🏆 Sandalwood Box Office Records

Sandalwood

4 days ago

13761 views

Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 Teaser/Trailer Stands Tall Amid Global Phenomena On YouTube

Bengaluru, November 19 - Kannada superstar Yash-fronted action drama KGF: Chapter 2 scripted history in 2022 by becoming the first Kannada movie to cross 1000 crores at the worldwide box office. However, it wasn't just a phenomenon of a few weeks; it all began with the teaser, which paved the way for what it became later on. In a landscape dominated by global entertainment giants, Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 continues to script history of its own. The film's teaser/trailer, which created a sensation upon release, still reigns supreme on YouTube, standing tall as the most-watched teaser/trailer in the world. With a staggering 278 million views, the KGF: Chapter 2 teaser/trailer reportedly sits at the very top of YouTube's all-time rankings. What makes this feat even more remarkable is the competition it outruns. The second most-watched trailer is none other than Rockstar Games' GTA 6, which stands at 269 million views, followed closely by Marvel's Avengers: Endgame at 268 million. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) For an Indian film to surpass the viewership of two of the biggest global entertainment phenomena "” the most anticipated video game of the decade and one of the highest-grossing films in cinematic history "” is nothing short of monumental. It reflects not just the cult following of the KGF franchise but the global reach that Yash and Prashanth Neel's world of Rocky Bhai has achieved. From the moment the teaser dropped 4 years ago on January 7 in 2021, it redefined scale and swagger in Indian cinema. The gritty atmosphere of Kolar Gold Fields, Ravi Basrur's thunderous background score, and Yash's electrifying presence created an instant mass moment. Years later, that hype has not diminished; in fact, it has multiplied by drawing new audiences, reaction channels, and international commentary. The fact that KGF: Chapter 2 stands at the pinnacle of YouTube's viewership charts is a testament to the franchise's unmatched global craze and the mass hystria it created back then and continuing to do so. In a digital world overwhelmed with content every second, Rocky Bhai's aura continues to tower above all, proving that some phenomena don't fade "” they become legend. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

15 days ago

3221 views

Kantara Chapter 1 Rishab Shetty Celebrates a Monumental Journey as the Film Crosses ₹844 Cr Worldwide

Rishab Shetty took to X to share heartfelt gratitude as Kantara: Chapter 1 marked a historic milestone. Sharing pictures from the film"™s success celebration, he wrote that the journey has been "œmonumental" and dedicated the victory to the audience. The actor-filmmaker and his team gathered to celebrate what has become one of India"™s biggest box-office stories of 2025. ಈ ಗೆಲುವು ಕೇವಲ ನಮ್ಮದಲ್ಲ, ಎಲ್ಲರದು. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಪ್ರೀತಿಗೆ ಎಂದೆಂದಿಗೂ ಋಣಿ.The journey of #KantaraChapter1 has been monumental!We gathered as a team to celebrate, yet this victory truly belongs to you, the audience. ✨Standing together, deeply grateful for this historic run.We poured"¦ pic.twitter.com/xNYLZcUpaQ— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) November 8, 2025 The mythological-action prequel has delivered a phenomenal run across markets, clocking ₹ 844.27 crore worldwide. In India, it registered ₹ 615.65 crore (net) and ₹ 733.77 crore (gross), with an overseas total of ₹ 110.5 crore. Among its language versions, the Kannada version earned ₹ 197.57 crore, while the Hindi dubbed release alone scored an impressive ₹ 219.89 crore "” underlining the film"™s massive pan-India reach. Rishab Shetty returns both behind and in front of the camera with Kantara: Chapter 1, taking audiences back to the origins of the universe fans fell in love with in the 2022 hit Kantara. This prequel explores the stories and legends that shaped the world of the original, mixing thrilling action with heartfelt moments, all set against a vivid tapestry of local culture and age-old traditions. The film also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles, and is produced by Hombale Films, the banner behind major Kannada hits like KGF and Salaar. Audiences have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, praising the film"™s spiritual depth, visual scale, and Rishab Shetty"™s intense performance. Critics noted how the prequel manages to stay emotionally grounded while expanding the cinematic universe introduced in Kantara (2022). The music, rustic setting, and rooted storytelling have further enhanced its mass appeal across languages. For fans eager to catch the film at home, the Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam versions of Kantara: Chapter 1 made their OTT debut on October 31, 2025, while the Hindi version is expected to premiere digitally on November 27, 2025. This staggered release gives audiences nationwide a chance to experience the folklore action saga from the comfort of their homes.With Kantara: Chapter 1, Rishab Shetty has not only built upon his legacy but also reinforced Kannada cinema"™s growing influence on the national stage. What began as a regional folk-action tale has evolved into a pan-India phenomenon "” and the film"™s celebration post on X perfectly captures that spirit of gratitude and triumph.

