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Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Sets the Box Office on Fire With Near 100 Crore Global Debut Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Sets the Box Office on Fire With Near 100 Crore Global Debut

Bengaluru, October 3 - The prequel to Kantara, titled Kantara: A Legend - Chapter has opened to massive numbers at the worldwide box office. Back in 2022, the original movie took the modest start of 2.80 crores worldwide, but it did enough to set the stage for Chapter 1, which has opened to at least 30x the collection. Written, directed, and headline by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 carried solid buzz, though the initial advance booking reception was not that strong before it picked up well on the last day before the release. To boost the buzz, the makers limited paid premieres, which received a solid response. On its release day, the film started behaving like a true Pan-India blockbuster with a fantastic response across the country in every language it was released. As a result, the film has had a big opening day collection in India with an estimated 75 crores gross, including paid premieres. The opening of Kantara 2 is by far the second biggest for a Kannada film after Yash-fronted KGF: Chapter 2, which took the domestic opening of 134.50 crores gross in 2022. Overseas, the latest blockbuster has grossed an estimated 10+ crores on its day 1, making its 85+ crores worldwide start. With this near-100 crore debut, Kantara Chapter 1 has set the stage for a monumental box office run. The film is now positioned to become one of the highest openers ever for a Kannada movie. The word of mouth seems to be positive, and if the momentum continues, the movie may well rewrite several records in the coming days. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 (Hindi) Early Box Office Trends: Exceeds Expectations Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 (Hindi) Early Box Office Trends: Exceeds Expectations

Mumbai, October 2 - Hombale Films' period folk action thriller Kantara Chapter 1 is heading for a very good opening at the Hindi box office. The advance booking, which picked up well on the last day, indicated a 13-15 crores net start, but the movie has exceeded those expectations after a solid response in walk-ins. According to early estimates, the Kantara prequel is heading for a 19-21 crores net opening in the dubbed Hindi version, which can go higher depending on the single screens. The Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti holidays have propelled spot bookings, aided by positive reviews. Kantara 2 has easily taken the second-largest opening ever for a Kannada film in Hindi, after KGF Chapter 2, which exploded in 2022 with almost 54 crores net. Among the South Indian films, it will be in the top 10 biggest openers in the dubbed versions, setting itself up for a big run. The opening of the film is quite contrasting to the initial booking response, which was quite lukewarm. At that time, even a double-digit opening looked like a far cry, but the tide started to turn a day before the release when pre-sales witnessed a much-needed positive turnaround, followed by a solid spot booking response. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Takes A Massive Start At The Indian Box Office: Crosses 1 Million Tickets On BookMyShow Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Takes A Massive Start At The Indian Box Office: Crosses 1 Million Tickets On BookMyShow

Bengaluru, October 2 - Rishab Shetty's period folk action thriller Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 has taken an excellent start at the Indian box office. After scoring very good pre-sales, thanks to the late push, the movie exploded in the morning shows on its release day. Directed by Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 had limited paid premieres, and the reception to them was excellent. Moviegoers hail the film for its technical brilliance and goosebump-worthy extended climax. The initial critics' reviews are excellent, calling it bigger and better than Kantara (2022). The initial reception at the box office is nothing short of extraordinary. It has easily taken the second biggest start ever for a Kannada movie, after Yash-fronted KGF: Chapter 2, from the same production house, Hombale Films. It will easily cross 50 crores gross domestically on day 1, but that is not the target now, and it aims to go much higher. The film is performing best in the home state, Karnataka, where it might beat the opening of KGF Chapter 2, if the momentum remains the same throughout the day. The Hindi and Kannada versions have also opened to good numbers, which makes it a true Pan-India phenomenon. On the online ticketing platform BookMyShow, Kantara 2 has already sold 1 million tickets and is selling over 60K tickets per hour, which is the peak count for any Indian film this year. With the extended holiday weekend ahead, Kantara is set for massive collection at the domestic box office. Stay tuned...

Kantara Chapter 1 Hindi Box Office Preview: Advance Booking and Opening Day Expectations Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Kantara Chapter 1 Hindi Box Office Preview: Advance Booking and Opening Day Expectations

Mumbai, October 1 - Actor and director Rishab Shetty's Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 is one of the most awaited films of the year, riding high on the blockbuster success of 2022's Kantara that became a cultural and commercial phenomenon across the country. The prequel promises to expand the mystical folklore universe on a much grander scale, with intense visuals and rooted storytelling that connects deeply with Indian traditions. Directed and headlined once again by Shetty, and with a festive Dussehra release amid massive curiosity around how the world of Kantara began, the stage is set for a solid theatrical debut at the Indian box office, and all eyes will be on how the Hindi version of the movie fares, especially after the original movie turned into an unexpected big succees. After a slow start, the film's advance booking in the Hindi market has gained some momentum with less than a day to go for the release. So far, it has grossed approximately 2.50 crores for the opening day and is expected to close above 4 crores in pre-sales. This puts the film ahead of other recent titles such as Sky Force (3.78 crores), Sitaare Zameen Par (3.30 crores), and Jolly LLB 3 (3.23 crores) in advance sales. With this trajectory, a double-digit opening in Hindi, which once seemed tough, is now comfortably within reach. Current trends indicate an opening day in the range of 14–15 crores net, with spot bookings and walk-ins on the Dussehra holiday expected to provide a significant boost, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 centres where the film holds an upper hand in single screens. If word of mouth is positive, these figures will likely go further. Censored with a U/A certificate and carrying a runtime of 169 minutes, the film will be released in the Hindi belt by AA Films, which has ensured a wide release across multiplexes and mass circuits alike. Despite a clash with Dharma Productions’ family entertainer Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, Kantara Chapter 1 has managed to carve out a strong showcasing, thanks to its brand value and the aggressive planning by the distributor. All eyes are now on the audience reception. If the film garners positive word of mouth, Kantara Chapter 1 could turn its promising advance into a blockbuster start in the Hindi market, reaffirming the pan-India appeal of Rishab Shetty's vision. Worldwide, the film is expected to take the opening of 50+ crores. Stay tuned...

