Kantara Chapter 1 Tamil Nadu Second Highest After Karnataka

Though Kantara was a non starter in Tamil Nadu, sequel has created a box office record.The film officially crossed the ₹50 crore gross mark in the state yesterday, creating a new record. This incredible achievement makes it only the eighth film from outside the Tamil film industry (non-Kollywood) to hit this half-century milestone. The film is showing a very strong hold with the audience. Its collections in the second week are expected to drop by only 35%, which is a fantastic trend. Looking at its current pace, trade analysts are predicting that Kantara: Chapter 1 could be heading towards a final collection of around ₹70 crore, especially with the big Diwali holiday period coming up. A Massive Jump From The Original Film What makes this success story even more interesting is the huge growth the franchise has seen in Tamil Nadu. The original Kantara was considered an underperformer in the state, collecting only around ₹12 crore. This was much lower than its collections in other South Indian states. However, the tables have completely turned with Kantara: Chapter 1. This time, Tamil Nadu has become the film’s biggest market in the South, right after its home state of Karnataka. The final collection of the prequel is expected to be 5 to 6 times more than what the first film earned, which is a phenomenal jump and shows how much the audience has connected with this world. Top Non-Kollywood Grossers In Tamil Nadu With its entry into the ₹50 crore club, Kantara: Chapter 1 has joined an elite list of high-grossing films from other industries that have won over the Tamil audience. Here is the updated list:

Rank Title Year Gross Collections 1 Baahubali: The Conclusion 2017 ₹146.00 cr. 2 KGF Chapter 2 2022 ₹105.50 cr. 3 RRR 2022 ₹75.00 cr. 4 Avatar: The Way of Water 2022 ₹71.00 cr. 5 Pushpa: The Rule 2024 ₹71.00 cr. 6 Manjummel Boys 2024 ₹63.50 cr. 7 Baahubali: The Beginning 2015 ₹58.00 cr. 8 Kantara: Chapter 1 2025 ₹50.50 cr. 9 Jawan 2023 ₹44.00 cr. 10 Kalki 2898 AD 2024 ₹

Kamal Haasan at Karur / Rishab Shetty love Affair and Atheism

Kamal Haasan, Rajya Sabha MP, would be at the stampede site in Velusamypuram, interact with the local people and is also expected to meet the families of victims, according to sources in MNM. Taking to his official X handle (Formerly known as Twitter), the Vikram actor wrote, "My heart trembles. The news coming from Karur brings shock and sorrow. I am at a loss for words to express my deepest condolences to the innocent people who lost their lives trapped in the crowd congestion." He added," I urge the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that those rescued from the congestion receive proper treatment and that those affected receive appropriate relief." Forty one persons were killed and over 50 were injured in the September 27 stampede at the rally addressed by top actor Vijay, the chief of fledgling Tamila Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). Director Puri Jagannadh expressed grief over the tragic stampede at the Karur rally in Tamil Nadu on Saturday (September 27). He also stated that, owing to the unfortunate incident, Team Puri Sethupathi has postponed the title and teaser launch event planned for Vijay Sethupathi's film.

Rishab Shetty and Pragathi Shetty's love story Known as the ‘power couple of Sandalwood’, Pragathi and Rishab’s love story is a fairytale. While he enjoys the limelight, being in front of the camera, she is the wind beneath his wings. According to reports, Rishab met Pragathi, a costume designer, at a film event. A couple of weeks later, they chatted on Facebook and became friends. Gradually, the couple fell in love. However, Pragathi’s parents were against the relationship as Shetty was yet to find success in the film industry. After convincing them, they tied the knot in 2017. Rishab and Pragathi welcomed Ranvit in 2019. Their daughter Radhya was born in 2022. As per reports, Pragathi joined Rishab in Bell Bottom, the 2019 Kannada language film, as the costume designer. She also worked on Kantara (2022). Netizens came out on X (former Twitter) to discuss Pragathi’s cameo in Kantara Chapter 1. She features in a blink-and-miss role in the first half of the film, during the chariot scene. Not just Rishab’s wife, his son Ranvit, also has a cameo. Pragathi played a brief role in Kantara (2022), where she was seen as the king’s wife. Recently, during an interview, Rishab was asked about the negative reviews surrounding Kantara: Chapter 1 particularly the criticism that the film promotes superstitious beliefs. His calm and thoughtful response has now gone viral on social media. Rishab Shetty said he doesn’t make films with any biased agenda or propaganda. He added that while he believes in God, he also respects people who don’t share the same belief and simply asked that others respect his faith in return. Read more at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/rishab-shetty-viral-statement-kantara-criticism/

Shankar's Velpari copied by Kantara 1 / NETFLIX Removes Bahubali - WHY ?

