🏆 Sandalwood Box Office Records

Sandalwood

2 days ago

781 views

Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 – From Cultural Roots To Oscar 2026 Contention

The divine roar of the forest has reached the global stage. Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, the monumental prequel to the 2022 cult hit, has officially entered the Best Picture contending race at the 2026 Oscars (Academy Awards). Produced by Hombale Films and led by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film continues its journey of Rooted in culture, driven by divinity, bridging the gap between ancient folklore and international prestige. Moving away from the timeline of the first film, Chapter-1 serves as a prequel that explores the historical and mythological genesis of the legend. It delves deeper into the Daiva culture and the sacred relationship between man and nature in coastal Karnataka. By setting the story in an earlier era, the film provides a grander scale and a more intense look at the spiritual heritage that captivated audiences worldwide. Rooted in our culture, driven by divinity.Proud and privileged as #KantaraChapter1 enters the Best Picture contending race at the #Oscars Academy Awards 2026.#KantaraForOscars#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/xSCsH28Qjr— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) January 9, 2026 Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 has officially rewritten the record books for Kannada cinema, cementing its place as a global phenomenon. Proving once again that deeply rooted, culturally authentic stories possess a universal appeal, the film's financial trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Produced on a substantial budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the prequel has far exceeded all commercial expectations, demonstrating the immense power of the Kantara franchise and the vision of Rishab Shetty. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   On the global stage, the film has achieved a monumental milestone, crossing the ₹852.36 crore mark in worldwide gross collections. This massive international footprint is supported by a dominant performance at the domestic box office, where the film amassed a staggering ₹622.48 crore net in India. With a total Return on Investment (ROI) of approximately 400%, the film has officially been declared an All Time Blockbuster, yielding significant profits for Hombale Films and its distributors. One of the most remarkable aspects of its theatrical run is its unprecedented pan-India success.In a rare feat for regional cinema, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film outperformed the original Kannada version, collecting ₹223.79 crore net compared to the ₹200.02 crore earned in its home state. This highlights the film's massive pull in the North Indian markets and its ability to resonate with diverse audiences across the country, transcending language barriers to become a true national tent-pole. This marks a significant moment for Indian regional cinema. Following its strong opening (collecting ₹75 crore in its first weekend) and an exceptionally long theatrical run, the film's transition from a box office titan to an Academy Award contender highlights its artistic depth.The film's sustained momentum and critical acclaim have now propelled it onto the global awards circuit. Combining high-octane storytelling with spiritual depth, the film stands as a benchmark for how regional Indian stories can dominate both the commercial box office and the international stage.

Sandalwood

4 days ago

932 views

Yash's Toxic Tease Arriving Tomorrow: Everything You Need to Know About the Rocking Star's Stylized Actioner

The wait is finally ending for millions of fans across the globe. Rocking Star Yash is all set to break his long hiatus after the record-shattering KGF: Chapter 2. As confirmed by top trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the first official Tease of his next venture, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups, is scheduled to drop tomorrow, January 8, 2026, at 10:10 AM. The makers have clarified that this isn't just a trailer or a teaser, but a specialized Tease designed to set the mood for what is being called Yash's most experimental role to date. The hype surrounding Toxic is unprecedented, primarily because it marks Yash's first film in nearly four years. Since KGF 2 became the Highest Grossing Indian Film of the Year (HGOTY) in 2022, the actor has been extremely selective, spending years on the pre-production and filming of Toxic. The tagline A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups has sparked intense curiosity, suggesting a dark, gritty, and perhaps hallucinogenic action-drama that moves away from the traditional masala tropes, yet retains the larger than life aura associated with the Rocking Star. Toxic is helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, celebrated for her raw and internationally recognized storytelling in films like Moothon. This unique collaboration between a visionary director and a mass superstar like Yash is expected to deliver a high-concept cinematic experience unlike anything seen before. Produced as a joint venture between KVN Productions and Yash's own banner, Monster Mind Creations, the film is being mounted on a gargantuan budget with top-tier international technicians overseeing its high-octane action sequences and VFX. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   The makers have officially revealed character posters introducing the film's powerful female lineup. South Lady Superstar Nayanthara makes a lethal entry as Ganga (reportedly playing a pivotal role as Yash's sister), while Kiara Advani is introduced as Nadia, set to play the female lead. The cast also features Tara Sutaria as the fierce Rebecca, Huma Qureshi as the primary antagonist Elizabeth, and Rukmini Vasanth as the poised Mellisa. This multi-industry lineup, which also includes Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair, confirms Toxic as a truly global project with high-profile talent from across Indian cinema. Revealing the ONE they warned you about.10:10 AM | 08-01-2026 #ToxicTheMovie#TOXIC #TOXIConMarch19th@TheNameIsYash#Nayanthara@humasqureshi @advani_kiara @rukminitweets #TaraSutaria #GeetuMohandas @RaviBasrur #RajeevRavi #UjwalKulkarni #TPAbid #MohanBKere… pic.twitter.com/7KsfjVoh7X— KVN Productions (@KvnProductions) January 7, 2026 The release date on the poster is officially locked for March 19, 2026. This sets the stage for what trade analysts are calling the Battle of the Century. Yash's Toxic will head into a direct collision with Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2 (Dhurandhar: Revenge). With Dhurandhar currently standing as one of the highest-grossing original Hindi films (chasing Pushpa 2's record), the sequel carries massive momentum. However, Yash's track record with KGF 2 (₹859.7 Cr India Net) makes Toxic the biggest possible threat to any Bollywood blockbuster. This two-way clash is expected to lead to a severe screen-sharing crunch, with both films eyeing over 5,000+ screens in India alone. Tomorrow's Tease is expected to shatter digital records on YouTube within minutes of its release, providing a first look at Yash's new avatar and the stylized world Geetu Mohandas has created.