Kantara Chapter 1 Hindi Advance Booking: Hype Missing For Rishab Shetty-starrer Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Kantara Chapter 1 Hindi Advance Booking: Hype Missing For Rishab Shetty-starrer

Bengaluru, September 29 - Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 has generated massive excitement in Karnataka, where advance bookings are surging with several shows already sold out. However, things in the Hindi market look gloomy, unlike the social media notion. Despite the cult status of the original Kantara β€” which stunned the trade by becoming a sleeper blockbuster across India β€” the prequel is not replicating that momentum in the Hindi belt. Trade expectations were high that Kantara: Chapter 1 would score big advances and even challenge the dominance of other South Indian blockbusters with big starts in the Hindi market. It is not that South Indian films solely depend on Hindi markets to get success status, but over the last decade, many South Indian films performed exceptionally in the Hindi belt, which eventually became the highlight of their box office status. Early chatter suggested Kantara 2 would score big advances on par with other Pan-India blockbusters in Hindi, aided by the goodwill of the first instalment. Yet, so far, the response is muted. As per the current status, the Hindi version of the period action drama has managed to sell tickets worth around 50 lakh for the opening day. While this is a decent start for a dubbed Kannada film, it falls significantly short of the lofty expectations set before advance bookings opened. This eventually shows that the hype, which seemed very good on social media, is not on the ground among the general audience. With just a few days left for release, the film's Hindi prospects hinge on a late surge in bookings. If the momentum doesn't pick up, Kantara: Chapter 1 may struggle to breach the double-digit opening mark in the Hindi market. Much will depend on word of mouth, last-minute ticketing rush, and how effectively the makers push promotions in North Indian circuits before release. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Advance Booking Update Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Advance Booking Update

Bengaluru, September 25 - After scoring an unexpected big box office success with Kantara in 2022, Hombale Films announced Kantara 2, which is the prequel to the first film. Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, it has been one of the most anticipated Indian films with stakes higher than before. After going through an intense production process, the movie is finally ready to release on October 2, 2025, in multiple languages. With just a week to go before release, Hombale Films has confirmed that the advance booking of the Kantara prequel will open on September 26 in its home turf, Karnataka. The all-India booking of the film is expected to open on September 28 or 29, including the Hindi version. The dubbed Hindi version proved to be a big box office success back in 2022, with around 100 crores gross, and now, the trade is excited to see how things unfold for Kantara 2. As said, the pre-sales will go live first in Karnataka, where the movie is expected to see one of the best responses for a Kannada title. The movie is rooted in the local culture, which is a massive advantage for it in setting the box office on fire. Starring Rishab Shetty in the lead role alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah, Kantara 2's story delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film is expected to explore the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the folklore and history explored in the first film released in 2022. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Strikes Big With 100M+ Views In 24 Hours In All Languages Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Strikes Big With 100M+ Views In 24 Hours In All Languages

Bengaluru, September 23 - Rishab Shetty's much-awaited prequel to 2022 blockbuster Kantara, titled Kantara Chapter 1, has set the internet buzzing with a thunderous response to its trailer. In the first 24 hours of release, the trailer has amassed more than 107 million views in all languages across social media platforms, becoming one of the most-watched trailers of a Kannada title. On YouTube, the trailer scored 45+ million views with the Hindi version leading the charts with a whopping 25+ million views, reflecting the pan-India reach of the franchise. The Kannada trailer, close to the heart of its native audience, raked in 8 million views, while the Telugu version secured an impressive 7.1+ million views. The Malayalam trailer of the film generated 2.1+ million views, and the Tamil version contributed another 4.5+ million views in the first full day of its release, together highlighting the film's strong presence across every regional market. With such phenomenal digital reception, Kantara Chapter 1 is already being touted as one of the most-awaited cinematic events of the year. The overwhelming response proves that Rishab Shetty's vision has not only resonated with audiences in Karnataka but also struck an emotional chord with viewers nationwide. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara 2's story delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the movie stars Shetty in the lead role alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayram in key roles. The film is scheduled to release on October 2 in multiple Indian languages. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Official Censor Certificate, Theatrical Runtime, and Plot Details Revealed Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Official Censor Certificate, Theatrical Runtime, and Plot Details Revealed

Bengaluru, September 22 - The highly anticipated prequel to Rishab Shetty's Kantara, titled Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, is gearing up for grand worldwide release on October 2nd, and ahead of the release, the makers have reportedly cleared the censor formalities. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie has been certified with U/A by the Central Board of Film Certification with an approved runtime of 169 minutes (2 hours 49 minutes approx.), making it one of the longest mainstream Kannada films in recent times. This extended runtime suggests an elaborate narrative structure, deeply rooted in historical and cultural backdrops, much like its predecessor. According to the censor certificate, the story is set during the reign of the Kadambas, the first dynasty of Karnataka. The plot revolves around Bangra, a fictional feudatory ruled by King Vijayendra. Known for his loyalty to the Kadambas, Vijayendra commanded their sea trade. The summary also highlights his complex personaβ€”celebrated for his valour, yet feared as a leader who promoted slavery and atheism. This layered characterisation hints at a morally intense storyline, exploring themes of power, faith, and societal conflict. With the certification process now complete, the stage is set for Kantara Chapter 1 to make its theatrical debut. Given the massive success of the first film, expectations are sky-high for this ambitious prequel. Stay tuned...

