This weekend offers a diverse range of cinematic experiences, from mythological epics to biographical dramas. Among the new releases, "Kantara: Chapter 1" and "The Smashing Machine" stand out as must-see films in theaters.
Kantara: Chapter 1
"Kantara: Chapter 1," a prequel to the critically acclaimed 2022 film "Kantara," has been released in theaters on October 2, 2025. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, who also plays the lead role, the film delves deeper into the origins of the mythological traditions and ancestral conflicts explored in the first film.
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the lore of the divine spirits, or Daivas, Panjurli and Guliga. The story is set several centuries before the events of the original film, during the 4th century CE, when the Kadamba dynasty was in power. Like its predecessor, "Kantara: Chapter 1" blends regional folklore, spirituality, and action, continuing the saga of man's relationship with nature and the divine.
The film has been released in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. According to reports, Amazon Prime Video has acquired the OTT streaming rights for "Kantara: Chapter 1" and it is expected to be available for streaming a month after its theatrical release, around October 30, 2025.
Early reports suggest that "Kantara: Chapter 1" grossed an estimated Rs. 60 crore net in India on its first day of release, with a worldwide opening-day gross close to Rs. 90 crore.
The Smashing Machine
Also releasing this weekend is "The Smashing Machine". More information on this film was not available in the search results.
Other Releases
Alongside "Kantara: Chapter 1" and "The Smashing Machine," several other films are hitting theaters this weekend, offering a variety of genres and stories. These include:
- Good Boy (2025)
- Anemone (2025)
- Bone Lake (2025)
- Casper: 30th Anniversary (2025)
With such a diverse array of films releasing this weekend, moviegoers have a plethora of options to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a mythological epic, a biographical drama, or something else entirely, there's sure to be a film that piques your interest.
