Kantara Chapter 1 advance bookings opened in Karnataka; records fastest 10k ticket sales

As promised, the advance bookings of actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited Kantara Chapter 1 went live in Karnataka on September 26. And if the initial response is anything to go by, the prequel will be a box office smash hit as well. Bookings have opened across a cross-section of national multiplex chains and single-screen theatres in the state starting October 2 and with the earliest show beginning at 6.30 am only.

Kantara Chapter 1 to begin with 6.30 am shows

A spokesperson from Hombale Films had said that the team would not seek permission for midnight or early morning shows prior to 6.30 am, if there are paid premieres on October 1. Unconfirmed reports had stated that the makers were targeting a whopping 2,500 odd paid premieres on October 1, what with the film releasing in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali. The 6.30 am start on October 2 can be seen as confirmation of special shows the previous evening.

Also read: Kantara Chapter 1 2025: Release date, trailer, plot, cast, budget, OTT partner - all you need to know 

According to industry trackers, once bookings were opened on ticket aggregators, the first 10,000 tickets were sold in 34 minutes only, the fastest ever for any film. Although more and more shows are moving from green to orange (fast-filling), trackers reckon that a bulk of the audience is holding out, waiting for word on bookings for the paid premieres.

Kantara Chapter 1 is hitting theatres with increased ticket rates. A quick look at ticket aggregators shows a trend of Rs 300 to Rs 1,200, with the higher figure applicable only for recliner seats at select halls. But by and large, Rs 350 to Rs 550 is the average price at which tickets for the film will be available, which is not too big a jump from the government’s ticket cap of Rs 200 plus tax.

Also read: Kantara review: Spotlight's firmly on Rishab Shetty in this glorious piece of story-telling 

Hombale Films was one of the petitioners in the litigation challenging the government order, which has currently been stayed until further notice. The higher ticket rates will remain over the first weekend, after which there will be a drop. Paid premiere rates are expected to be significantly higher. Bookings for the same will open latest by September 29, a source says, adding that the team is in the final stage of post-production on the final print, which will be uploaded by the 28th, in time for the premiere shows to be held.

FAQs

Q. Where will Kantara Chapter 1 be available after the theatrical run?

A. Amazon Prime Video has acquired the post-theatrical streaming rights of Kantara Chapter 1. The film is expected to be available after 8 weeks.

Q. What is the budget of Kantara Chapter 1?

A. Kantara Chapter 1 has, reportedly, been made at a budget of around Rs 120 cr.