The Kannada film industry, popularly known as “Sandalwood,” is one of India’s most prominent film industries, producing over 100 films annually. Among its many successes, ‘KGF Chapter 2’ stands out as the highest-grossing Kannada film, earning over 1200 crores worldwide.
One of the most remarkable developments in the Kannada movie industry is its growing recognition on the global stage. Films like ‘Kantara’, ‘Charlie 777’, and ‘Vikrant Rona’ have not only captivated domestic audiences but also gained international acclaim for their storytelling and technical brilliance.
1. K.G.F: Chapter 2
Worldwide Gross: ₹1235 crores 1 (US$ 147 million)
K.G.F: Chapter 2,” emerged as a cinematic phenomenon. The film achieved record-breaking collections in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Maharashtra. Released in Kannada as its original version, the movie was also dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, ensuring a pan-India reach. The Hindi version alone earned over ₹400 crores2. Beyond India, “K.G.F: Chapter 2” made waves internationally, with significant collections in the United States, the Middle East, and Australia.
2. Kantara
Worldwide Gross: ₹450 crores 3 (US$ 53 million)
Kantara, rooted in the cultural and spiritual essence of coastal Karnataka, resonated with audiences across the country and beyond. It performed exceptionally well in Karnataka, where it broke records for the highest-grossing Kannada film of all time after KGF: Chapter 2. The Hindi version was a massive success, earning more than ₹96 crores. Makers released the movie in multiple languages (dubbed version) including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam.
The movie performed exceptionally well in several states: Karnataka – ₹170 crores, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana – ₹60 crores, Tamil Nadu – ₹30 crores, Kerala – ₹20 crores.
3. K.G.F: Chapter 1
Worldwide Gross: ₹250 crores 4 (US$ 29.5 million)
K.G.F: Chapter 1 was released in multiple languages, contributing significantly to its widespread success. With dubbed version including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam. The film was subtitled in multiple languages. It is the first movie to gross over ₹250 crores worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Kannada film of its time. The Hindi version grossed over ₹45 crore. it was a cinematic revolution that paved the way for Kannada cinema to shine on the global stage.
State-wise Domestic Collection: Karnataka ₹135 crores, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ₹35 crores, Tamil Nadu ₹10 crores and Kerala ₹5 crores.
Reason for Success: compelling storyline, stylish presentation, yash’s star power, pan-India appeal, marketing and word-of-mouth, mass action sequences.
4. Vikrant Rona
Worldwide Gross: ₹210 crores 5 (US$ 24.7 million)
Vikrant Rona was released in multiple languages to maximize its reach, dubbed version including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, English, French, Spanish and Arabic. Its immersive 3D experience attracted audiences seeking something visually unique. The element of suspense kept viewers engaged. The Hindi version contributed around ₹50 crores to the overall box office, with Sudeep’s role as a pan-India star driving viewership.
State-wise Domestic Collection: Karnataka ₹110 crores, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ₹25 crores, Tamil Nadu ₹10 crores and Kerala ₹8 crores.
5. James
Worldwide Gross: ₹151 crores 6 (US$ 17.7 million)
While “James” was primarily shot in Kannada, it was also dubbed and released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam, to cater to a broader audience across different regions. The film received favorable reviews for its action sequences and performances, further boosting its box office performance. Puneeth Rajkumar’s immense popularity and the fact that “James” was his last mainstream film drew audiences in large numbers.
6. 777 Charlie
Worldwide Gross: ₹150 crores 7 (US$ 17.6 million)
777 Charlie was released in multiple languages to cater to a diverse audience. The film collected over ₹75 crore in Karnataka during its theatrical run. The Telugu-dubbed version performed well, grossing over ₹4 crore, while the Tamil version also earned approximately ₹4 crore. Additionally, the Malayalam version garnered over ₹5.5 crore. The film’s emotional depth and universal themes resonated with audiences across different regions and languages.
7. Kurukshetra
Worldwide Gross: ₹90 crores 8 (US$ 10.6 million)
The characters in the movie are taken from the Indian epic Mahabharata. It tells a different story that runs through the eyes of Kaurava king Duryodhana. Dubbed versions were available in Telugu, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi for it to reach a wider audience. The multilingual release strategy boosted its box office success by reaching diverse regional markets and a broader audience.
8. Raajakumara
Worldwide Gross: ₹75 crores 9 (US$ 9 million)
The film’s blend of family values, action, and drama resonated with a wide audience. Favorable reviews and audience feedback sustained its box office momentum. It became the first Kannada movie to complete 6,000 shows in multiplexes within six weeks of its release and reached 7,577 shows within 87 days. The film had a theatrical run of more than 100 days in 45–50 centers across Karnataka.