Stars Unite To Launch Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Trailer Across Languages Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Stars Unite To Launch Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Trailer Across Languages

Bengaluru, September 22 - The much-awaited trailer of Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 is all set to be launched today, with some of the biggest names from Indian cinema unveiling it across multiple languages. Hombale Films ensured a truly pan-India celebration, roping in superstar icons from different industries to present the prequel to the 2022 cultural blockbuster Kantara. In Telugu, the trailer has been unveiled by Pan-India superstar Prabhas, while Hrithik Roshan took charge of the Hindi launch. For the Tamil audience, the trailer released by Sivakarthikeyan and Prithviraj Sukumaran did the honours in Malayalam. Staying true to its roots, the Kannada version was launched by the audience and fans themselves, symbolising the deep connection the franchise shares with its home state. The film is carrying good buzz, and the trailer is expected to boost it further, promising a raw, powerful, and visually rich cinematic journey that dives into the origins of the folklore explored in Kantara. With Rishab Shetty returning as writer, director, and lead actor, the film is expected to push boundaries once again, combining divine mysticism with intense human drama. Given the scale of the launch and the star power attached, anticipation for Kantara Chapter 1 is now soaring across all corners of the country. The film is scheduled to release on October 2 in multiple languages, also in IMAX format. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 Theatrical Runtime Revealed, Plot Details Hint at Epic Prequel Saga Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 Theatrical Runtime Revealed, Plot Details Hint at Epic Prequel Saga

Bengaluru, September 13 – The much-awaited prequel to Rishab Shetty's 2022 blockbuster Kantara is gearing up for its grand release worldwide on October 2nd in multiple languages. Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is carrying tremendous buzz in the trade and fans alike, as it is expected to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. Ahead of the release, the film's theatrical runtime and plot details have reportedly been revealed. According to a viral social media post, claiming to be listed in a theatre chain, the film will run for 2 hours and 45 minutes, promising audiences another intense cinematic experience filled with myth, folklore, and spiritual mysticism. According to a viral post, the film's plot reads, "Long before the events of the 2022 sensation, a legend was born. Set in 300 CE during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, Kantara: Chapter 1 takes audiences into the mystical forests of Banavasi, where divine spirits awaken and the roots of the Daiva tradition are forged. Rishab Shetty transforms into a fierce Naga Sadhu, a warrior-mystic destined to become the bridge between mortals and the divine. Ancient rituals, supernatural forces, and tribal struggles collide in a cinematic spectacle like no other β€” this isn't just a prequel, it's the origin of a myth." Packed with ancient rituals, supernatural forces, and tribal struggles, Kantara: Chapter 1 is described as more than just a prequel. With its grand scale and mystical storytelling, the film is expected to take the Kantara franchise to unprecedented heights. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 also stars Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah in prominent roles. The trailer of the film will drop on September 20, two weeks before the film's theatrical debut. Stay tuned...

Unveiling Kantara: Exploring the Epic Beginning of Chapter 1 Sandalwood
BY Christa Lincy πŸ“° News

Unveiling Kantara: Exploring the Epic Beginning of Chapter 1

Kantara: Chapter 1, the highly anticipated prequel to Rishab Shetty’s 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is officially slated for release on October 2, 2025, as confirmed by the filmmakers at Hombale Films, dismissing all delay rumors. Directed and headlined once again by Rishab Shetty, the film takes a bold mythological turn, exploring the spiritual and ancestral origins of the lore introduced in the original film, set around 300 CE during the Kadamba dynasty. ##Backed by a massive budget and shot on an epic scaleβ€”including war sequences featuring over 3,000 people and 500 skilled fightersβ€”the project has undergone extensive preparation, with Shetty training in horse riding, Kalari, and sword-fighting. The buzz surrounding the film has been immense, amplified by a fiery promotional campaign, including a fire-themed logo unveiled in partnership with PVR INOX, and first-look posters of new characters like Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi and Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara. ##In a major musical collaboration, Diljit Dosanjh is set to record a special track for the film at YRF Studios, Mumbai, aimed at expanding the film’s North Indian appeal as part of its pan-India strategy. The soundtrack and trailerβ€”expected to drop on September 20, 2025β€”are expected to play a key role in widening its cultural reach. ##With the digital rights reportedly sold for β‚Ή125 crore, multi-language distribution (Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English), and national attention growing by the day, Kantara: Chapter 1 is positioned not just as a sequel, but as a spiritual epic brimming with action, folklore, and divinityβ€”poised to become one of India’s biggest cinematic events of 2025.

