Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’ Sequel Jumps to Top 50 Hindi Hits, Passes ‘2.0’

In a stunning display of pan-India appeal and organic box office growth, Rishab Shetty’s period action-fantasy, ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1,’ has achieved a monumental milestone in the Hindi film market. The dubbed Hindi version of the Kannada prequel has officially cemented its place among the elite, surpassing the lifetime collection of the massive sci-fi blockbuster ‘2.0,’ starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar, to enter the coveted list of the Top 50 All-Time Highest Grossers of Hindi Cinema.

This remarkable feat underscores the shifting dynamics of the Indian box office, where compelling, rooted regional content is resonating with audiences nationwide, often outperforming star-studded projects from traditional film hubs.

The Box Office Revelation

While the original 2022 film Kantara was a surprise blockbuster, its prequel, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, has taken its success to unprecedented heights. The film’s Hindi adaptation, capitalizing on the immense goodwill and strong word-of-mouth generated by the first instalment, has demonstrated exceptional staying power.

According to trade analysts, the Hindi version of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 has accumulated an impressive net collection, successfully breaching the figures set by director Shankar’s visually grand spectacle, 2.0. This move places the Rishab Shetty directorial at the 48th position in the all-time list of Hindi cinema hits, a sensational achievement for a film rooted deeply in coastal Karnataka folklore and mythology.

The Significance of the Victory

The vanquishing of a film as colossal as 2.0—which was one of the most expensive Indian films ever made—highlights the changing metrics of box office success. 2.0 relied on superstar power, a massive budget, and cutting-edge visual effects, but Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1‘s triumph is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling, intense performances, and a strong cultural core that connects on an emotional and spiritual level.

The Kantara franchise, helmed by the multi-talented Rishab Shetty as writer, director, and lead actor, has proven that language barriers are dissolving when the content is truly universal. Its phenomenal run in the Hindi belt further solidifies the ‘Pan-India’ phenomenon, demonstrating that audiences are prioritising unique cinematic experiences over conventional star vehicles.

A Star is Risen

The phenomenal box office journey of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 not only creates a new benchmark for Kannada cinema in the Hindi market but also firmly establishes Rishab Shetty as a national cinematic force. His vision, which seamlessly blends regional folklore, cultural rituals like ‘Bhoota Kola,’ and high-octane action, has found fervent appreciation from the northern audience.

As the film continues its strong run, having already shattered multiple other records across various languages, its entry into the Hindi Top 50 list serves as a clear indication that a new era of diverse storytelling is flourishing in Indian cinema.