When ‘Kantara: The Legend’ released in 2022, it wasn’t just another regional film crossing language borders. It was a cinematic experience steeped in faith, folklore, and the spirit of a community, a story that didn’t chase the ‘pan-India’ tag but earned it through authenticity. So, when Rishab Shetty announced the prequel, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, expectations naturally skyrocketed.
Billed as the last 1,000 crore hope of Indian cinema this year, the film arrived with both anticipation and anxiety. The early shows saw a modest turnout, but strong word of mouth from paid premieres and evening screenings quickly changed the tide.
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In just four days, the film grossed close to Rs 300 crore worldwide — an impressive feat, though not quite the explosive start of ‘KGF: Chapter 2’ or ‘Pushpa: The Rule’. Analysts remain divided. Some see ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ as a missed opportunity, while others argue it is being unfairly compared to superstar-toplined juggernauts of a different scale.
The question that now lingers is whether ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ is being unfairly weighed against these larger-than-life sequels.
Two parts from inception
Unlike ‘Baahubali’, ‘KGF’, or ‘Pushpa’, which were conceived as two-part sagas, ‘Kantara’ was a standalone film with no c
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