“#KantaraChapter1 is a beautiful cinematic experience. Absolutely loved the world, the characters, and every bit of this grand spectacle.

Kudos to @shetty_rishab garu for excelling in both acting & direction, @rukminitweets is brilliant and DOP #ArvindKashyap’s work is phenomenal🔥 Congratulations to the entire team. 🙌 @hombalefilms @AJANEESHB #DivineBlockbusterKantara,” wrote Gopichandh Malineni.

By 4pm on Thursday, the box office collection for Kantara Chapter 2 (all languages) is at ₹33.25 crore.

Kantara Chapter 1 release live: As per Sacnilk, the box office update for Kantara 2 (all languages) currently stands at ₹29 crore.

Kantara Chapter 1 review live: After the premiere of Kantara Chapter 1, Rakshit Shetty leapt over cinema halls seats to give his brother a big hug.

Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a critique of consumerism, exploring themes of greed and the need to preserve ecological balance—ideas that were central to the first Kantara as well. This time, however, they are framed through a medieval lens. Rishab Shetty handles these aspects with skill, as they bring a rare sense of nuance and subtlety to the film. While the narrative shows some rough edges, the striking visuals, strong performances, and evocative portrayal of folklore more than compensate, making Kantara: Chapter 1 one of the most visually captivating and compelling Indian films in recent times.

Read full HT review here.

Once again, the internet is raving about the film’s climax, much like how the first part’s ending left everyone impressed. “#KantaraChapter1 – FAYAAR 🔥 Rishab Shetty well and truly delivers a kickass big screen experience. WHAT. A. CLIMAX,” read a comment.

Kantara 2 release live: The domestic box office collection has crossed ₹22.4 crore by 2pm, as per Sacnilk.

She wrote, “Over a year ago, I had the privilege of joining the team of Kantara: Chapter 1. It has challenged me, taught me, improved the way I approach my craft and given me a new perspective on life. This film is a labour of love, painstakingly brought to life by the hundreds of people who worked day and night on it – I am so grateful to have been a part of this mesmerising film.

Rishab sir has been the rock of this project. Sir, your hard work and leadership of this magnificent film has been so inspiring. Thank you for your faith in me and for helping me through this journey🙏🏻

Thank you to the entire team of Hombale. Vijay sir, Chaluve sir, Adarsh and all the wonderful people behind the scenes that I haven’t had the chance to interact with.”

Kantara Chapter 1 box office: Rishab Shetty’s film has collects ₹18.8 crore by 1 pm on Day 1, Thursday, as per Sacnilk.

“Kantara is the story of our land. The story of our region.

Today, the fact that the entire country is praising Kantara is a matter of great pride. My congratulations to

@shetty_rishab @hombalefilms @VKiragandur @AJANEESHB and the entire Kantara team,” wrote Shiva Rajkumar and Rishab thanked him.

“#KantaraChapter1 An Experience No One Should Miss 🙏🙏🙏🙏

The initial setup and scenes feel a bit dragged and uninteresting, but the peak cinematic experience begins from the pre-interval episode, and there’s no looking back. It keeps getting bigger and bigger, with the climax delivering a truly surreal experience.

#RishabShetty delivers a lifetime performance — one we simply can’t get over,” read a review on Twitter (X).

“#KantaraChapter1 is a masterfully crafted cinematic experience that seamlessly weaves folklore, faith, and human emotion into a compelling narrative.

Rishab Shetty delivers a commanding performance. The experience is elevated further by breathtaking cinematography and an evocative musical score.

Best wishes to the entire team behind this divine saga,” wrote producer Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar.

“Congratulations to the team of #KantaraChapter1 on scoring a resounding success.

@shetty_rishab

sir pulled off the unthinkable by excelling both as a mindblowing actor and a brilliant director.

My best wishes to the entire cast and crew, along with

@hombalefilms

, for fearlessly backing Rishab sir’s vision,” wrote Jr NTR.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, is set for a massive opening. Advance bookings have already crossed ₹12 crore gross by 11 AM on release eve, led by the Kannada version’s ₹7.5 crore. Trade experts predict a ₹30–40 crore net opening in India, with Hindi expected to contribute ₹15–17 crore, lower than earlier estimates. Even so, the film is poised to surpass major Bollywood releases this year, though it trails behind mega pan-India openers like OG and Coolie.

