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Kantara came with no expectations, but has put Kannada cinema back in the limelight

From the makers of the 'KGF' franchise, dubbed versions of the Rishab Shetty film are set for a pan-India release.

Published Oct 07, 2022 | 9:00 AM ⚊UpdatedOct 07, 2022 | 7:04 PM

Rishab Shetty in Kantara (Facebook/Kantara)

It does not require a larger-than-life Rocky Bhai and a ₹500 crore budget for a Kannada film to make a pan-Indian impact.

The slow-burn box office success of Kantara proves just that.

Read the South First review of the movie here.

And while it will never be in the mega league of the KGF franchise, this relatively small-budget film that released with minimal expectations is turning out to be one of the best cinematic experiences in recent times in Kannada.

When this writer who saw Kantara, it first appeared headed down the melodramatic path of the typical Kannada film. But as the story unfolded — a tyrannical landlord, a revenge saga — it became gripping.

The film, which has visuals, symbols and motifs of Karnataka art forms woven into it, is carried on the shoulders of Rishab Shetty, a man seemingly destined to break barriers for Kannada cinema.

The last 30 minutes are a fascinating combination of excellent camera work, music, and fight choreography that helps Shetty spin his magic. And he seems overwhelmed by the film’s success.

Thanking all for the flabbergasting response?
Have you experienced the #DivineBlockbusterKantara yet?!

Book your tickets on @bookmyshow #Kantara @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @hombalefilms @HombaleGroup @gowda_sapthami @AJANEESHB #ArvindKashyap @actorkishore @KantaraFilm pic.twitter.com/PBdFBrdjdR

— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) October 6, 2022

Word-of-mouth gains

Kantara, made at a cost of ₹16 crore, has so far raked in ₹45 crore from its Kannada print with subtitles alone.

The film was release in Chennai and Kochi, and through word-of-mouth aided by good reviews by critics in the local media, has seen a steady increase in its audience.

The reality is that in Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka, the much-hyped Ponniyin Selvan-1 lost steam by the sixth day after release, while Kantara’s advance bookings are on the rise.

Dream Screens International, which distributed the film in Australia, tweeted that it has added a 100 screens. Gaiety Theatre in Mumbai reported Houseful shows. The Kannada film’s collections are better than Vikram Vedha, and on an upward curve.

Same producers as KGF

Interestingly, Kantara has been produced by Hombale Films, owners of the KGF franchise. The company is now being hailed for backing a truly “Kannada” film. It is also readying Kantara for a proper pan-India release with dubbed versions.

For the makers of the film, it must have been gratifying to earn accolades from the other film industries in South.

No less that Silambarasan Thesingu Rajendar aka STR aka Simbu saw the film and sent across a cake to Hombale Films and director Rishab Shetty. And, according to Shetty, STR is not the only Tamil director to have called and congratulated him after seeing the film.