Top Hindi Openings: How Did Kantara Leave Them Behind?
2025 has been a mixed year for Bollywood, where Chhaava (starring Vicky Kaushal) grabbed the top spot with an opening of over 60 crore. Films like Saiyaara and Coolie followed. However, Kantara: Chapter 1 surpassed several major releases with its 18.91 crore opening in Hindi. Here’s a look at the top 5 Hindi openings of 2025 (net collection in crore):
| Rank | Film Name | Opening Day Collection | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chhaava | 60.50 | January 2025 |
| 2 | Saiyaara | 45.20 | March 2025 |
| 3 | Kantara: Chapter 1 | 18.91 | October 2, 2025 |
| 4 | War 2 | 15.80 | June 2025 |
| 5 | Housefull 5 | 14.50 | May 2025 |
(Source: Koimoi and Times of India trade reports)
This list shows how strong regional cinema has become in the Hindi market. Kantara has proven that quality content and stories rooted in culture can overshadow the glamour of superstars.
Rishab Shetty’s Gratitude: “The Audience’s Love is Our True Victory”
Lead actor-director Rishab Shetty thanked the audience on social media, saying, “Kantara is a story of our roots, and your support is making it global. This isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural celebration.” In addition, on the release day, #KantaraChapter1 trended on Twitter (now X), where fans called it a “visual spectacle” and “powerhouse of social messages.”
The producer Hombale Films also issued a statement saying the film’s budget was around 100 crore, and the opening alone has made it profitable. Globally, the film has earned over 70 crore, thanks to IMAX and 4DX screens.
The Road Ahead: Will It Become 2025’s Highest-Grossing Hindi Film?
Although it’s still early days for the opening, if the momentum holds on weekdays, Kantara: Chapter 1 could enter the top 10 highest-grossing Hindi films of 2025. Current toppers include Chhaava over 600 crore, Saiyaara at 575 crore, and Coolie at 485 crore. However, Kantara‘s strong storytelling and mass appeal could take it into the 300 crore club.
If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, do it soon! Kantara: Chapter 1 is running in theaters and proving to be the next big box office blast of 2025. Have you seen it? Let us know in the comments!
