Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken a gargantuan opening at the Karnataka Box Office on Thursday (October 2). The epic drama cashed in fully on the national holiday and the franchise hype to record astronomical numbers on its opening day. Kantara: Chapter 1 has recorded the second-highest opening day of all time in Karnataka, only behind KGF 2 which released in 2022.
As per the numbers coming in, the Rishab Shetty-starrer has grossed Rs 22 crore which includes Rs 3.75 crore from the paid previews on October 1 night. If the promos had hit the right tune and marketing had been more aggressive, it could well have set a new opening day record in the state.
However, Hombale Films, who also produced the KGF series, opted for a low-key strategy, much like they did with Kantara, despite having a much bigger budget this time around. The makers have relied on their content to do the job and it has worked yet again.
KGF 2 remains the biggest opening day at the Karnataka Box Office with a gross of Rs 24.50 crore, a remarkable feat given that the film released with the COVID19 pandemic still active in the country. Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 held the second spot till the release of Kantara: Chapter 1 with an opening day gross of Rs 18.50 crore.
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The remaining two spots in the top-5 list are both SS Rajamouli films. Bahubali 2, which released in 2017, is placed fourth with Rs 17 crore gross, a mind-boggling figure at the time. Meanwhile, his succeeding film RRR could only manage Rs 15.50 crore but still stays in the top-5 opening days of all time.
All-time top opening days at Karnataka Box Office******
KGF 2 - Rs 24.50 crore
Kantara: Chapter 1 - Rs 22 crore (including Rs 3.75 crore paid previews)
Pushpa 2 - Rs 18.50 crore
Bahubali 2 - Rs 17 crore
RRR - Rs 15.50 crore
****** [Data is compiled from independent sources linked to distributors and theater owners. This website doesn't take responsibility for the authenticity of these numbers]