Sandalwood

24 days ago

1934 views

Producers Break Silence On Yash's Toxic Postponement Rumours

Bengaluru, October 30 - The makers of Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, starring Kannada superstar Yash, have reacted to the widespread rumours surrounding the film's delay. There have been rumours that the film was postponed due to production delays and other issues. The producers have officially denied all reports suggesting a postponement, confirming that the much-awaited action thriller will release worldwide on March 19, 2026, as originally scheduled, according to renowned critic and trade analyst Taran Adarsh. The producers clarified that post-production work has already begun, even as Yash continues to shoot for Ramayana in Mumbai. The KGF star, who has been balancing both projects, will soon wrap up the final portions of Toxic. Once the filming is complete, the production house plans to begin full-fledged promotions in January 2026. STOP THE RUMOURS... YASH'S NEXT FILM 'TOXIC' IS *NOT* DELAYED OR POSTPONED "“ 19 MARCH 2026 RELEASE CONFIRMED"¦ Spoke to the producers "“ #Toxic is firmly on track for its [Thursday] 19 March 2026 release, perfectly timed for the festive weekend of #Ugadi, #GudiPadwa, and #Eid."¦ pic.twitter.com/bG1YsvdrQY— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) October 30, 2025 Directed by Geetu Mohandas, Toxic is described as a dark, stylised action-drama with a strong emotional core. Produced by KVN Productions and Monster Mind Creations, the film marks a major collaboration between Yash and the acclaimed filmmaker, known for her distinctive storytelling style. The film is being shot simultaneously in English and Kannada, making it one of the most ambitious pan-Indian projects in recent times. The movie will also be dubbed in multiple Indian and international languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, to ensure a wide global reach. Over the last few weeks, several reports claimed that Toxic was facing production hurdles, with talk of creative differences and delays leading to speculation about an indefinite postponement. However, the latest clarification from the producers has firmly put those rumours to rest. The team maintains that everything is progressing smoothly and that the film is right on track for its summer 2026 release. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

26 days ago

22331 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Crosses 3 Crore Admissions To Become Most Watched Film of 2025 In India; Tops 1 Crore Footfalls In Hindi

Bengaluru, October 28 - Amid the disappointing news of early OTT release, Risabh Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 continues to draw big crowds in theatres. In a massive milestone, it has become the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, beating the Bollywood blockbuster Chhaava. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 has been one of its kind phenomena for Kannada cinema. The film's box office juggernaut has made it the most-watched Indian title of 2025 in theatres. In 26 days so far, the film has sold approximately 3.20 crores tickets in India across all languages, beating Chahava's 3.10+ crores admissions to become the number 1 movie of 2025. Kantara Chapter 1 is the second movie of 2025 and the ninth film in the post-pandemic era to top 3 crores (30 million) footfalls at the Indian box office. Yash-fronted KGF Chapter 2 remains the biggest blockbuster with over 5 crores admissions, and it, along with Kantara 2, is the only Kannada film of all time to reach 3 crores admissions. The prequel to 2022's blockbuster has also topped 1 crore (10 million) footfalls in the dubbed Hindi version, becoming the first South Indian film of 2025 to do so. The original Kannada version is the number 2 with around 80 lakh admissions, while Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil versions have sold over 1.30 crores tickets so far. Meanwhile, the film has grossed approximately 817 crores worldwide, including around 707 crores in India and 110 crores overseas, after 26 days. It was well on course to finish with 875+ crores worldwide, but the target now looks difficult after makers confirmed its digital release from October 31 in South Indian versions. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

26 days ago

3060 views

Opinion: How An Eight-Week Theatrical Window Could Reshape South Indian Cinema's Future

