Hyderabad: South Indian cinema has gained immense popularity among Hindi audiences, especially in 2025. One standout film is Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, which not only topped the box office but also became a cultural touchstone, connecting diverse traditions and emotions.
According to Sacnilk, Kantara Chapter 1 earned Rs 656 crore globally, with an impressive Rs 155.35 crore from its Hindi version. This success is rare for dubbed movies, indicating its strong acceptance in northern India. The film’s engaging story and cultural depth helped it resonate across language barriers.
Unlike many other films, Kantara Chapter 1 didn’t rely on famous actors or heavy special effects. Its authentic portrayal of regional folklore allowed it to touch the hearts of viewers, generating significant word-of-mouth buzz and making waves on social media.
In contrast, other notable South Indian films of the year, such as Coolie, Game Changer, and Mirai, struggled to break through in the Hindi market. While Coolie earned only Rs 37.23 crore in Hindi, Game Changer garnered Rs 32.93 crore, about 17.7% of its total. Mirai fared even worse with Rs 16.85 crore. Smaller films like Lokah Chapter 1 and They Call Him OG barely made a mark, earning just a few crores.
Industry experts suggest that while these films had big budgets and popular stars, they lacked the emotional connection that Kantara Chapter 1 offered effortlessly. The film’s authentic storytelling shows that success isn’t just about visuals; it’s about how deeply a film resonates with its audience.
Set in 300 CE during the Kadamba dynasty, Kantara Chapter 1 explores the Bhuta Kola ritual, intertwining mythology, conflict, and spirituality. Rishab Shetty plays Berme, a Naga Sadhu, alongside acclaimed actors like Jayaram and Rukmini Vasanth.
Produced by Hombale Films, the film features music by Ajaneesh Loknath and stunning visuals captured by cinematographer Arvind S Kashyap.
Here’s a quick look at how various films performed at the box office:
Movie | Worldwide Earnings | Hindi Earnings |
---|---|---|
Kantara Chapter 1 | Rs 656 Cr | Rs 155.35 Cr |
Coolie | Rs 518 Cr | Rs 37.23 Cr |
Game Changer | Rs 186.28 Cr | Rs 32.93 Cr |
Mirai | Rs 144.02 Cr | Rs 16.85 Cr |
Lokah Chapter 1 | Rs 302.11 Cr | Rs 3.74 Cr |
They Call Him OG | Rs 293.65 Cr | Rs 3.32 Cr |
(Source: Sacnilk)
This trend shows a shift in how audiences connect with stories that reflect their cultural roots. As Kantara Chapter 1 demonstrates, authenticity and emotional depth are key ingredients for cinematic success.
For more insights, check out this in-depth review of Kantara Chapter 1.
Source link
KANTARA CHAPTER 1, KANTARA CHAPTER 1 TOTAL BOX OFFICE, RISHAB SHETTY, KANTARA CHAPTER 1 MOVIE SUCCESS, KANTARA WORLDWIDE BOX OFFICE, RISHAB SHETTY KANTARA RULES 2025 BOX OFFICE WITH RS 656 CR OUTPERFORMS OTHER SOUTH INDIAN FILMS