Sandalwood

21 days ago

1943 views

Kiara Advani's First Look In Yash-fronted Toxic Unveiled: The Gangster Drama Re-Confirms Release Date

Mumbai, December 21 - The makers of superstar Yash-fronted Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups have unveiled the first look of Kiara Advani as Nadia, the female lead in one of the most awaited gangster dramas in Indian cinema. The poster presents the actress in a striking, commanding avatar, hinting at a character that carries both elegance and intensity. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Styled against a grand, theatrical backdrop with dramatic lighting, Kiara appears central to the film's dark and stylised narrative. The visual suggests a blend of glamour and menace, reinforcing the film's promise of a gritty yet visually rich storytelling approach. Headlined by Rocking Star Yash, Toxic is being mounted on a lavish scale and is expected to showcase the actor in a raw, mass-heavy gangster avatar. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, the film marks a significant collaboration, with expectations riding high on its unconventional tone and global appeal. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Along with the first look reveal of the female lead, the makers have also once again confirmed the film's release date as March 19, 2026, putting an end to speculation around possible delays. Backed by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, Toxic is being positioned as a pan-Indian spectacle with international sensibilities. With the movie sticking to its release date, it will be clashing with one of the most hyped Bollywood films of the year, Dhurandhar 2, starring Ranveer Singh. The first part of Aditya Dhar's directorial has been a big blockbuster and is set to finish the year with 1000+ crores gross, the only Indian film of 2025 to reach the milestone. Introducing Kiara Advani as NADIA in - A Toxic Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups#Toxic #ToxicTheMovie @advani_kiara #GeetuMohandas @RaviBasrur #RajeevRavi #UjwalKulkarni #TPAbid #MohanBKere #SandeepSadashiva #PrashantDileepHardikar #KunalSharma #SandeepSharma #JJPerry @anbariv… pic.twitter.com/27aRe1GGVg— Yash (@TheNameIsYash) December 21, 2025 Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

24 days ago

5099 views

Kichcha Sudeep's Mark vs Shivarajkumar and Upendra's 45 Set for a Christmas 2025 Box Office Clash