Amazon Prime Video Bags Streaming Rights of Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 in a Landmark 125 Crore Price Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Amazon Prime Video Bags Streaming Rights of Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 in a Landmark 125 Crore Price

Bengaluru, September 10 - Kannada star Rishab Shetty's folk action thriller Kantara: Chapter 1 is gearing up for a grand worldwide release on October 2nd, amid huge anticipation. Serving as the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, the upcoming saga has been mounted on a far bigger scale and budget, with the makers leaving no stone unturned to deliver a larger-than-life cinematic spectacle. As the release date of the film approaches, the makers have partnered with top distribution studios for a grand worldwide release. Apart from theatrical ambitions, the film's post-theatrical deal has also been locked in one of the all-time biggest prices for a South Indian film. According to a report by Pinkvilla, Amazon Prime Video has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights of Kantara: Chapter 1 for a staggering 125 crore for all languages. This is said to be the second-biggest streaming deal for a Kannada film after KGF: Chapter 2 and positions it among the costliest digital acquisitions for any South Indian title to date. This is a groundbreaking streaming deal for a Kannada film, which is possibly the biggest Pan-India movie after KGF: Chapter 2. The buzz for it is excellent across the country, and the makers are confident of its Pan-India success. Meanwhile, the trailer of the film will be launched on September 20, which, the makers reportedly believe, will be enough to increase the buzz multifolds. Directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, the movie stars Shetty in the lead role alongside Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film will explore the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore surrounding divine land guardianship. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 To Get Massive Worldwide Release With Top Distributors Onboard; Details Revealed Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 To Get Massive Worldwide Release With Top Distributors Onboard; Details Revealed

Bengaluru, September 10 - After the mega blockbuster success of Kantara (2022), Hombale Films is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a record-breaking worldwide release for Kantara: Chapter 1. The much-awaited prequel to Rishab Shetty's blockbuster has locked some of the biggest distribution giants across key territories, from domestic to overseas, setting the stage for a truly global rollout. In Kerala, the Rishab Shetty directorial and fronted will be distributed by actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran's Prithviraj Productions, continuing the successful collaboration between the two banners. For North India and Nepal, AA Films has come on board, ensuring a strong presence in the Hindi-speaking markets. The studio had also distributed Hombale's Kantara and KGF films in dubbed Hindi versions. In the Telugu states, the Nizam territory will see Mythri Movie Makers Release, driving the film's reach. On the overseas front, Phars Film will handle the entire overseas release, while the UK market will be taken care of by LWE and DreamZ Entertainment. In North America, the film will be released by Prathyangira Cinemas, and in Australia and New Zealand, Dream Screens International will distribute the film. The makers will announce a couple of more distribution territories in the coming days. With such an impressive distribution network, Kantara: Chapter 1 is positioned for one of the widest releases ever for a Kannada-origin film. Expectations are sky-high as fans worldwide gear up to witness the epic saga unfold on the big screen. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role alongside Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah. In the film, the story delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first movie. It is scheduled to release on October 2nd in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

Superstar Yash-fronted Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups Complete Star Cast (So far) Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Superstar Yash-fronted Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups Complete Star Cast (So far)

Bengaluru, September 9 - Superstar Yash's highly anticipated gangster action thriller Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious pan-India films in recent times, with a huge ensemble, dominated by female leads, coming on board. Alongside Yash's towering presence, the film is powered by a dynamic ensemble of celebrated performers from across industries. Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic features Kiara Advani as the female lead, who is reportedly playing Yash's love interest. Known for balancing glamour with depth in her performances, Kiara's role is expected to be more than just ornamental, adding emotional weight to the storyline. South lady superstar Nayanthara has reportedly been roped in to play the role of Yash's sister, a character said to be pivotal in driving the emotional arc of the gangster saga. The film also ropes in Tara Sutaria, marking one of her most intriguing roles yet, as early reports hint at her character sharing a sharp rivalry with Kiara's. Huma Qureshi reportedly joins the cast as the antagonist. With her recent track record of strong, layered portrayals, Huma's casting adds serious heft to the villain's side of the story. Adding further depth to the ensemble are Rukmini Vasanth, one of the most happening stars in South Indian cinema, along with Akshay Oberoi and Sudev Nair. While their exact character details are still under wraps, all three actors are known for choosing unconventional roles and bringing subtle nuance to their performances. Apart from the stellar cast (so far), the makers have roped in some of the best international crew to sharpen the technical aspect of the film. Hollywood action choreographer J.J. Perry is working on the film. With such talents attached to it, Toxic is poised to be more than just another gangster film. It promises a mix of style, substance, and strong performances, making its 2026 release one of the most eagerly awaited cinematic events. Produced by Yash under his banner Monster Mind Creations in association with KVN Productions, Toxic is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026, on the occasion of Eid. Stay tuned...

Biggest Kannada Hit of 2025: Raj B Shetty's Su From So Shatters Box Office Records, OTT Platform and Release Details Revealed Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Biggest Kannada Hit of 2025: Raj B Shetty's Su From So Shatters Box Office Records, OTT Platform and Release Details Revealed

Bengaluru, September 6 – In a year which has been a nightmare for Kannada cinema, a small-budgeted horror-comedy drama Su From So stands apart like the brightest star. It has not only emerged as the biggest Kannada blockbuster of 2025, but also become one of the top 5 all-time grossers worldwide. Produced by Raj B Shetty under the banner of Lighter Buddha Films, the film has enjoyed a phenomenal run at the worldwide box office. After six successful weeks in theatres, the film has grossed over 121 crores worldwide, a remarkable feat for a Kannada entertainer in the comedy genre. Box Office Triumph With its impressive collection, Su From So has become the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025. The movie currently stands as the fourth-highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, behind only the industry giants – KGF: Chapter 2, KGF: Chapter 1, and Kantara. The film's strong hold in Karnataka, along with steady contributions from the rest of India and overseas markets, has pushed its numbers to record-breaking levels. Audience Reception Directed by J. P. Thuminad, the horror-comedy struck a chord with family audiences and youngsters alike, thanks to its mix of humour, scares, and mass moments. Word-of-mouth has played a crucial role in sustaining the film over six weeks, turning it into a long-running success story. OTT Release Update After a glorious theatrical journey, Su From So is now set for its digital premiere on Jio Hotstar from September 9, 2025. Initially, the film was supposed to premiere on September 5, after 6 6-week of theatrical run, but the streamer has delayed the release by a few days, owing to its strong box office run. It will stream in Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam languages. With its box office glory and upcoming OTT release, Su From So has cemented itself as a landmark film in Kannada cinema for 2025, proving that content-driven entertainers can also become industry-defining hits. Stay tuned...