 Some viewers on social media claim that parts of Kantara: A Legend-Chapter 1 resemble the Velpari novel. They believe Rishabh Shetty drew inspiration from the novel while shaping certain sequences in the film. This has created sharp discussions online. In the middle of this, Trollers began targeting director Shankar. They argue he is already struggling after two back-to-back flops, Indian 2 and Game Changer. Since he holds the rights to the Velpari novel, they feel he might be upset if the film really borrowed from it. Some even suggest Shankar should act against the Kantara team, as he has yet to announce his next project. On the other hand, many argue that Kantara: A Legend-Chapter 1 is Rishabh Shetty’s original work with historical elements, and not an adaptation of the Velpari novel. So far, there is no official confirmation linking Kantara: A Legend-Chapter 1 to the Velpari novel. The claims remain pure social media speculation. Still, the debate has triggered wide reactions online, with audiences divided over the film’s originality.

Audiences couldn’t help comparing Kantara 1  with Bollywood’s big banners. They pointed out how films like War 2, reportedly made on a Rs 300–400 crore budget, lacked strong VFX, story depth, and cinematic emotion. In contrast, Kantara: Chapter 1 achieved more with less. Its sincerity, artistry, and grounded approach won over audiences, making it a reminder that passion and purpose matter more than inflated budget

Netflix has removed both parts of Baahubali just weeks before S. S. Rajamouli’s big re-release. Even after a decade, the filmmaker stays deeply connected to his iconic universe. He is now finishing work on Baahubali: The Epic, a recut that combines Baahubali: The Beginning and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. This version includes improved visuals and some never-seen sequences. It is scheduled to release in theatres on October 31. As fans wait for the re-release, both films suddenly disappeared from Netflix. Many believe the removal is due to expired streaming rights. Others see it as a clear move to build hype and push viewers back to the big screen. If the films vanish from other OTT platforms too, it will confirm a planned strategy to fuel excitement. Read more at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/netflix-drops-baahubali-before-rajamouli-re-release/

Dhanush Idly Kadai sales dips as Kantara Roars

Dhanush for second time is facing opposition from a strong rival= Rishab Shetty Kantara Chapter 1. A centres mainly multiplexes in Tamil Nadu are seen more screens being added to Kantara and Idly Kadai dropping. Single screens are holding out. In two Telufu States, Idly Kadai ( Kottu) is buried under Knatara rampagge Read on. Kantara Chapter 1 has opened to a strong response, and this is affecting the run of Dhanush’s Idli Kadai. Rishab Shetty returned with the prequel to his blockbuster Kantara, and the film released in theatres today. Viewers who watched Kantara Chapter 1 are giving positive feedback. This is driving a surge in ticket bookings across India, making it one of the most talked-about releases this weekend. Meanwhile, Dhanush’s Idli Kadai, which released yesterday, is facing mixed reviews. The overwhelming reception for Kantara is pulling audiences away from Idli Kadai in several centres, including Tamil Nadu. Before the releases, trade trackers expected Idli Kadai to enjoy a smooth run during the long weekend. It was seen as a family drama with strong local appeal, especially in Tamil Nadu. But the trend is now shifting. Even though Idli Kadai secured a large screen count through Red Giant distribution, the buzz around Kantara suggests it could replace Idli Kadai in A centres after the first weekend. This shift has sparked discussion online. Many recall that Dhanush’s earlier directorial Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam (NEEK) struggled when Pradeep Ranganathan’s Dragon clashed with it. Now, history seems to be repeating with Kantara overshadowing Idli Kadai. Some Kollywood trackers argue otherwise. They feel Idli Kadai will still perform well in B and C centres, where its family drama theme connects strongly. According to them, only its A centre collections will feel the heat from Kantara. The coming days will reveal the real outcome. For now, Kantara Chapter 1 is enjoying strong momentum, while Idli Kadai is trying to hold its ground in Tamil Nadu’s box office battle. Franchise films like Baahubali 2, KGF 2, LCU film Leo, and Mohanlal’s Empuraan did very well at the Kerala box office, but Allu Arjun’s Pushpa 2 failed to meet expectations and became a big failure. Apart from Allu Arjun’s highly anticipated sequel, all the films listed above debuted with record-breaking numbers and achieved massive success over time in Kerala. Now Kantara Chapter 1 has also exceeded trade’s expectations, and despite not having much pre-release jump and multiple films running in theaters, it still sees a 6 Cr opening, which is one of the biggest openings in Kerala.

Kantara 1 Trailor Highest Viewership in North India / Double Win for Mohanlal

 North Indian audience are the most eager to view Kantara Chapter 1 ; Read on - The makers officially announced that the trailer quickly garnered over 55 million views. Surprisingly, it’s not the Kannada or Telugu audiences who are most excited , it’s North Indian viewers. The Hindi trailer has already crossed 16 million views, more than twice the Kannada version and three times the Telugu version at the time of writing.

This unexpected response is phenomenal. With North Indian audiences showing such excitement, the makers would be wise to push the film hard in the region, it could turn this prequel into a major box office hit.