Mumbai, October 28 - The South Indian film industry has been at the forefront of India's box office resurgence over the past few years after facing the setback from the Covid-19 pandemic. From crowd-pullers like KGF 2, RRR, and Pushpa 2 to record-breaking phenomena like Kantara Chapter 1, these films have consistently drawn large numbers of audiences back to theatres. Yet, despite the success of tentpole blockbusters, the theatrical run of such films is being cut short far too soon due to premature OTT releases. This growing trend poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the theatrical ecosystem. After the pandemic, the entertainment industry, especially theatrical exhibition, was among the worst-hit sectors. Theatres across the country were shut for months, and filmmakers were left with no choice but to take an alternative route to recover costs. This was when digital platforms emerged as a boon, offering an immediate solution for film releases. However, this was never a long-term solution, given the limited financial returns from OTT platforms compared to theatrical revenue. Once the pandemic eased and normalcy returned, it became crucial for filmmakers to go back to basics and rebuild the theatrical business and help the sector recover from the pandemic blow. Bollywood was the first to do so, reinstating the pre-COVID norms and maintaining an eight-week theatrical window before films headed to OTT. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about South Indian cinema, where most films continue to follow a four-week window. This shortsighted approach has severely impacted theatres, particularly in Karnataka, where exhibitors are struggling to draw audiences back, especially for mid and small-budget films. Viewers are now aware that a film will be available to stream online within a month, which discourages them from visiting theatres. While producers might still manage to recover their budgets and earn quick profits through early digital deals, this strategy is proving disastrous for exhibitors. Theatres are the proven backbone of the film industry's economy, and neglecting their long-term survival will ultimately harm everyone involved. The time has come for theatres in the South to take a decisive step and insist on a longer theatrical window, just as Bollywood has done to some extent. A uniform minimum eight-week window can help sustain the box office momentum and restore the balance between filmmakers, exhibitors, and audiences. South Indian cinema, just like any other film industry, has built its reputation on big-screen spectacles and community-driven experiences. To safeguard that magic and ensure the future of theatrical viewing, exhibitors and filmmakers must reunite for better planning. Protecting the theatrical window is not merely about the film business; it's about keeping alive the very essence of cinema that audiences love and celebrate. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

27 days ago

13140 views

Kantara Chapter 1 On OTT: A Questionable and Disappointing Move From Makers of Rishab Shetty's Blockbuster

Bengaluru, October 27 - The exhibitors of Karnataka finally had a moment of joy this year with Rishab Shetty-fronted Kantara Chapter 1 doing excellent business and bringing people to theatres in big numbers. They were hoping for more to come, but their happiness has been cut short by a disappointing and questionable move by the makers. Despite the film continuing its very good run and showing remarkable stability across regions, the team has decided to drop it on the OTT platform much sooner than expected. At a time when almost every South Indian film is dropping on OTT after just four weeks of its theatrical release, Kantara Chapter 1 had the perfect chance to break the trend. The Rishab Shetty directorial was still performing excellently at the box office, showing no signs of slowing down even in its fourth weekend. With a strong hold and exceptional word of mouth, the film was well on its way to extending its glorious run and setting new benchmarks for long theatrical sustainability in the post-pandemic era. In its fourth weekend alone, the film grossed over 30 crores domestically, with nearly half of that coming from the Kannada version. These are solid numbers for a film that opened to massive numbers in its initial week, proving its continued dominance and audience connection. A longer exclusive theatrical run could have easily pushed the film's lifetime total significantly higher, adding many more crores to its already stellar tally. However, the makers have now officially confirmed the film's OTT release. The period folk actioner will drop on Amazon Prime Video on October 31st in Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil versions, four weeks after its release. This decision comes across as both disappointing and questionable, especially considering the film's ongoing momentum at the ticket windows. In opting for an early digital release, the team may have left considerable box office potential untapped, undermining what could have been an even more historic run. Beyond the numbers, this move also affects exhibitors, particularly in Karnataka, where Kantara Chapter 1 has been a saviour amid a dull theatrical year. A longer theatrical run would have benefited both the film's legacy and the local theatre chains, reinforcing the power of strong content to sustain on the big screen. Instead, this shortened window feels like a missed opportunity for both the industry and the film's makers, and more importantly, for the theatre ecosystem, which has been struggling this year in Karnataka. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

27 days ago

1696 views

Kantara Chapter 1 readies for its grand OTT arrival after conquering the box office

