Amid the ongoing discussions and debates around Kantara Chapter 1 releasing on OTT within less than a month of its theatrical run, the makers have now revealed the reason for the move. They also confirmed that the Hindi version will not release on OTT now
Kantara Chapter 1
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 has been enjoying an exceptional run at the global box office ever since its theatrical release on October 2. However, just when the film was doing great, the makers announced the OTT release of the film. This raised several eyebrows among trade circles as well as fans, given the film's release on OTT within less than a month on October 31.
Kantara Chapter 1 makers break silence on early OTT release
The makers have now broken their silence on the development. Chaluve Gowda, partner at Hombale Films, responded to the move, clarifying that the early digital release was the result of a pre-existing agreement signed years ago.
While speaking with India Today, Gowda said, “Only the South language (Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam) versions of the film will release on OTT right now, not the Hindi version. The Hindi version will come after eight weeks. The agreement for this release window was actually done three years ago, so it’s more of an obligation on our part. Back then, the standard practice was different.”
He further explained, "Most South films now follow a four-week window — some run longer, some wrap up within three to four weeks. Every film has its own agreement and timeline. Before COVID, it used to be eight weeks for all films. Post-COVID, even big releases like Coolie are coming on OTT after four weeks across all languages, including Hindi. So, it’s always decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on what works at that point in time."
Despite the digital release, Gowda assured that the Rishab Shetty directorial will continue its successful theatrical run. "The film is still doing tremendous numbers, even today, the film has done great numbers, and we expect it to keep performing well even after it’s out digitally. The variation might only be around 10–15% at most,” he noted.
Kantara Chapter 1 box office run
Kantara: Chapter 1 has emerged as the biggest box office sensation of the festive season, crossing a staggering Rs 852 crore worldwide within a month of its release. Directed, written, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has set a new benchmark for Indian cinema with its captivating portrayal of folklore, spirituality, and cultural depth.
The film's monumental success has not only doubled the lifetime collection of the original Kantara but also placed it among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Theatres across India and overseas continue to witness packed shows, with viewers praising Rishab Shetty's commanding performance and the film's deeply rooted storytelling.
As the divine saga continues to conquer hearts, Kantara: Chapter 1 is now gearing up for its English-language release on October 31, promising to take its mythic narrative to an even wider global audience.
(With inputs from IANS)
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