The date December 25, 2025, is poised to become a defining moment for the Kannada Film Industry as it witnesses a colossal box office clash between two Pan-India juggernauts. In a rare cinematic event, four of Sandalwood’s most celebrated Powerhouse heroes—Shivarajkumar, Upendra, Raj B. Shetty, and Kichcha Sudeep are arriving together to set the screens on fire. This high stakes face off isn't just about box office dominance; it is a celebration of the industry's diversity, pitting a high-octane action thriller against a philosophical mass entertainer, with verified release strategies that signal a massive takeover of the South Indian market. Leading the charge is MARK, a high-voltage action thriller starring Baadshah Kichcha Sudeep. The film marks the much-anticipated reunion of the actor with director Vijay Kartikeyaa, a combination that previously delivered the 2024 Christmas release Max. While Max was a massive production with a budget of ₹65 Crores, it collected approximately ₹57.3 Crores worldwide; yet, it still held the significant distinction of being the Highest Grossing Film of the Year (HGOTY) in Kannada cinema for that year. Riding on this star power, Mark features Sudeep as Ajay Markandeya, a police officer fighting an intense 18-hour deadline to rescue kidnapped children.Strategically, the producers are planning a Simultaneous Tamil Release on December 25, aiming to capitalize on the holiday crowds in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu instantly. On the other side of the ring is the uniquely ambitious 45, which marks the directorial debut of the Magical Composer Arjun Janya. This film has generated immense hype for its Dream Cast, bringing together the legendary Shivarajkumar and Upendra alongside the new-age sensation Raj B. Shetty. Unlike a standard commercial potboiler, 45 delves into the philosophical concept of the 45 days after death a moral world where every action is counted. The verified intrigue around the film has skyrocketed with glimpses of Shivarajkumar in Bharatanatyam attire, promising a content driven spectacle. While the Kannada version clashes directly with Mark on Christmas, the distribution strategy for the Tamil Dubbed Version is reportedly targeting a New Year 2026 (Jan 1) release. This calculated move allows the film to build momentum through word of mouth before hitting the neighboring market. The box office stakes are incredibly high when analyzing the This Year track record of these stars. Raj B. Shetty enters this clash as the dark horse with massive momentum; his July 2025 release, Su From So, was a verified surprise blockbuster, shattering records to join the ₹100 Crore club globally. His presence adds significant weight to 45. With Mark expected to open significantly higher due to the sequel-like hype of the director-actor combo. Shivarajkumar and Upendra are also looking to bounce back to blockbuster ways. Ultimately, this clash serves as the perfect storm for the industry. If the word-of-mouth clicks for both films, the Kannada industry is set to dominate the festive season. Mark is positioned as the safe bet for action lovers and mass audiences, while 45 stands as the Wild Card that could rewrite records if Arjun Janya's unique vision connects. With no major Tamil releases scheduled for the Christmas weekend, this dual assault by Sandalwood's biggest stars is set to dominate not just the home ground but potentially the Tamil box office as well, making verified history as one of the biggest days for Kannada cinema.

Sandalwood

53 days ago

15829 views

Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 Teaser/Trailer Stands Tall Amid Global Phenomena On YouTube

Bengaluru, November 19 - Kannada superstar Yash-fronted action drama KGF: Chapter 2 scripted history in 2022 by becoming the first Kannada movie to cross 1000 crores at the worldwide box office. However, it wasn't just a phenomenon of a few weeks; it all began with the teaser, which paved the way for what it became later on. In a landscape dominated by global entertainment giants, Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 continues to script history of its own. The film's teaser/trailer, which created a sensation upon release, still reigns supreme on YouTube, standing tall as the most-watched teaser/trailer in the world. With a staggering 278 million views, the KGF: Chapter 2 teaser/trailer reportedly sits at the very top of YouTube's all-time rankings. What makes this feat even more remarkable is the competition it outruns. The second most-watched trailer is none other than Rockstar Games' GTA 6, which stands at 269 million views, followed closely by Marvel's Avengers: Endgame at 268 million. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For an Indian film to surpass the viewership of two of the biggest global entertainment phenomena — the most anticipated video game of the decade and one of the highest-grossing films in cinematic history — is nothing short of monumental. It reflects not just the cult following of the KGF franchise but the global reach that Yash and Prashanth Neel's world of Rocky Bhai has achieved. From the moment the teaser dropped 4 years ago on January 7 in 2021, it redefined scale and swagger in Indian cinema. The gritty atmosphere of Kolar Gold Fields, Ravi Basrur's thunderous background score, and Yash's electrifying presence created an instant mass moment. Years later, that hype has not diminished; in fact, it has multiplied by drawing new audiences, reaction channels, and international commentary. The fact that KGF: Chapter 2 stands at the pinnacle of YouTube's viewership charts is a testament to the franchise's unmatched global craze and the mass hystria it created back then and continuing to do so. In a digital world overwhelmed with content every second, Rocky Bhai's aura continues to tower above all, proving that some phenomena don't fade — they become legend. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

64 days ago

3740 views

Kantara Chapter 1 Rishab Shetty Celebrates a Monumental Journey as the Film Crosses ₹844 Cr Worldwide

