There are blockbuster films, and then there’s Kantara 2 — a film that’s not just performing, but rewriting the geography of Indian box office success. With over ₹500 crore in global collections, and ₹403 crore net in India within its first week, Rishab Shetty’s sequel is not just a Kannada triumph, but a nationwide phenomenon. And the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
“जब जड़ें गहरी हों, तो कहानी हर भाषा में बोलती है।”
(When the roots run deep, the story speaks every language.)
From Karnataka’s heartland to the urban multiplexes of Mumbai and the spiritual lanes of Kerala, Kantara 2 has tapped into something both mythic and mass-market.
A Look at the First Week Numbers: ₹403.25 Cr Net in India
The numbers tell a clear story — regional barriers have collapsed. Kantara 2 released on October 2, 2025, in five languages (Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi) and stormed every territory it entered.
Region-Wise India Net Collections (Week 1)
| Language/Region | Net Collection (Week 1) | Share of Total |
| Kannada (Karnataka) | ₹130.75 Cr | 32.4% |
| Telugu (AP & Telangana) | ₹74.4 Cr | 18.4% |
| Tamil (Tamil Nadu) | ₹36 Cr | 8.9% |
| Malayalam (Kerala) | ₹32.6 Cr | 8.1% |
| Hindi (Rest of India) | ₹129.5 Cr | 32.1% |
| Total (India Net) | ₹403.25 Cr | 100% |
This balanced spread reflects a rare pan-India connect. Especially significant is the kantara movie collection in the Hindi-speaking belt, where ₹129.5 crore net from the dubbed version is a landmark figure for a Kannada-origin film.
Day-Wise Collection Breakdown: Consistency Across the Board
Let’s take a closer look at the film’s first 8 days — the foundation for its continuing success.
Kantara 2 Box Office Collection – Day by Day
| Day | Karnataka | AP/TG | Tamil Nadu | Kerala | Rest of India | Day Total |
| Day 1 (Thu) | ₹23.5 Cr | ₹16 Cr | ₹6.25 Cr | ₹6 Cr | ₹22.5 Cr | ₹74.25 Cr |
| Day 2 (Fri) | ₹16.5 Cr | ₹13.75 Cr | ₹5.25 Cr | ₹4.5 Cr | ₹14.5 Cr | ₹54.5 Cr |
| Day 3 (Sat) | ₹18 Cr | ₹13.25 Cr | ₹6 Cr | ₹5.5 Cr | ₹23 Cr | ₹65.75 Cr |
| Day 4 (Sun) | ₹20 Cr | ₹13.25 Cr | ₹7.5 Cr | ₹6.5 Cr | ₹28.5 Cr | ₹75.75 Cr |
| Day 5 (Mon) | ₹15 Cr | ₹6.25 Cr | ₹3.15 Cr | ₹3.1 Cr | ₹10.25 Cr | ₹37.75 Cr |
| Day 6 (Tue) | ₹16.5 Cr | ₹5.15 Cr | ₹2.85 Cr | ₹2.75 Cr | ₹13.25 Cr | ₹40.5 Cr |
| Day 7 (Wed) | ₹11.75 Cr | ₹3.75 Cr | ₹2.65 Cr | ₹2.35 Cr | ₹9.25 Cr | ₹29.75 Cr |
| Day 8 (Thu) | ₹9.5 Cr | ₹3 Cr | ₹2.35 Cr | ₹1.9 Cr | ₹8.25 Cr | ₹25 Cr |
| Week 1 | ₹130.75 Cr | ₹74.4 Cr | ₹36 Cr | ₹32.6 Cr | ₹129.5 Cr | ₹403.25 Cr |
The sheer stability of these numbers — even on weekdays — proves that this is no front-loaded success. Word-of-mouth has transformed Kantara 2 into a multi-day, multi-market juggernaut.
Kerala Box Office Collection: Myth Meets Mood
Among the standout regions is Kerala, where the film earned ₹32.6 crore in eight days. Given the state’s unique cinematic preferences, this is a major feat.
Critic and writer Anoop Menon remarked,
“It’s rare to see a Kannada film evoke such spiritual resonance here — but Kantara’s themes of divine conflict and village lore strike home.”