With October closing out, digital platforms are ushering in a rich spread of new titles across languages and genres. Leading the lineup is Kantara: Chapter 1, the massive Kannada-language hit directed by Rishab Shetty. The film, one of the year"™s most celebrated Indian releases, has collected a staggering ₹813 crore globally, including an India gross of ₹703 crore. The regional breakdown paints an equally impressive picture "” Karnataka leads with ₹236.05 crore, followed by Andhra Pradesh"“Telangana at ₹104.85 crore, Tamil Nadu at ₹69.7 crore, and Kerala at ₹54.9 crore "” with every major region proudly crossing the ₹50 crore mark. The film"™s performance across languages has been nothing short of extraordinary. The Hindi version has stormed into the ₹200 crore club with ₹204.85 crore, while the Kannada version has already crossed the milestone with an impressive ₹236.05 crore[gross] "” reinforcing the film"™s rare pan-Indian resonance. Now, as the buzz builds around its OTT premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 30 or 31, the excitement is palpable. The film will stream in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, with a Hindi release expected a few weeks later.This move marks a calculated expansion, ensuring the blockbuster"™s reach extends beyond theatres to a nationwide audience eager to relive its raw, elemental energy from home. Joining the week"™s digital lineup are Lokah: Chapter 1 "“ Chandra, dropping on JioCinema on October 31, and Idli Kadai, which lands on Netflix on October 29, together offering viewers a diverse mix of regional storytelling and high-concept drama. The timing of Kantara"™s OTT launch "” barely four weeks after its big-screen premiere "” highlights the evolving release strategies of Indian cinema, where films balance theatrical endurance with digital accessibility. For audiences, it"™s the perfect close to the month: an invitation to witness celebrated performances, immersive visuals, and storytelling that transcends language barriers "” all from the comfort of their screens.

Sandalwood

29 days ago

13604 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Storms Past 200 Crore Net In Hindi

Mumbai, October 25 - Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 has achieved yet another historic milestone, becoming the first South Indian film of 2025 to enter the 200 crore net club in Hindi. The film continues to maintain a solid hold even in its fourth week, proving the lasting power of word-of-mouth. On its 24th day (4th Saturday), the period folk actioner added an estimated 4.25 crore net, pushing its Hindi total beyond 200 crore. With this, the Rishab Shetty starrer has become only the sixth South Indian film ever to achieve this feat in Hindi, joining the elite ranks of Baahubali 2, KGF Chapter 2, Pushpa: The Rise, RRR, and Kalki 2898 AD. The consistency in its collections is a testament to its wide acceptance across audiences and its strong emotional connection. Overall, it is the 45th film of all time to hit 200 crores in net collection in Hindi. The last film to hit the milestone was Saiyaara. The film's performance is even more impressive considering the limited promotional campaign and its deeply regional setting. What started as a folklore-driven story from coastal Karnataka has grown into a nationwide cinematic phenomenon, resonating with viewers for its authenticity, music, and spiritual themes. Rishab Shetty's direction and performance have both been universally praised for blending realism with divinity in a way rarely seen on the big screen. As the film continues its glorious run, it stands as a shining example of how rooted storytelling can break all language barriers and achieve pan-India success. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

31 days ago

15977 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Remains Rock Solid Amid Competition At The Hindi Box Office: Set To Enter 200 Crore Club

Mumbai, October 23: Rishab Shetty's mega blockbuster Kantara Chapter 1 is set to enter the 200 crores net club at the Hindi box office in the coming days as it continues its glorious march, showing remarkable resilience. Despite new competition from Bollywood Diwali releases, the period action drama has managed to hold its ground strongly across the northern circuits. After two weeks of consistent performance, Kantara Chapter 1 faced competition from Thamma and Deewaniyat during the Diwali festive week. Yet, the Hindi-dubbed version of the film remained strong, scoring approximately 26 crores net from the third Friday to Wednesday. In 21 days so far, the film has scored approximately 189 crore net in Hindi and is inching towards the coveted 200 crore milestone. The film's positive word-of-mouth and devotional storytelling have contributed to its sustained success across regions. In multiplexes and single screens alike, Kantara Chapter 1 continues to draw crowds, with minimal drops even during weekdays. The film's blend of spirituality, folklore, and raw action has struck a universal chord with audiences across languages. Kantara 2 will become only the second Kannada movie after KGF 2 to reach 200 crores net in Hindi. With this feat, Rishab Shetty has reaffirmed his status as one of the most formidable creative forces in Indian cinema. The film has already surpassed the lifetime Hindi collections of several major pan-India titles, including 2.0, which minted around 188 crores net. Meanwhile, the blockbuster prequel is heading towards the 800 crores milestone at the worldwide box office and has become the biggest Indian grosser of the year. It has grossed over 770 crores after 21 days, and will become the biggest grosser of 2025 during the 4th weekend. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

32 days ago

7106 views

Rishab Shetty's Blockbuster Kantara Chapter 1 Sets Up Release Date In English; Theatrical Runtime Reduced

