Kantara celebrates 50 days; divine celebration for us, says actor-director Rishab Shetty

When the Kannada film Kantara released on September 30, not many thought that the film would have a long run at the box office. At the most two weeks is what most reckoned, perhaps, even the makers. They had not pushed it as a pan-India release, even though they hold the distinction of having made the highest grossing film of the year, KGF: Chapter 2. Even dubbed versions were being planned only in time for the OTT release. Hombale Films then gave the rooted, mannina Kathe, a Kannada-only release, but within days it became clear that Kantara had a universal appeal.

In the span of two weeks, the team then did a rush job to get dubbed versions of the film ready, which were released in quick succession. The film, which did well in its Kannada version in all the centres it released, did phenomenal business in its Hindi and Telugu versions too, allowing it to gross roughly Rs 400 crore.

Today, the film celebrated 50 days at the box office (in its Kannada version), a feat that it has achieved at a time when it is still playing in 300+ centres. Taking to social media, actor-director Rishab wrote, “A moment of divine celebration for us. Thanks to everyone across the globe. It was accepted, owned & lived by each one of us🫶We were truly blessed by the Panjurli & Guliga Daiva. The fury remains undefeated. Wooaaah.” The film’s executive producer, Karthik Gowda tweeted, “This is truly divine! 50 days at 300+ centres.”

The other news of the week was that Kantara’s OTT release date has been confirmed. After multiple speculative premiere dates ranging from November 4 to November 18, the latest is that it is coming on Amazon Prime Video on November 24. The makers or the streamer have not put out official confirmations, but multiple sources are citing Amazon Help responses to queries about the release date, wherein it is mentioned as November 24. It is, however, not clear if the film will premiere for subscribers only, or if it will head to the store and be available on rental for all.