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 Eyes Record Pre-Release Business In Telugu States Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 Eyes Record Pre-Release Business In Telugu States

Hyderabad, September 1 - Actor and director Rishab Shetty's highly-anticipated folk action drama prequel Kantara: Chapter 1 is looking at the record theatrical business in the Telugu states, in which the first film, Kantara, was a big success. The expectations from Kanatara Chapter 1 are sky high, since the original film became a massive blockbuster. Despite being the Kannada origin title, the trade is highly optimistic about the upcoming film's success in North India and Telugu states, where the stakes are higher than before. As the film is getting nearer to its release date, the makers have started negotiating the business for the film, and for the Telugu states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), the film is targeting a staggering over 100 crore pre-release theatrical business. According to the Telugu media reports, the makers are quoting 40 crores for Nizam and 45 crores for Andhra. For the entire AP/TG, the pre-release business is said to be closing around 100 crores on a full recoverable advance basis. The business is expected to be locked on or around this price tag, which is the highest ever for a non-Telugu movie. Moreover, the quoted price for the Telugu states is usually reserved only for tier-1 star heroes of Tollywood. To break even, Kantara Chapter 1 will need to gross over 170 crores in the Telugu states, which is more than thrice the AP/TG gross collection of Kantara. There is definitely a huge buzz for the film in Telugu states, but to recover that business won't be easy for it, especially knowing the superstar Pawan Kalyan's They Call Him OG is releasing just a week before on September 25. OG is easily the most hyped film of PK in recent times, and is expected to do wonders at the box office. If the talks are positive, it will badly impact the forthcoming movies in the Telugu states. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 is the prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, as the story delves deeper into the origins of the divine tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. It stars Rishab Shetty, who has also directed it, in the lead role alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in key roles. The film is scheduled to release on October 2nd in multiple languages. Stay tuned...

100 Crore Kannada Grosser At The Worldwide Box Office: Blockbuster Su From So Joins Yash's KGF 2 and Four Others Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

100 Crore Kannada Grosser At The Worldwide Box Office: Blockbuster Su From So Joins Yash's KGF 2 and Four Others

Bengaluru, August 17 - Kannada cinema has delivered yet another remarkable milestone at the worldwide box office. Actor-producer Raj B. Shetty's comedy-drama Su From So has emerged as a surprise 100 crore blockbuster, joining an exclusive list of just a handful of Kannada films that have crossed the century mark in global collections. Kannada industry, despite the potential, has been the least successful South Indian film industry in terms of delivering 100 crore movies. And when a film achieves this mark, it becomes a monumental feat worthy of huge celebrations, unlike other industries, where 100 crores becomes the norm. The success of Su From So comes at a time when Kannada cinema was going through a relatively dull phase in 2024, with failure after failure. Released on July 25, the film steadily grew with strong word of mouth, eventually storming past the coveted figure. It is the highest-grossing Kannada movie of the year by a long margin. Su From So is only the sixth Kannada film ever to achieve the milestone of 100 crores gross worldwide. This is the first 100 crores Kannada grosser since Rishab Shetty's mega blockbuster Kantara Chapter 1, which was released in September 2022. Have a look at the complete list of 100 crores Kannada grossers - KGF: Chapter 2 (1215 crore) - Yash's magnum opus, directed by Prashanth Neel, remains the biggest ever Kannada film and one of the highest-grossing Indian films in history. It is the only Kannada and one of only eight Indian films to breach the milestone of 1000 crores worldwide. Kantara (408 crore) - Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the divine folklore action-drama shocked trade analysts by becoming a cultural and commercial phenomenon worldwide, and is currently the second biggest Kannada grosser of all-time. KGF: Chapter 1 (237.75 crore) - It was the first Kannada movie to breach the 100 crores milestone worldwide. The film that started the KGF storm, turning Yash into a pan-India superstar and proving Kannada cinema's global potential. 100 Crore Kannada Grosser At The Worldwide Box Office Rank Film Title Total Worldwide GBOC Release Year 1.KGF: Chapter 2β‚Ή 1215.00 Cr20222.Kantaraβ‚Ή 408.00 Cr2022 3.KGF: Chapter 1β‚Ή 237.75 Cr2018 4.Su From Soβ‚Ή 121+ Cr2025 5.777 Charlieβ‚Ή 102.75 Cr2022 6.Vikrant Ronaβ‚Ή 100+ Cr2022 Note: Overseas collection of 777 Charlie and Vikrant Rona might be underreported as data are not available. (as of September 4, 2025) Su From So (121+ crore) - The latest entrant, Raj B. Shetty's unique blend of comedy and drama, has found massive love from audiences, bringing Kannada cinema back into the spotlight. 777 Charlie (102.75 crore) - The heartwarming dog adventure drama, fronted by Rakshit Shetty, connected with families and animal lovers, pushing it past the century mark. It is hailed as one of the finest films of Kannada cinema in recent times. Vikrant Rona (100+ crore) - Kannada star Kichcha Sudeep's fantasy action entertainer, with its stylish visuals and grand scale, managed to go past 100 crores worldwide. It was one of the most hyped Kannada movies, but the film somewhat underperformed. Even though the success count of Kannada cinema has largely been underwhelming, it now proudly has six worldwide 100 crore grossers, a feat that only a few years ago seemed far-fetched. The trend shows that while mega spectacles like KGF and Kantara set records, even smaller-budget, content-driven films like Su From So can emerge victorious at the box office if backed by strong storytelling and word of mouth. As the industry looks ahead, there are a few films, including Yash's Toxic and Rishab Shetty's Kantara 2, in the making, which are sure to find their place in the biggest Kannada grossers. The industry, however, will hope that more and more tentpole films are put under production to increase the success count.

