There seems to be no slowing down for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’. The Kannada period action epic has achieved another remarkable milestone by surpassing the lifetime box office collection of SS Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’. With this feat, the film is inching closer to the ₹700-crore mark worldwide, even as its earnings witnessed a dip on its second Monday.On its 12th day in theatres, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ finally saw a notable decline in numbers — collecting ₹13.50 crore net in India, a 64% drop from its Sunday total of ₹39.75 crore. Despite that, its strong second weekend ensured that the film crossed the ₹450-crore benchmark domestically. So far, it has amassed ₹451.90 crore net (₹542 crore gross) in India. Overseas, propelled by its success in North America, the film has grossed over $11 million.According to its producers, Hombale Films, the film earned ₹146 crore gross over its second weekend, bringing its worldwide tally to ₹655 crore in 11 days. That places its 12-day global earnings at approximately ₹675 crore. However, trade estimates suggest a slightly lower figure — closer to ₹650 crore.A major highlight in the film’s box office journey is its entry into the top 20 highest-grossing Indian films of all time. As of Tuesday, it ranks around 17th position, surpassing ‘Sultan’ (₹628 crore) and ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’ (₹650 crore). Considering its relatively modest budget, this accomplishment is all the more impressive. ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ now stands as the second-highest-grossing Indian film of 2025, just behind ‘Chhaava’ (₹808 crore).Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit ‘Kantara’, which had collected ₹400 crore worldwide. Set nearly a thousand years before the events of the first film, the prequel has been widely praised for its storytelling, striking visuals, and powerful performances. Alongside Rishab Shetty in the lead, the film also stars Rukmini VasanthJayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles.
