In a significant box-office shakeup, Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, has officially surpassed Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava to claim the title of the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. According
to trade trackers, the mythological-action epic has raked in over Rs 809 crore worldwide, edging past Chhaava’s lifetime total of around Rs 807 crore.
Within India alone, Kantara has amassed approximately Rs 557 crore net, while overseas collections have contributed another 13 million dollars, bringing its global haul to record-breaking levels. Released in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, Kantara: Chapter 1 has transcended linguistic barriers to capture audiences across India and beyond.
What began as a regional film has evolved into a pan-India juggernaut, thanks to its compelling storytelling, strong word-of-mouth, and Shetty’s captivating direction and performance. The film, which explores the folklore of coastal Karnataka, has resonated deeply with audiences seeking authenticity blended with spectacle. Critics have praised its world-building, emotional depth, and breathtaking action sequences, all of which have contributed to its sustained box-office momentum.
Within two weeks of release, it crossed the Rs 700 crore mark globally, and by the third week, it had secured the top spot for the year. While Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, had enjoyed a dominant run through early 2025, the late-year surge of Kantara has rewritten box-office history. Meanwhile, Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara stands in the third spot with Rs 576 crore worldwide, and Rajinikanth’s Coolie comes fourth with Rs 500 crore. Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR’s War 2 stands in the fifth position with Rs 365 crore.
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 has also become the second-highest-grossing film of all time, trailing behind KGF Chapter 2. Rishab Shetty has not only acted in the film but was also the director. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie also featured Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is the prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, exploring the origins of the divine forest and the Daivas. The story is set in the 4th century and focuses on the conflict between a tribal leader, Berme (Rishab Shetty), and the encroaching Kadamba kingdom, which is vying for control of the resource-rich land. The film was released in theatres on October 2 and is still enjoying a good run.