The kerala box office collection might not top the chart, but its cultural impact is undeniable.
Kantara 2’s Hindi Expansion: A New Milestone
The ₹129.5 crore nett collected from the Hindi belt reflects a massive shift in audience openness. Unlike dubbed action spectacles, Kantara 2 is rooted in folk storytelling, mythology, and native rituals.
Yet, audiences in Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have responded with roaring applause. For a Kannada-origin title, this Hindi uptake is nothing short of historic.
And yes, this plays directly into the kantara box office collection worldwide, which now sits above ₹500 crore gross.
Kantara Worldwide Collection: Crossing Borders with Ease
With a global gross surpassing ₹500 crore, Kantara 2 has officially joined the top echelon of Indian cinema in 2025. What makes this achievement remarkable is not just the numbers, but the way it has travelled — organically, region by region, language by language.
Trade analysts estimate that the overseas contribution, though not yet massive compared to Bollywood tentpoles, is growing steadily. Gulf countries, the US, and Australia are driving the bulk of international interest. Notably, Kannada diaspora communities have rallied around this film — hosting local screenings, regional festivals, and even panel discussions on its cultural themes.
Global Projection: ₹800 Cr Within Reach?
Given the absence of major competition until Diwali and the film’s continued stronghold in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, experts believe the film could realistically aim for:
- ₹600–650 crore India gross, and
- ₹750–800 crore worldwide gross, if second and third-week drops remain modest.
“यह सिर्फ बॉक्स ऑफिस की जीत नहीं है—यह सांस्कृतिक पहचान की वापसी है।”
(This isn’t just a box office win—it’s the return of cultural identity.)
What’s Driving the Kantara 2 Box Office Momentum?
1. Cultural Storytelling That Resonates
Rishab Shetty has stayed committed to grounded narratives. The mix of forest lore, divine justice, and ritualistic intensity connects across states—even among those unfamiliar with Bhoota Kola traditions.
2. Multi-language Strategy with Timely Release
Unlike many pan-India projects that stumble on uneven dubbing or poor scheduling, Kantara 2 hit five languages on the same day—ensuring momentum from the first weekend itself.
3. Strong Word-of-Mouth and Repeat Audience
From first-time viewers to returning fans, audience feedback is driving weekday collections. Screens are not just filling—they’re refilling.
Compared to 2025’s Other Top Films
To understand just how dominant Kantara 2 is, here’s how it stacks up so far this year against other Indian blockbusters:
Top 3 Indian Films of 2025 (as of October)
| Film Title | India Net | Global Gross | Language(s) | Remarkable For |
| Kantara 2 | ₹360 Cr | ₹500+ Cr | Multi | Deep regional roots, national pull |
| Pushpa: The Rule | ₹310 Cr | ₹450 Cr | Telugu/Hindi | Mass action, style factor |
| Singham Again | ₹270 Cr | ₹415 Cr | Hindi | Franchise power, multiplex reach |
Clearly, Kantara 2 isn’t just holding its own — it’s leading the charge.
Future Box Office Scenarios: What to Watch
The road ahead depends on two factors:
- Diwali Releases – Big Bollywood and Tamil films will start arriving in late October. If Kantara 2 continues to hold screens till then, it could cross the ₹600 crore domestic mark.
- OTT Window – If the digital release is delayed until week 5 or 6 (as rumours suggest), the theatre run will remain healthy. Early OTT drops have killed many recent successes — but Kantara is likely to avoid that mistake.
Rishab Shetty’s Directorial Credibility Skyrockets
As of now, Kantara 2 has firmly established Rishab Shetty as a national auteur — someone who not only directs and acts, but curates every frame with meaning. In many states, his name is being invoked alongside S.S. Rajamouli — a rare crossover for a Kannada filmmaker.
Industry buzz even hints that Shetty is in early talks for a historical epic — this time, with a significantly larger budget and international producers onboard.“अगर पहली फिल्म ने रास्ता दिखाया था, तो Kantara 2 ने पूरा मार्ग बना दिया।”
(If the first film showed the way, Kantara 2 has built the entire path.)