Box Office: Su From So Becomes Kannada Cinema's Biggest Surprise of 2025, Tops 100 Crore Gross Worldwide In 23 Days Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Box Office: Su From So Becomes Kannada Cinema's Biggest Surprise of 2025, Tops 100 Crore Gross Worldwide In 23 Days

Bengaluru, August 15 - The unpredictability of the box office has thrown another big surprise to provide some relief to Kannada cinema, which has been bleeding this year with failure after failure. The industry gets a much-needed breather as actor-producer Raj B. Shetty's comedy-drama Su From So has stunned the trade by emerging as a true-blue blockbuster. ## Directed by J. P. Thuminad, the film released on July 25 to limited pre-release buzz but has defied all expectations. As of now, it has grossed approximately 98 crores worldwide, including 85+ crores gross in India, in just 22 days, and has crossed 100 crores worldwide today as I type this. ## This achievement will not only make it the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025, but also a rare box office phenomenon in a year that has otherwise seen Kannada films underperform massively. The domestic collection of the film includes around 76 crores gross from the home state, Karnataka alone. ## Produced by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda, Ravi Rai Kalasa, and Raj B. Shetty under the Lighter Buddha Films banner, the film features an ensemble cast including Shaneel Gautham, J. P. Thuminad, Sandhya Arakere, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Mime Ramdas, and Raj B. Shetty himself. The team's grounded approach to storytelling and authentic depiction of local culture has been widely praised.## Set in the coastal village of Marlur linked to Someshwara, the story of the movie follows Ashoka, a carefree young man whose innocent crush spirals into rumours of possession by a ghost named Sulochana, upending village life through a cascade of comedic supernatural events. ## Stay tuned...

Raj B. Shetty's Blockbuster 'Su From So' Hits A Major Milestone For Kannada Cinema Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Raj B. Shetty's Blockbuster 'Su From So' Hits A Major Milestone For Kannada Cinema

Bengaluru, August 2 - The box office throws another surprise and brings a major milestone for Kannada cinema, which has had a poor year so far. Actor-producer Raj B. Shetty's comedy drama Su From So has surprised one and all by emerging as a box office blockbuster. ## Directed by J. P. Thuminad, Su From So was released on July 25, and despite the limited expectations, the movie has crossed 30 crores gross collection at the domestic box office and is heading towards the 50 crores mark. It is already the highest-grossing Kannada movie of the year, which also indicates how poorly Kannada films have fared this year. ## While the movie continues to march along, it has become the first original Kannada movie of the year and first since August 2023 to sell 1+ million tickets on the online ticketing platform Book My Show. There is an animated film, Mahavatar Narsimha, backed by Hombale Films, which has sold more than 2 million tickets, but it is a multilingual title. ## Produced by Shashidhar Shetty Baroda, Ravi Rai Kalasa and Raj B. Shetty under Lighter Buddha Films, the movie stars Shaneel Gautham, J. P. Thuminad, Sandhya Arakere, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Mime Ramdas and Raj B. Shetty in key roles. ## Set in the coastal village of Marlur linked to Someshwara, the story of the movie follows Ashoka, a carefree young man whose innocent crush spirals into rumours of possession by a ghost named Sulochana, upending village life through a cascade of comedic supernatural events. ## Stay tuned...Su From So State Wise Gross CollectionDayKarnatakaAPTGTamil NaduKeralaRest Of IndiaDay TotalDay 1 [1st Friday]β‚Ή 0.89 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.01 Crβ‚Ή 0.9 CrDay 2 [1st Saturday]β‚Ή 2.45 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.05 Crβ‚Ή 2.5 CrDay 3 [1st Sunday]β‚Ή 3.98 Crβ‚Ή 0.03 Crβ‚Ή 0.01 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.08 Crβ‚Ή 4.1 CrDay 4 [1st Monday]β‚Ή 3.5 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0.01 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 3.55 CrDay 5 [1st Tuesday]β‚Ή 4 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0.01 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 4.05 CrDay 6 [1st Wednesday]β‚Ή 4.07 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.04 Crβ‚Ή 4.15 CrDay 7 [1st Thursday]β‚Ή 4.26 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.05 Crβ‚Ή 4.35 CrWeek 1 Grossβ‚Ή 23.15 Crβ‚Ή 0.11 Crβ‚Ή 0.07 Crβ‚Ή 0 Crβ‚Ή 0.27 Crβ‚Ή 23.6 CrDay 8 [2nd Friday]β‚Ή 4.25 Crβ‚Ή 0.01 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0.08 Crβ‚Ή 0.04 Crβ‚Ή 4.4 CrDay 9 [2nd Saturday]β‚Ή 5.85 Crβ‚Ή 0.02 Crβ‚Ή 0.05 Crβ‚Ή 0.25 Crβ‚Ή 0.13 Crβ‚Ή 6.3 CrTotalβ‚Ή 33.25 Crβ‚Ή 0.14 Crβ‚Ή 0.14 Crβ‚Ή 0.33 Crβ‚Ή 0.44 Crβ‚Ή 34.3 Cr ## Su From So Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language [See Footfalls] DayIndia Net Collection Change(+/-) Day 1 [1st Friday] β‚Ή 0.78 Cr [Ka: 0.78 Cr ] - Day 2 [1st Saturday] β‚Ή 2.17 Cr [Ka: 2.17 Cr ] 178.21% Day 3 [1st Sunday] β‚Ή 3.5 Cr [Ka: 3.5 Cr ] 61.29% Day 4 [1st Monday] β‚Ή 3.05 Cr [Ka: 3.05 Cr ] -12.86% Day 5 [1st Tuesday] β‚Ή 3.4 Cr [Ka: 3.4 Cr ] 11.48% Day 6 [1st Wednesday] β‚Ή 3.5 Cr [Ka: 3.5 Cr ] 2.94% Day 7 [1st Thursday] β‚Ή 3.75 Cr [Ka: 3.75 Cr ] 7.14% Week 1 Collection β‚Ή 20.15 Cr [Ka: 20.15 Cr ; Mal: 0] - Day 8 [2nd Friday] β‚Ή 3.8 Cr [Ka: 3.75 Cr ; Mal: 0.05 Cr] 1.33% Day 9 [2nd Saturday] β‚Ή 5.4 Cr [Ka: 5.2 Cr ; Mal: 0.2 Cr] 42.11% Total β‚Ή 29.35 Cr [Ka: 29.1 Cr ; Mal: 0.25 Cr] - ## Take Subscription To See Footfalls ## India Net Collection β‚Ή 29.35 Cr ## Worldwide Collection β‚Ή 34.3 Cr ## Overseas Collection β‚Ή 0 Cr ## India Gross Collection β‚Ή 34.3 Cr ##

Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' Release Date Remains Unchanged As Makers Drop A New Poster Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' Release Date Remains Unchanged As Makers Drop A New Poster

Bengaluru, July 7 - On the occasion of actor, director Rishab Shetty's 42nd birthday, the makers dropped a new powerful poster of his upcoming film Katara: Chapter 1. It is the prequel to one of the biggest Kannada blockbusters, Kantara (2022). ## The new poster features Shetty in full tribal-warrior mode, armed with an axe and shield, roaring amidst a fiery backdrop. With this latest update, Hombale Films, the production house backing this big project, confirmed that the release date of the movie remains set for October 2, 2025, with no changes despite rumours of delays. ## Significane of Kantara 2 release date ## The release date of Kantara: Chapter 2 is strategically chosen to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra festivities, which are national holidays. The movie, being one of the most anticipated one of the year, can take full advantage of the extended weekend as it will be released on Thursday. ## Shoot details and post-production ## The entire filming of Kantara Chapter 1 has been completed after months on the floors. The film promises even grander scale than the first film, with massive war sequences featuring 500+ fighters and 3,000 extras filmed over 50 days on a sprawling 25-acre set. The post-production is underway, and the movie is on schedule to hit the big screen on October 2nd. ## What to expect from Kantara Chapter 1 ## There are huge expectations from this upcoming fantasy action drama film, especially after the first film emerged as an unexpectedly huge blockbuster. Released amid not much hype in September 2022, Kantara stunned the trade and went on the become the second highest-grossing Kannada movie with over 400 crores worldwide collection, against a budget of just around 16 crores. ## The first film was a big success in the dubbed Hindi version, which generated approximately 100 crores gross. The prequel can become an even bigger success, as there is huge buzz for it in the Hindi market. It will be released in multiple languages - Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English - underscoring its pan-India ambition. ## View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) ## Stay tuned...

Hombale Films Announces Mahavatar Cinematic Universe Sandalwood
BY Sacnilk Team πŸ“° News

Hombale Films Announces Mahavatar Cinematic Universe

Bangalore, June 25 - One of the leading production houses, Hombale Films, has partnered with Kleem Productions to announce the Cinematic Universe of their animated franchise, Mahavatar, for the big screen. The series will show the stories of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, which will run for the next decade. The studio announced the line-up of 7 films under the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, which kicks off with the first film, Mahavatar Narasimha, slated to hit the big screen in 2025. The MCU will end with Mahavatar Kalki Part 2 in 2037, as the makers also dropped the release plans of all the films. Release calendar of 7 films of Mahavtar Universe:- - Mahavatar Narasimha - 2025 - Mahavtar Parashurama - 2027 - Mahavatar Raghunandan - 2029 - Mahavtar Dwarkadheesh - 2031 - Mahavatara Gokulananda - 2033 - Mahavatar Kalki Part 1 - 2035 - Mahavatar Kalki Part 2 - 2037 "The possibilities are endless, and we're pumped to see our stories roar to life on screen. Buckle up for an epic cinematic ride! #HombaleFilms proudly presents the #MahavatarCinematicUniverse, through breathtaking animation envisioned and produced by #KleemProductions", reads the post shared by Hombale Films on X. Mahavatar Narsimha hits theatres on July 25th, 2025, in 3D and five Indian languages. The possibilities are ENDLESS, and we're PUMPED to see our stories ROAR to life on screen. Buckle up for an EPIC cinematic ride! πŸ’₯#HombaleFilms proudly presents the #MahavatarCinematicUniverse, through breathtaking animation envisioned and produced by #KleemProductions.πŸŽ₯πŸ”₯… pic.twitter.com/hTKy9I9BqG— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) June 25, 2025 Stay tuned...

