The film industry is buzzing with the phenomenal success of Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1', but a surprising twist has everyone talking! The movie, which has become a box office sensation, saw an astonishing 70% surge in revenue on Tuesday, earning over Rs 1 crore in Hindi alone. But here's the catch: this comes just after its unexpected release on an OTT platform on the 29th day.
Rishab Shetty's masterpiece has already made history, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2025 and the 7th highest-grossing Indian film ever. But the sudden OTT release has left fans and industry insiders alike scratching their heads. Typically, southern language films enjoy a 4-week theatrical run before moving to OTT, but Kantara defied this norm. This move has sparked curiosity and debate among movie enthusiasts.
The film's success is evident across languages. The Hindi version, in particular, demonstrated its strength on Tuesday, contributing a significant Rs 1.1 crore to the total collection of Rs 1.42 crore. This jump indicates that the film still has a vast untapped audience. Even the Kannada version saw a slight increase in earnings, adding to the overall success.
With a total collection of Rs 613.22 crore, Kantara was on track to surpass Rs 640 crore and claim the title of the 6th biggest Indian film. However, this now seems like a distant dream, leaving fans wondering about the impact of the early OTT release.
And this is where it gets controversial! The early OTT release has sparked debates about the future of theatrical experiences. Is the traditional cinema-going culture at risk due to such decisions?
As the Kantara franchise gears up for its third installment, starring Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram, the industry eagerly awaits its return. But with the lead actor's busy schedule, fans might have to wait a few years for the next chapter.
What are your thoughts on the early OTT release strategy? Do you think it's a bold move or a potential threat to the traditional movie-going experience? Share your opinions below!
