Kantara: Chapter 1 is gearing up for a grand theatrical release on October 2, and the buzz in trade circles is nothing short of phenomenal. Directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, this much-awaited prequel is mounted on a massive scale with a production budget reportedly close to ₹200 crore—a giant leap from the first installment, which was made on just ₹16 crore.
From the videos and visuals unveiled so far, the film’s scale and grandeur are evident, raising sky-high expectations among audiences and distributors alike. The trade in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is especially bullish, with reports suggesting that Kantara: Chapter 1 is eyeing over ₹100 crore business from the Telugu states alone.
Record-Breaking Business Figures
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Nizam rights: approx. ₹40 crore
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Andhra rights: approx. ₹45 crore
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Ceded rights: approx. ₹15 crore
These figures are staggering and usually reserved only for tier-1 Tollywood star heroes. To comfortably cross breakeven, the film needs to gross at least ₹170 crore from the Telugu states, which will depend heavily on strong word of mouth.
The Competitive Clash
Adding to the intrigue, Kantara: Chapter 1 releases just a week after Pawan Kalyan’s OG (September 25). If OG turns into a blockbuster, it may dominate the box office well into October. For Kantara to survive and succeed in such a competitive slot, the content has to be exceptionally strong.
What to Expect
Featuring Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead, this prequel dives into the events that precede the first part, blending devotional elements, mythology, and thriller aspects with rich production values. With its scale, theme, and brand value, Kantara: Chapter 1 is one of the most keenly awaited releases of the year.
Whether it lives up to the monumental hype and delivers king-size business in Telugu states will be revealed when it hits theaters.
