Kantara Chapter 1 had an outstanding first weekend but is now slowing down during weekdays, worrying distributors and buyers. The film’s break-even target in Telugu states is high, making investors anxious about potential losses.
Distributors believe the film needs Pushpa 2 or KGF 2-level collections in its first two weeks to recover costs, but that pace is missing. Despite strong word-of-mouth and devotional appeal, the Hindi dubbed version is also struggling to reach safety because of inflated costs.
Kantara Chapter 1 is expected to end its run with a lifetime total of around Rs. 600 to Rs. 650 crore. It will be profitable in Karnataka and Kerala, while Tamil Nadu might come close. However, the Hindi and Telugu markets are unlikely to meet the high expectations set by Hombale.
The studio had collected huge amounts upfront, expecting another Rs. 1000 crore grosser like KGF 2 or Pushpa 2. Overseas business has been weak, and distributors in North America are taking heavy losses. The film’s performance there might even end below Pawan Kalyan’s OG, which has shocked trade circles.
In Hindi, the film is likely to net around Rs. 100 crore in its first week. That’s strong but below the level expected for a major pan-India sequel. A Rs. 175 crore lifetime seems realistic, while Rs. 200 crore looks tough.
At the start of the year, War 2 and Kantara 2 were seen as top contenders for the Rs. 1000 crore club. Now, both seem headed for similar Hindi totals near Rs. 175 crore, with Chhaava and Saiyaara emerging as Bollywood’s biggest winners of 2025.
For now, Kantara Chapter 1 faces little competition until Diwali. The film is still the first choice for family audiences, even as its momentum slows down.
