From KGF Chapter 2 to Kantara, a look at the highest-grossing Kannada movies.
The Kannada film industry has given some incredible movies to Indian cinema in the last decade. In the last 10 years, the Kannada film industry has seen a huge growth in box office numbers. Until 2017, no Kannada movie grossed Rs 100 Crore worldwide. With the release of KGF Chapter 1 in 2018, the Kannada cinema saw a huge turnaround. In the last five years, seven Kannada movies have grossed Rs 100 Crore worldwide. Two of them have grossed Rs 200 Crore. From Kantara to KGF Chapter 1, here’s a look at the list of the top 10 highest-grossing Kannada movies of all time
1) K.G.F. Chapter 2
Release Year: April 14, 2022
Worldwide collection: Rs 1228 Crore
Superstar Yash’s much-awaited film K.G.F: Chapter 2 premiered in theatres in April 2022. The movie turned out to be an ‘All Time Blockbuster’ and broke many records. It is the highest-grossing Kannada movie of all time with a worldwide gross of Rs 1228 Crore.
2) Kantara
Release Year: Sep 30, 2022
Worldwide collection: Rs 404.3 Crore
One of the biggest surprise blockbusters of Indian Cinema, Kantara is the second highest-grossing Kannada movie with a worldwide collection of Rs 400+ Crore.
3) KGF. Chapter 1
Release Year: Dec 20, 2018
Worldwide collection: Rs 250 Crore
KGF: Chapter 1 is the movie that changed the dynamics of the Kannada box office. It is the first Kannada movie to make Rs 100 Crore worldwide. Produced on a budget of Rs 80 Crore, Yash starter grossed Rs 250 Crore worldwide.
4) Vikrant Rona
Release Year: July 28, 2022
Worldwide collection: Rs 158 Crore
The Kichcha Sudeep starrer, Vikrant Rona, is an action-adventure thriller movie. Made on a budget of Rs 95 Crore, it managed to gross Rs 158 Crore worldwide.
5) James
Release Year: March 17, 2022
Worldwide collection: Rs 151 Crore
James is an action drama movie directed by Chethan Kumar. It stars Puneeth Rajkumar and Priya Anand. The movie marks Puneeth’s posthumous appearance following his death on 29 October 2021. It broke the record for the biggest opening day collections for any Kannada film by grossing around Rs 28 Crore. The movie turned out to be a super hit with a worldwide gross of Rs 151 Crore.
6) 777 Charlie
Release Year: June 10, 2022
Worldwide collection: Rs 105 Crore
The movie on the bond between a lonely factory worker and a stray labrador dog gets a lot of love from the audience and critics. As a result, a 20 Crore movie went on to earn Rs 105 Crore at the worldwide box office.
7) Roberrt
Release Year: March 11, 2021
Worldwide collection: Rs 102 Crore
This action-thriller movie starring Darshan went on to earn Rs 102 Crore worldwide despite mixed reviews from critics. Roberrt was the highest-grossing Kannada movie of 2021. The film has significantly aided Sandalwood’s post-pandemic resurgence.
8) Kurukshetra
Release Year: August 9, 2019
Worldwide collection: Rs 90 Crore
Kurukshetra is a mythological war movie directed by Naganna. It is based on the epic poem Gadhayuddha by Ranna. Made on a budget of Rs 50 Crore, Kurukshetra grossed Rs 90 Crore worldwide and was declared a box office hit.
9) Raajakumara
Release Year: March 24, 2017
Worldwide collection: Rs 75 Crore
Puneeth Rajkumar and Priya Anand starrer action drama movie Raajkumara was the first Kannada movie to complete 6000 shows in multiplex within six weeks of its release. Made on a budget of Rs 20 Crore, Raajkumara grossed Rs 76 Crore at the global box office.
10) Mungaru Male
Release Year: Dec 29, 2006
Worldwide collection: Rs 70.7 Crore
Imagine grossing Rs 70 crore worldwide at a budget of Rs 70 lakhs. Yogaraj Bhat directional romantic drama Mungaru Male achieved this feat. It was the first film in India (for any language) to be screened continuously for over one year in a multiplex. It holds the record for the longest-running film at a multiplex.