Rishab Shetty posted a message for his fans at 12 am, marking the release day. “The epic journey begins 🔥 #KantaraChapter1 in cinemas from TODAY,” he wrote.

“Now Watching #KantaraChapter1 FDFS. Thoughts till the interval: the scale is bigger, the world immersive, but the narrative seems scattered so far. #RishabShetty commands the screen, and the visuals are stunning, as expected,” wrote HT’s Abhimanyu Mathur. Stay tuned for full review.

“#KantaraChapter1

Decent first half, engaging second half & a superb climax, with the pre-interval sequence standing out!

🔥 Stellar performance from Rishab Shetty, while Rukmini Vasanth shines gracefully. Great to see Jayaram in a good role as well.

Technically brilliant with top-notch VFX, an outstanding background score & impactful action sequences.

On the downside: The first half had a few draggy portions and comedy that didn’t quite land.

✨ Overall: A Solid Watch,” read a review of the movie.

Actor Rukmini Vasanth will be seen donning the role of Princess Kanakavathi in Kantara: Chapter 1.

Sharing her experience working in the film, Rukmini, in a press note, said, “For me, Princess Kanakavathi has been one of the most special journeys of my life. It wasn’t just about looking regal– it was more about carrying a piece of our land, our folklore, and our faith in every movement. I think that’s why the trailer feels so powerful, because it’s the spirit of an entire culture shining through the glimpses. Kanakavathi is royal, yes, but she is also human and vulnerable. I had to surrender to her grace, but also to her grit. I can’t wait for people to meet her in theatres.”

“#Kantara WINNER 🔥🔥🔥

A solid prequel to Kantara with enough theatrical moments, powerful performances, and a super climax like Part 1 — maybe even better. Strong performance from

@shetty_rishab

, and a good role for

@rukminitweets

as well. Top-notch production quality 🔥 — VFX, cinematography, and music are excellent. There are some flaws in between, but overall, it’s worth the money.

Go for it 👍 A proud padam for the Kannada industry.”

Kantara Chapter 1 is also being called Kantara 2 by several people as well. It is currently trending #3 on Google Trends.

Kantara Chapter 1 is actually a prequel to 2022’s National Award-winning hit, Kantara.

“Just watched #KantaraChapter1, and it is below average, with poor writing and a confusing plot. Rishab Shetty leans on a single Guliga possession scene that was already shown in Kantara. People on X are hyping it because it is paid. My rating: ⭐⭐½. Overhyped and disappointing.”

Actor Varun Dhawan says the box office clash between his upcoming film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Kantara: Chapter 1 was unavoidable and he is confident that both the films are different and will do “big business”. He said they have a lot of love and admiration for south cinema and Hombale films.

“It’s in a very healthy, good space… It’s South Indian cinema. So, it’s our cinema eventually. I’m as proud of that cinema like I’m proud of any film over here. I feel that my country is going to make a film eventually, it’s not coming from any other country,” Dhawan added.

“Kantara Chapter1 Blockbuster 💥💥

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5/5 !!

Especially the 2nd Half — Peak Madness of @shetty_rishab is on another level 🔥🔥 A true peak cinematic experience 👏

This is proof that Kannada filmmakers can deliver world-class cinema. 🎬

Globally, this masterpiece will earn recognition for their craft. 🌍

As a Kannadiga, it’s a proud moment to witness our stories shining at this scale,” read another review on Twitter.

“#KantaraChapter1 [4/5] : 💥 Divine Cinema, Goosebump Experience!

@shetty_rishab owns every frame 🙌🔥

That transformation + climax = THEATRE ERUPTS 🤯

@rukminitweets surprise package 🌸

#AjaneeshLoknath BGM = Soul of Kantara 🎶

This is not just a film, it’s a pure DIVINE RIDE,” wrote trade expert Ramesh Bala.

“KANTARA: CHAPTER 1 – Mind-boggling VFX featuring animals. Might be the best to come out of India so far,” read a review of the movie on Twitter.