Bengaluru, October 22 - Kannada actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 is running riot at the box office, and heading towards becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of the year worldwide, having already grossed over 750 crores in 20 days. Produced by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 was released in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil languages, and it has been performing well in every version. Now, to cash in on the glowing word of mouth among the international audience, the makers have set up a release in English. On Wednesday (October 22), Hombale Films took to social media to confirm the blockbuster prequel will be hitting worldwide cinemas on October 31st in the dubbed English version. It will release with a shortened runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes, while the original runtime is 2 hours and 49 minutes. It needs to be seen how this latest strategy works for the film, as most of the target audience has already watched it. Written, directed, and headlined by Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 is the prequel to 2022's blockbuster Kantara, which grossed over 400 crores worldwide. The latest blockbuster was released amid solid buzz, which translated into massive footfalls in cinemas as it is currently the second most-watched Indian title of the year, behind Chhaava. It will become the biggest grosser as well as the most-watched in the coming days. Stay tuned...

Sandalwood

33 days ago

33156 views

Kantara: Chapter 1 Streaming Date Uncertain as Theatrical Run Breaks Records

Rishab Shetty"™s Kantara: Chapter 1, the rustic thriller that has captured audiences across India, continues to dominate the box office just 19 days into its theatrical release, with an extraordinary worldwide collection surpassing ₹732 crore (estimated), including approximately ₹107.25 crore(est) from overseas markets. While fans eagerly anticipate the film"™s OTT debut, the exact streaming date remains uncertain as the theatrical run shows no signs of slowing down.. Early reports suggested a potential premiere on Amazon Prime Video around October 30, 2025, roughly four weeks after the film"™s theatrical release. The movie is expected to be available in multiple Indian languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, with a Hindi-dubbed version likely releasing about eight weeks after the theatrical debut. However, the streaming platform has yet to officially confirm any dates. With the film"™s unprecedented theatrical success, there is a possibility that the OTT release could be postponed to maximize its box office performance. Kantara: Chapter 1 has made remarkable inroads across all major regions in India. The film"™s collection in Karnataka alone has crossed the ₹200 crore mark, underlining the massive appeal in its home state. Meanwhile, other key markets have also performed exceptionally well: Andhra Pradesh & Telangana contributed approximately ₹99.9 crore, Tamil Nadu added ₹60.95 crore, Kerala grossed ₹50.8 crore, and the rest of India collectively brought in around ₹206.1 crore. These numbers clearly demonstrate the pan-Indian craze for the film and its widespread acceptance beyond language and regional boundaries. The film has struck a chord with audiences thanks to its stunning visuals, strong performances, and a story rooted in the enigmatic forest of Kantara. Its mix of local legend, action, and drama has made it a must-watch hit across the country, turning Kantara: Chapter 1 into a cultural phenomenon. Fans eager to stream the epic tale may have to wait a little longer, as the OTT release could be postponed to allow the film"™s theatrical run to continue breaking records. The immense box office success signals that Kantara: Chapter 1 has set a new benchmark for Indian cinema, proving that a well-crafted story with strong performances can captivate audiences far and wide.

Sandalwood

35 days ago

29788 views

Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Enters All-Time Greats List Alongside Baahubali 2, KGF 2 and Jailer At The Domestic Box Office

Bengaluru, October 19: Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 continues its historic box office journey by achieving yet another remarkable milestone domestically. The film has now become only the fourth movie ever to gross over 50 crores each in South Indian states, solidifying its place among the all-time greatest blockbusters. On its 3rd Sunday (18th day), the period folk action thriller topped the 50 crores mark in Kerala, after already breaching the milestone in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh/Telangana. This rare achievement places Kantara Chapter 1 in the same elite league as Baahubali 2, KGF: Chapter 2, and Jailer, the only other films to have achieved this feat. With this, Rishab Shetty's magnum opus has truly transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, emerging as a pan-South Indian phenomenon. It is also only the second Kannada movie to top 50 crores in Kerala after KGF Chapter 2. The film, produced by Hombale Films, has already rewritten record books in Karnataka, where it has grossed over 200 crores, becoming the highest-grossing movie ever in the state. Its performance in the neighbouring markets, along with North India, has been equally outstanding. After Karnataka, the prequel has also topped the 200 crores mark in the Hindi belt on its 18th day, and topped 100 crores gross in Telugu states. In Tamil Nadu, the film's sustained run despite multiple new releases speaks volumes about its strong audience connection. Kantara Chapter 1's blend of folklore, action, and spiritual mysticism continues to resonate deeply with audiences across linguistic lines "” a feat few films have managed to achieve in recent times. With the festive season ongoing, the movie is far from its end and is on course to become the biggest Indian grosser of the year. Stay tuned...