Rishab Shetty took to X to share heartfelt gratitude as Kantara: Chapter 1 marked a historic milestone. Sharing pictures from the film’s success celebration, he wrote that the journey has been “monumental” and dedicated the victory to the audience. The actor-filmmaker and his team gathered to celebrate what has become one of India’s biggest box-office stories of 2025. ಈ ಗೆಲುವು ಕೇವಲ ನಮ್ಮದಲ್ಲ, ಎಲ್ಲರದು. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರೀತಿಗೆ ಎಂದೆಂದಿಗೂ ಋಣಿ.The journey of #KantaraChapter1 has been monumental!We gathered as a team to celebrate, yet this victory truly belongs to you, the audience. ✨Standing together, deeply grateful for this historic run.We poured… pic.twitter.com/xNYLZcUpaQ— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) November 8, 2025 The mythological-action prequel has delivered a phenomenal run across markets, clocking ₹ 844.27 crore worldwide. In India, it registered ₹ 615.65 crore (net) and ₹ 733.77 crore (gross), with an overseas total of ₹ 110.5 crore. Among its language versions, the Kannada version earned ₹ 197.57 crore, while the Hindi dubbed release alone scored an impressive ₹ 219.89 crore — underlining the film’s massive pan-India reach. Rishab Shetty returns both behind and in front of the camera with Kantara: Chapter 1, taking audiences back to the origins of the universe fans fell in love with in the 2022 hit Kantara. This prequel explores the stories and legends that shaped the world of the original, mixing thrilling action with heartfelt moments, all set against a vivid tapestry of local culture and age-old traditions. The film also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles, and is produced by Hombale Films, the banner behind major Kannada hits like KGF and Salaar. Audiences have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, praising the film’s spiritual depth, visual scale, and Rishab Shetty’s intense performance. Critics noted how the prequel manages to stay emotionally grounded while expanding the cinematic universe introduced in Kantara (2022). The music, rustic setting, and rooted storytelling have further enhanced its mass appeal across languages. For fans eager to catch the film at home, the Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions of Kantara: Chapter 1 made their OTT debut on October 31, 2025, while the Hindi version is expected to premiere digitally on November 27, 2025. This staggered release gives audiences nationwide a chance to experience the folklore action saga from the comfort of their homes.With Kantara: Chapter 1, Rishab Shetty has not only built upon his legacy but also reinforced Kannada cinema’s growing influence on the national stage. What began as a regional folk-action tale has evolved into a pan-India phenomenon — and the film’s celebration post on X perfectly captures that spirit of gratitude and triumph.

Sandalwood

73 days ago

2542 views

Producers Break Silence On Yash's Toxic Postponement Rumours

Bengaluru, October 30 - The makers of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Kannada superstar Yash, have reacted to the widespread rumours surrounding the film's delay. There have been rumours that the film was postponed due to production delays and other issues. The producers have officially denied all reports suggesting a postponement, confirming that the much-awaited action thriller will release worldwide on March 19, 2026, as originally scheduled, according to renowned critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh. The producers clarified that post-production work has already begun, even as Yash continues to shoot for Ramayana in Mumbai. The KGF star, who has been balancing both projects, will soon wrap up the final portions of Toxic. Once the filming is complete, the production house plans to begin full-fledged promotions in January 2026. STOP THE RUMOURS... YASH'S NEXT FILM 'TOXIC' IS *NOT* DELAYED OR POSTPONED – 19 MARCH 2026 RELEASE CONFIRMED… Spoke to the producers – #Toxic is firmly on track for its [Thursday] 19 March 2026 release, perfectly timed for the festive weekend of #Ugadi, #GudiPadwa, and #Eid.… pic.twitter.com/bG1YsvdrQY— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 30, 2025 Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic is described as a dark, stylised action-drama with a strong emotional core. Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film marks a major collaboration between Yash and the acclaimed filmmaker, known for her distinctive storytelling style. The film is being shot simultaneously in English and Kannada, making it one of the most ambitious pan-Indian projects in recent times. The movie will also be dubbed in multiple Indian and international languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, to ensure a wide global reach. Over the last few weeks, several reports claimed that Toxic was facing production hurdles, with talk of creative differences and delays leading to speculation about an indefinite postponement. However, the latest clarification from the producers has firmly put those rumours to rest. The team maintains that everything is progressing smoothly and that the film is right on track for its summer 2026 release. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

75 days ago

23615 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Crosses 3 Crore Admissions To Become Most Watched Film of 2025 In India; Tops 1 Crore Footfalls In Hindi