Makers Reconfirm The Release Date of 'Kantara: Chapter 1' Sandalwood
BY Sacnilk Team πŸ“° News

Makers Reconfirm The Release Date of 'Kantara: Chapter 1'

Bengaluru, May 22 - Actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1, which is the prequel to his mega blockbuster Kantara, is one of the most anticipated Pan India movies of the year. The film has been in production since last year as makers announced the October 2, 2025, release of it. ## For the last few days, there have been rumours that Kantara: Chapter 1 has been postponed for some reason, however, the makers have addressed the rumours and re-confirmed that it will be released as scheduled on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti. ## "We're right on track, and everything is progressing as planned. #KantaraChapter1 will release in theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025. Trust us, it'll be worth the wait. We kindly urge everyone to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing unverified updates", the official X handle of the film said in a post, shared by Hombale Films. ## Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role. He has also directed the movie, which is reportedly being made on a budget of over 100 crores. The film, exploring the origins of Kaadubettu Shiva during the Kadamba dynasty era, delves into the untamed wilderness and forgotten lore surrounding his past. ## It will be released on October 2, 2025, in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil, languages. ## We’re right on track, and everything is progressing as planned.#KantaraChapter1 will release in theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025. Trust us, it’ll be worth the wait.We kindly urge everyone to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing unverified updates.ಕಾಂಀಾರದ ದರ್ಢನ…— Kantara - A Legend (@KantaraFilm) May 22, 2025 ## Stay tuned...

Yash's 'KGF: Chapter 3' Re-Confirmed As Makers Celebrate 3 Years of Monster Blockbuster 'KGF: Chapter 2' Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Yash's 'KGF: Chapter 3' Re-Confirmed As Makers Celebrate 3 Years of Monster Blockbuster 'KGF: Chapter 2'

Bengaluru, April 14 - The biggest blockbuster from the Kannada film industry KGF: Chapter 2 starring superstar Yash and directed by Prashanth Neel, was released on this day (April 14) three years ago, and the rest is history. ## The action drama set the box office on fire upon its release and went on to become the highest-grossing Kannada film of all time with a worldwide collection of over 1200 crores. It is miles ahead of the rest of the Kannada titles and an uphill task for the industry to achieve. ## Produced by Hombale Films, KGF: Chapter 2 is the second part of KGF (2018), but it wasn't the end of the series, as the makers promised the third part in the post-credit scene of part 2. Over the last 3 years, the makers have reiterated their commitment to bring the next chapter, and they have reconfirmed the same again on the third anniversary. ## On Monday, Hombale Films shared over a 2-minute-long trailer-type celebratory video featuring the blockbuster moments of KGF 2 and at the end of it, the studio has promised to come up with KGF: Chapter 3 soon. There are no other details about the next film that have been revealed yet. ## The makers had earlier promised to start the third installment in 2025, but the delay was always on the cards, given the other commitments of both Yash and director Neel. While Yash is currently working on Toxic and Ramayana, Neel is directing superstar Jr. NTR-fronted Dragon, and all 3 films will hit the big screens in 2026. KGF 3 is expected to start rolling by 2026 end or 2027, once the duo completes their ongoing and other planned films.## He came… He saw… He conquered!Celebrating 3 GLORIOUS YEARS of #KGFChapter2 and the Monster’s mayhem at the box office ❀️‍πŸ”₯- https://t.co/atPSFXN1nA#3YearsOfKGF2Rampage@TheNameIsYash #PrashanthNeel @VKiragandur @hombalefilms @duttsanjay @TandonRaveena @SrinidhiShetty7… pic.twitter.com/HMYimSa35a— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) April 14, 2025 ## Stay tuned...

Yash's 'Toxic' Sets Up A Mega Box Office Clash With 'Love And War' Sandalwood
BY Sunit Jangir πŸ“° News

Yash's 'Toxic' Sets Up A Mega Box Office Clash With 'Love And War'

Mumbai, March 22 - Kannada superstar Yash has locked the festive date for his highly-anticipated gangster action drama Toxic – A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups release after postponing it from the original April 10, 2026. ## Directed by national award-winning filmmaker Geetu Mohandas, Toxic will hit the worldwide screens on March 19, 2026, in multiple languages. It is a perfect date for the movie with festivals Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Chaitra Navratri all falling on the same day, and Eid-al-Fitr celebrations following on March 20/21.## In Toxic's way of box office storm, there stands Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal-fronted hugely-awaited Love & War which is slated for March 20, 2026, launch. It is directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and is one of the marquee Indian releases of 2026. ## Toxic is the first film of superstar Yash since the mega-blockbuster Pan India success, KGF: Chapter 2 which grossed over 1200 crores at the worldwide box office. The upcoming film marks his first collaboration with Geetu Mohandas. Yash has produced it under his banner Monster Mind Creations in association with KVN Productions. ## The film is breaking new ground as the first major Indian film conceptualized, written and shot simultaneously in both the Kannada and English languages, which is assumed as a deliberate strategy to woo global audiences while maintaining authentic regional roots.## 19-03-2026 πŸ™ pic.twitter.com/9wk8ujqxgs— Yash (@TheNameIsYash) March 22, 2025 ##

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