9. Mungaru Male
Worldwide Gross: ₹70 crores 10 (US$ 8.2 million)
The title translates to “Monsoon Rain,” and the film explores themes of love, loss, and fate. Mungaru Male revolutionized Kannada cinema, redefining the romantic genre and creating a lasting impression on audiences. The film’s narrative, scenic cinematography, and soulful music were widely appreciated. It earned around ₹2.5 crore in its opening weekend alone. The film ran for over 865 days in theaters, setting a record for the longest theatrical run for a Kannada film. The film’s soundtrack, including iconic songs like “Anisuthide Yaako Indu” and “Onde Ondu Saari,” remains evergreen.
10. Kaatera
Worldwide Gross: 67 Crores 11 12 (US$ 7.7 million)
Kaatera was primarily released in Kannada. With over 60,000 tickets sold before its release, setting a new record in the region. Kaatera was primarily released in Kannada. While some praised the performances and action sequences, others felt that the storyline lacked originality.
Kaatera” showcased Darshan Thoogudeepa’s strong fan base and the film’s ability to draw audiences, particularly in Karnataka.
List of highest grossing Kannada movies after top 10
| Movie Title | Earning | Year | Starring |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11. The Villain | ₹60 crores | 2018 | Shivarajkumar, Sudeep, Amy Jackson |
| 12. Avane Srimannarayana | ₹56 crores | 2019 | Rakshit Shetty, Shanvi Srivastava |
| 13. Pailwaan | ₹53 crores | 2019 | Sudeep, Suniel Shetty, Aakanksha Singh |
| 14. Kirik Party | ₹50 crores | 2016 | Rakshit Shetty, Rashmika Mandanna, Samyuktha Hegde |
| 15. Mr. And Mrs. Ramchari | ₹50 crores | 2014 | Yash, Radhika Pandit, Achyuth Kumar |
| 16. Kotigobba 3 | ₹45.32 crores | 2021 | Sudeep, Aftab Shivdasani, Madonna Sebastian |
| 17. Pogaru | ₹45 crores | 2021 | Dhruva Sarja, Rashmika Mandanna, Sampath Raj |
| 18. Uppi 2 | ₹40-45 crores | 2015 | Upendra, Kristina Akheeva |
| 19. Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna | ₹40 crores | 2012 | Darshan, Jaya Prada, Shashi Kumar, Nikita Thukral |
Facts to Know:
- The 1965 film Satya Harishchandra was the first Kannada movie to achieve a box office collection exceeding ₹1 crore.
- Dr. Rajkumar, the first actor to receive a doctorate in acting from Mysore University in 1976, and only Indian to receive the Kentucky Colonel (Honors presented by the state of Kentucky, USA).
- The 1995 film Om was the first Kannada film to cross ₹10 crores.
- KGF: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 is the highest grossing franchise in Kannada, is one of the highest grossing movies in Indian cinema.
- Mungaru Male was the first movie to set a milestone in the Kannada film industry in 2006, collecting over ₹70 crores. Eleven years later, its record was surpassed by Raajakumara by earning over ₹75 crores in 2017.
Reference:
- KGF Chapter 2’s ₹1200 crore haul included ₹1000 crore made just from India, only Baahubali 2 has managed this before May 18, 2022 12:53 PM IST ↩︎
- KGF Chapter 2 box office collection: Yash-starrer’s Hindi version earns ₹400 crore; second ‘Hindi film’ ever to do so May 06, 2022 08:02 PM IST ↩︎
- Kantara’s worldwide collection crosses the monumental mark Rs. 400 crores! Nov 22, 2022, 16:36 IST ↩︎
- Yash’s film KGF: Chapter 1 made Rs 250 crore at the box office worldwide Feb 9, 2019 18:26 IST ↩︎
- Vikrant Rona box office collection Day 14: Kichcha Sudeep’s film rakes in Rs 200 crore worldwide Aug 11, 2022 08:28 IST ↩︎
- James movies went on to mint Rs. 150 crores Jul 28, 2022, 15:28 IST ↩︎
- ‘777 Charlie’ celebrates 25 days collecting more than 150 crores Jul 5, 2022, 13:51 IST
↩︎ - ‘K.G.F.: Chapter 1’ to ‘Avane Srinamnarayana’: Top 5 highest-grossing films in the history Sandalwood Jul 21, 2020, 15:59 IST
↩︎ - ‘K.G.F.: Chapter 1’ to ‘Avane Srinamnarayana’: Top 5 highest-grossing films in the history Sandalwood Jul 21, 2020, 15:59 IST ↩︎
- Ganesh Bal: The outsider on the inside Nov 21, 2013, 01:44 PM IST ↩︎
- After a record 2022, Kannada cinema saw a STEEP decline in box office numbers in 2023 Jan 31, 2024 – 4:13 PM IST ↩︎
- Kaatera Box Office Collection 16 Feb 2024 08:26:43 pm IST ↩︎