Bengaluru, October 28 - Amid the disappointing news of early OTT release, Risabh Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 continues to draw big crowds in theatres. In a massive milestone, it has become the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, beating the Bollywood blockbuster Chhaava. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 has been one of its kind phenomena for Kannada cinema. The film's box office juggernaut has made it the most-watched Indian title of 2025 in theatres. In 26 days so far, the film has sold approximately 3.20 crores tickets in India across all languages, beating Chahava's 3.10+ crores admissions to become the number 1 movie of 2025. Kantara Chapter 1 is the second movie of 2025 and the ninth film in the post-pandemic era to top 3 crores (30 million) footfalls at the Indian box office. Yash-fronted KGF Chapter 2 remains the biggest blockbuster with over 5 crores admissions, and it, along with Kantara 2, is the only Kannada film of all time to reach 3 crores admissions. The prequel to 2022's blockbuster has also topped 1 crore (10 million) footfalls in the dubbed Hindi version, becoming the first South Indian film of 2025 to do so. The original Kannada version is the number 2 with around 80 lakh admissions, while Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil versions have sold over 1.30 crores tickets so far. Meanwhile, the film has grossed approximately 817 crores worldwide, including around 707 crores in India and 110 crores overseas, after 26 days. It was well on course to finish with 875+ crores worldwide, but the target now looks difficult after makers confirmed its digital release from October 31 in South Indian versions. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

75 days ago

3763 views

Opinion: How An Eight-Week Theatrical Window Could Reshape South Indian Cinema's Future

Mumbai, October 28 - The South Indian film industry has been at the forefront of India's box office resurgence over the past few years after facing the setback from the Covid-19 pandemic. From crowd-pullers like KGF 2, RRR, and Pushpa 2 to record-breaking phenomena like Kantara Chapter 1, these films have consistently drawn large numbers of audiences back to theatres. Yet, despite the success of tentpole blockbusters, the theatrical run of such films is being cut short far too soon due to premature OTT releases. This growing trend poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the theatrical ecosystem. After the pandemic, the entertainment industry, especially theatrical exhibition, was among the worst-hit sectors. Theatres across the country were shut for months, and filmmakers were left with no choice but to take an alternative route to recover costs. This was when digital platforms emerged as a boon, offering an immediate solution for film releases. However, this was never a long-term solution, given the limited financial returns from OTT platforms compared to theatrical revenue. Once the pandemic eased and normalcy returned, it became crucial for filmmakers to go back to basics and rebuild the theatrical business and help the sector recover from the pandemic blow. Bollywood was the first to do so, reinstating the pre-COVID norms and maintaining an eight-week theatrical window before films headed to OTT. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about South Indian cinema, where most films continue to follow a four-week window. This shortsighted approach has severely impacted theatres, particularly in Karnataka, where exhibitors are struggling to draw audiences back, especially for mid and small-budget films. Viewers are now aware that a film will be available to stream online within a month, which discourages them from visiting theatres. While producers might still manage to recover their budgets and earn quick profits through early digital deals, this strategy is proving disastrous for exhibitors. Theatres are the proven backbone of the film industry's economy, and neglecting their long-term survival will ultimately harm everyone involved. The time has come for theatres in the South to take a decisive step and insist on a longer theatrical window, just as Bollywood has done to some extent. A uniform minimum eight-week window can help sustain the box office momentum and restore the balance between filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences. South Indian cinema, just like any other film industry, has built its reputation on big-screen spectacles and community-driven experiences. To safeguard that magic and ensure the future of theatrical viewing, exhibitors and filmmakers must reunite for better planning. Protecting the theatrical window is not merely about the film business; it's about keeping alive the very essence of cinema that audiences love and celebrate. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

75 days ago

13988 views

Kantara Chapter 1 On OTT: A Questionable and Disappointing Move From Makers of Rishab Shetty's Blockbuster

