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.

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 concrete plans for a sequel. The first film found its own voice through folklore, faith, and identity. ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ isn’t a continuation; it is a prequel that travels back to the prehistoric era to trace the origins of its legend. That creative decision instantly separates it from other franchises, and it is not without risk.

The earlier films had a built-in advantage, unresolved conflict. ‘Baahubali 2’ answered Indian cinema’s most famous question: why did Kattappa kill Baahubali? ‘KGF’ ended with Rocky Bhai’s rise leaving questions about what happens next, and ‘Pushpa’ concluded on a promise of an explosive face-off between Pushpa Raj and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.

Here’s the trailer of Pushpa 2:

‘Kantara’, in contrast, returns to its roots, rebuilding its world and emotions from scratch. The audience isn’t continuing a story; they are rediscovering a universe. That is a bold creative leap, but one that demands patience and emotional investment from the viewer.

The challenge of connect

The biggest difference between ‘Kantara’ and its contemporaries lies in emotional accessibility. ‘Baahubali’, ‘KGF’, and ‘Pushpa’ may be set in grand worlds, but their stories are simple and universal — revenge, rise, and rebellion. They thrive on high-octane action and mass heroism that translates easily across languages.

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, however, is rooted in mysticism, belief systems, and spiritual symbolism. It demands the audience’s willingness to interpret rather than simply consume. This makes ‘Kantara’ unique but also in a way limited in its reach.

While the first film balanced commercial storytelling with the integration of Panjurli and Guliga, ‘Chapter 1’ is far more ambitious and deeply rooted in world building and devotion, an emotion that is powerful but not universal. The film doesn’t seek applause breaks or mass elevation; instead, it builds an atmosphere. Its world-building is dense, its characters layered, and its conflicts spiritual as much as physical.

Here’s the trailer of Kantara:

Rishab Shetty walks a fine line between myth and realism, crafting something that feels both ancient and alive. But that very ambition makes it harder to achieve the instant mass connect that ‘KGF 2’ or ‘Pushpa’ commanded.

The Hindi belt: then versus now

The difference in the first four days of box office performance between ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and other pan-India films highlights one clear truth — the Hindi market is not just an add-on, it is essential to achieve massive numbers.

When you look at the figures, the contrast becomes evident. ‘Baahubali 2’ opened with Rs 41 crore and went on to collect nearly Rs 200 crore from the Hindi market alone in its first five days. ‘KGF 2’ climbed even higher, grossing around Rs 232 crore during the same period in Hindi. ‘Pushpa 2’ raised the stakes further, clocking a staggering Rs 332 crore in five days with massive support from North India.

In comparison, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ managed an estimated Rs 73–75 crore in its first four days, according to Sacnilk. A solid start for a mythological fantasy drama, yet it underscores an undeniable reality — for a pan-India release to truly soar, the Hindi market’s backing is crucial.

When ‘Kantara’ (2022) first released, it entered the Hindi belt as an underdog. There were no elaborate marketing campaigns, dubbed songs, or aggressive distribution strategies. It was a Kannada film that reached a nationwide audience purely through word of mouth. By the time the Hindi version released, the film’s run in the South had already turned it into a phenomenon. It became a slow-burn success, driven by strong curiosity and overwhelmingly positive word of mouth.

Here’s the trailer of Kantara chapter 1:

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, however, faces a different reality. The Hindi audience now knows the brand, yet the excitement isn’t the same. The market is saturated with sequels like ‘Pushpa 2’, ‘Devara’, and ‘KGF’, all pushing spectacle and heroism. While ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ offers something different and deeply cultural, its marketing strategy and word-of-mouth seem to be showing mixed impact.

While multiplex audiences in metros have responded strongly, the films connect in single screens, where ‘KGF’ and ‘Pushpa’ built their empires, remains selective. The admiration exists, but it’s not as widespread as expected.

The promotions problem

Looking at the response and discussions about the film, it is clear that ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ struggled to find clarity in its promotional voice. The team held back material until the release neared and then released the trailer, songs, and marketing content in quick succession. Perhaps this was to preserve mystery, but in doing so, they also created confusion.

The prequel’s prehistoric tone was markedly different from the first film’s spiritual realism, and that shift wasn’t effectively communicated. As a result, the early buzz was divided. The trailer itself received mixed responses, appreciated for its craft but questioned for its clarity.

The interviews and press tours reached the multiplex crowd but didn’t penetrate the grassroots level where ‘Kantara’ first found its soul. By the time promotions gained traction, the film’s release was already upon audiences, leaving little time to set expectations right. It’s not that the campaign failed; it simply didn’t speak to the masses who made ‘Kantara’ a movement.

The expectations paradox

Sequels or in this case, prequels, inherit both opportunity and burden. With ‘Kantara’, expectations were paradoxical. The makers wanted to give the same emotional high but in a completely new world. The result is a film that is technically superior, grander in scale, richer in detail, yet emotionally more complex.

Rishab Shetty and his team didn’t take the easy route. Instead of replicating the first film’s formula, they expanded its philosophy. ‘Chapter 1’ is meditative, often deliberately paced, and layered with allegory. For fans expecting just adrenaline rush and devotional elements, that can feel like a detour. For those seeking depth, it’s an evolution. The challenge is that the audience is split between the two.

Here’s the making video of Kantara Chapter 1:

This is where ‘Kantara’ differs from its pan-Indian peers. ‘Baahubali’ and ‘KGF’ promised more of what fans already loved, larger, louder, and bolder. ‘Kantara’ offers something quieter and more introspective. It may not dominate opening weekend numbers, but its staying power, much like the first film, depends on word-of-mouth and emotional aftertaste.

Beyond numbers: the real test

In the long run, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ may not match the Rs 1,000 crore headlines of its contemporaries, but that might not be the right benchmark anyway. While ‘KGF 2’ and ‘Pushpa 2’ chase scale, ‘Kantara’ chases soul. The burden of comparison is real but perhaps unnecessary. Not every film is meant to roar; some are meant to resonate. Its storytelling may not fit the commercial mould, but its conviction is unmistakable. And in an industry increasingly obsessed with universality and box office, ‘Kantara’ reminds us that the most powerful stories often begin and remain deeply local.

– Ends