Kantara (2022) was made on a modest budget of ~₹15–16 cr and went on to earn over ₹250–300 cr worldwide, making it a cult phenomenon. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Prequel Plan
In 2025, *Kantara: Chapter 1* was announced as a prequel. Reports suggest the budget jumped to ~₹125 cr, over 7× the original. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Advance Hype
Advance bookings for Chapter 1 hit ~₹17 cr before release, signaling strong anticipation across India. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Day 1 Shock
On opening day, *Kantara: Chapter 1* collected ~₹60 cr across languages - a smashing pan‑India start. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Regional Power
Kannada version saw ~88% occupancy; dubbed versions also did strong business - Telugu ~75%, Tamil ~71%, Hindi ~30%. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Cast & Star
Rishab Shetty directs & stars. Rukmini Vasanth shines in her role. The ensemble cast boosted the film’s authenticity. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Collection Surge
By day two, reports say *Chapter 1* had already crossed ₹62 cr. Global collections are expected to exceed ₹80–100 cr soon. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Kantara Legacy
The original *Kantara* remains a legend-earned ~₹250–300 cr from ~₹15 cr budget. Its success paved the way for this ambitious sequel. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
What’s Next?
*Kantara 2* (or next chapter) is expected to push boundaries further. Reports say Rishab Shetty is taking profit share over fixed pay. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Conclusion
From humble roots to blockbuster scale - The *Kantara* universe shows how bold vision + word of mouth can reshape Indian cinema’s future.