Bengaluru, October 27 - The exhibitors of Karnataka finally had a moment of joy this year with Rishab Shetty-fronted Kantara Chapter 1 doing excellent business and bringing people to theatres in big numbers. They were hoping for more to come, but their happiness has been cut short by a disappointing and questionable move by the makers. Despite the film continuing its very good run and showing remarkable stability across regions, the team has decided to drop it on the OTT platform much sooner than expected. At a time when almost every South Indian film is dropping on OTT after just four weeks of its theatrical release, Kantara Chapter 1 had the perfect chance to break the trend. The Rishab Shetty directorial was still performing excellently at the box office, showing no signs of slowing down even in its fourth weekend. With a strong hold and exceptional word of mouth, the film was well on its way to extending its glorious run and setting new benchmarks for long theatrical sustainability in the post-pandemic era. In its fourth weekend alone, the film grossed over 30 crores domestically, with nearly half of that coming from the Kannada version. These are solid numbers for a film that opened to massive numbers in its initial week, proving its continued dominance and audience connection. A longer exclusive theatrical run could have easily pushed the film's lifetime total significantly higher, adding many more crores to its already stellar tally. However, the makers have now officially confirmed the film's OTT release. The period folk actioner will drop on Amazon Prime Video on October 31st in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil versions, four weeks after its release. This decision comes across as both disappointing and questionable, especially considering the film's ongoing momentum at the ticket windows. In opting for an early digital release, the team may have left considerable box office potential untapped, undermining what could have been an even more historic run. Beyond the numbers, this move also affects exhibitors, particularly in Karnataka, where Kantara Chapter 1 has been a saviour amid a dull theatrical year. A longer theatrical run would have benefited both the film's legacy and the local theatre chains, reinforcing the power of strong content to sustain on the big screen. Instead, this shortened window feels like a missed opportunity for both the industry and the film's makers, and more importantly, for the theatre ecosystem, which has been struggling this year in Karnataka. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

75 days ago

2192 views

Kantara Chapter 1 readies for its grand OTT arrival after conquering the box office

With October closing out, digital platforms are ushering in a rich spread of new titles across languages and genres. Leading the lineup is Kantara: Chapter 1, the massive Kannada-language hit directed by Rishab Shetty. The film, one of the year’s most celebrated Indian releases, has collected a staggering ₹813 crore globally, including an India gross of ₹703 crore. The regional breakdown paints an equally impressive picture — Karnataka leads with ₹236.05 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh–Telangana at ₹104.85 crore, Tamil Nadu at ₹69.7 crore, and Kerala at ₹54.9 crore — with every major region proudly crossing the ₹50 crore mark. The film’s performance across languages has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Hindi version has stormed into the ₹200 crore club with ₹204.85 crore, while the Kannada version has already crossed the milestone with an impressive ₹236.05 crore[gross] — reinforcing the film’s rare pan-Indian resonance. Now, as the buzz builds around its OTT premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 30 or 31, the excitement is palpable. The film will stream in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, with a Hindi release expected a few weeks later.This move marks a calculated expansion, ensuring the blockbuster’s reach extends beyond theatres to a nationwide audience eager to relive its raw, elemental energy from home. Joining the week’s digital lineup are Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra, dropping on JioCinema on October 31, and Idli Kadai, which lands on Netflix on October 29, together offering viewers a diverse mix of regional storytelling and high-concept drama. The timing of Kantara’s OTT launch — barely four weeks after its big-screen premiere — highlights the evolving release strategies of Indian cinema, where films balance theatrical endurance with digital accessibility. For audiences, it’s the perfect close to the month: an invitation to witness celebrated performances, immersive visuals, and storytelling that transcends language barriers — all from the comfort of their screens.

Sandalwood

77 days ago

14706 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Storms Past 200 Crore Net In Hindi

Mumbai, October 25 - Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 has achieved yet another historic milestone, becoming the first South Indian film of 2025 to enter the 200 crore net club in Hindi. The film continues to maintain a solid hold even in its fourth week, proving the lasting power of word-of-mouth. On its 24th day (4th Saturday), the period folk actioner added an estimated 4.25 crore net, pushing its Hindi total beyond 200 crore. With this, the Rishab Shetty starrer has become only the sixth South Indian film ever to achieve this feat in Hindi, joining the elite ranks of Baahubali 2, KGF Chapter 2, Pushpa: The Rise, RRR, and Kalki 2898 AD. The consistency in its collections is a testament to its wide acceptance across audiences and its strong emotional connection. Overall, it is the 45th film of all time to hit 200 crores in net collection in Hindi. The last film to hit the milestone was Saiyaara. The film's performance is even more impressive considering the limited promotional campaign and its deeply regional setting. What started as a folklore-driven story from coastal Karnataka has grown into a nationwide cinematic phenomenon, resonating with viewers for its authenticity, music, and spiritual themes. Rishab Shetty's direction and performance have both been universally praised for blending realism with divinity in a way rarely seen on the big screen. As the film continues its glorious run, it stands as a shining example of how rooted storytelling can break all language barriers and achieve pan-India success. Stay tuned...