Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, released on October 2, has made a remarkable box office impact, grossing over ₹235 crore worldwide in just three days. The film now ranks fourth among the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time, a notable achievement in such a short span. Written, directed, and led by Rishab Shetty, the movie features Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles. With its strong spiritual themes and engaging storytelling, Kantara Chapter 1 has resonated with both general audiences and industry veterans. Prominent figures such as Prabhas, NTR, Yash, and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga have praised the film, while filmmaker Sukumar recently congratulated the team, commending Rishab’s creativity, passion, and dedication.
The film’s depiction of the Tulu deity Panjurli has generated notable fan engagement. A devoted fan, dressed as Panjurli, attended a screening in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, surprising fellow viewers and creating a viral moment on social media. Such instances underline the cultural resonance of Kantara Chapter 1 and highlight the widespread excitement surrounding the film ahead of its continued theatrical run.