The Kantara phenomenon has rewritten Indian box office history with the combined worldwide collections of Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1 crossed an extraordinary 1300 crores. What began as a culturally rooted Kannada film evolved into a nationwide and global cinematic movement. Kantara released in 2022 stunned the industry with a worldwide gross of over 450 crores, driven by exceptional word of mouth, spiritual resonance and repeat viewership across languages. The film’s success marked a turning point for regional cinema, proving that powerful storytelling rooted in tradition can command massive commercial scale.
Building on that legacy, Kantara Chapter 1 amplified the franchise’s reach to unprecedented levels. Released across multiple languages and territories, the prequel recorded an estimated worldwide collection exceeding 850 crores, making it second highest grossing Indian films of 2025.
The film performed strongly not only in South India but also across Hindi speaking belts and international markets. Its consistent box office run reflected audience trust in the Kantara universe and reaffirmed the franchise as a rare blend of scale, substance and cultural authenticity that resonates across demographics.
What makes this milestone truly historic is Rishab Shetty’s singular achievement at the heart of it. With both films written, directed and led by him, Rishab Shetty stands as the only actor writer director in Indian cinema whose films have collectively crossed 1300 crores worldwide. This rare accomplishment cements his position as Pan India’s biggest actor writer director superstar, driven purely by creative vision and audience connection. The Kantara franchise is no longer just a box office success story, it is a defining chapter in Indian cinema, led by a creator who has bridged tradition and modern spectacle on a global stage.