Rukmini Vasanth stars as the heroine in this ambitious project from Hombale Films, alongside Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and other key cast members. The film is also supported by Ajaneesh Loknath’s music. Sivakarthikeyan released the Tamil trailer of the film on his social media page and congratulated the film crew.
The trailer doesn't reveal much about the film, but it does have a certain mystery and intrigue. The story, which is a continuation of the previous film, surprises the audience.

The film’s core creative team includes:

Director & Writer – Rishab Shetty
Producer – Vijay Kiragandur (Hombale Films)
Director of Photography – Arvind S. Kashyap
Music Director – B. Ajaneesh Loknath

OG, Idli Kadai, and Kantara Chapter 1 are set to clash at the box office during 2025 Dasara. Pawan Kalyan’s OG received an ‘A’ rating, Dhanush’s Idli Kadai got a clean ‘U,’ and Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 was given a ‘U/A’ certification.

As Mohanlal steps to receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award, highest honour for an actor in India, he is also the only actor in earning 250 Cr in a single year,  He has joined Drishyam 3 the sequel to the hit franchise that are blockbusters. Read on:

In 2025, Mohanlal made a huge ₹250 crore at the Kerala Box Office, setting a record for any Malayalam actor. His hits include L2-Empuraan—₹86.25Cr, Thudarum—₹118.90Cr, Chotta Mumbai (re-release)—₹3.61 Cr, and Hridayapoorvam—₹41.32Cr. 

No actor has ever achieved this milestone in the Malayalam film industry. Mohanlal continues to set new benchmarks for Malayalam cinema.

Looking at the global figures, the actor’s films grossed over 550 crore at the box office, delivering major hits throughout the year. He is alco coming up with a big budget film, Vrusshabha this Diwali.

Vrushabha is presented by Connekkt Media and Balaji Telefilms in association with AVS Studios. The film is directed by Nanda Kishore and produced by Vishal Gurnani (AVS Studios), Juhi Parekh Mehta, Abhishek Vyas, and Shyam Sunder (First Step Movies), Ektaa R Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor (Balaji Telefilms), along with Varun Mathur and Saurabh Mishra (Connekkt Media). The film is being shot simultaneously in Telugu & Malayalam and it will release in Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Kannada and Tamil.

The India's highest award in cinema is given in the name of Dadasaheb Phalke because he is credited of making Raja Harishchandra that was the first feature film in India, and is thus called the father of Indian cinema. Dadasaheb Phalke Award was introduced in 1969 by the government to recognise the contribution of film personalities towards the development of Indian Cinema.

Kantara 2 hit by crew member death / Atlee - Allu Arjun to have Bollywood STAR

 Kantara 2 unit faced a third mishap with a unit hand from Kerala being swept away in the river. His body was later recovered by the police team. Though the film unit has yet to report this reports say that On May 6, a 33-year-old junior artiste, MF Kapil from Kerala, drowned in the Souparnika River near Kollur during a break in filming. The incident took place around 3:45 pm while the crew was on lunch. Kapil had gone for a swim but got caught in a strong current and was swept away. Rescue teams from the fire department and local authorities searched the area and recovered his body later that evening.

Kapil was from Moosarithara, Vaikom in Kerala. His body was sent to the Kundapura Government Hospital. A police case has been registered, and investigations are ongoing. The film’s production team has not yet released an official statement. This is not the first issue the production has faced. Last November, a minibus carrying 20 junior artistes overturned in Mudoor, Jadkal, leaving several injured. Earlier, a costly film set was damaged due to unexpected heavy rains and storms.

In January, the crew faced criticism and legal trouble after reportedly assaulting villagers who questioned their use of explosives in a forest area. The forest department also began investigating the team for disturbing the local habitat in Sakleshpur without proper clearance. People on social media believe that this most awaited sequel might be jinxed.

While the filming of Kantara 2 is still in progress, post-production work has already commenced!

The sequel is expected to be a grander spectacle than its predecessor, introducing prequel and mythological elements into the storyline.

The film's high-budget visual effects require significant time investment in VFX, which explains the planned Summer 2025 release date.

"The team is not compromising on post-production and visual effects at all," sources added.

Atlee is hunting for a Bollywood STAR for the Allu Arjun film . Yes, Atlee is back to the dual hero formula that he has in mind and got dropped as no hero was willing to come on board with Salman Khan. At that time Atlee wanted a South Star with Salman and the price that South biggies were asking was too heavy. In fact the risk factor of recovering the investment was very risky. Now it is Atlee or Sun Pictures who has the doubt on running on strength of Pushpa franchise is not known , but a Bollywood STAR is become inevitable.

One reason is that whether the Hindi audience will come in huge numbers to see Allu Arjun without the Pushpa tag ?. For something like Rs 500 cr running on salaries, the banking of Pushpa factor to bring in the initial crowds is seen risky. Mrunal Thakur and Jhanvi are on board. Now which Star is going to join ?. So will Salman come on board for this new project. Remember that Atlee’s storyline for Allu Arjun was not what he told to Salman .