Rishab Shetty's Kantara Storms, Will OG Survive?

Cinema is like a festival ground. When one performer steps onto the stage, the other must step aside or share the crowd’s attention. This Dussehra, two strong contenders have entered the box office arena, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 and Powestar Pawan Kalyan’s gangstar drama OG. Both carry weight, both have expectations, but the big question is: can OG hold its ground when Kantara begins its storm?

Rishab Shetty turned heads nationwide with the first Kantara, which became a pan-India sensation with its rooted storytelling and mystical touch. Now, the prequel Kantara Chapter 1 has been released, opening to packed shows in many regions. Though promotions were surprisingly low, early premiere talk turned the tide. Social media is buzzing with praise, calling it gripping and powerful. Word of mouth has always been Kantara’s biggest weapon, and this time too, it seems to be working in its favour.

On the other side stands Pawan Kalyan’s OG, released just a week earlier. Directed by Sujeeth, the stylish action film stormed into theatres on September 25th and quickly crossed Rs. 250 crores worldwide. The film had a roaring start, but after the first weekend, the buzz dropped as promotions slowed down. Realising this, the makers quickly organised a success meet, cut ticket prices, and brought Pawan himself forward with an emotional speech to bring audiences back. Collections are again climbing, especially during the holiday rush.

Now the clash is in full swing. Kantara is pulling attention with fresh buzz, while OG is trying to hold its grip. Both films have strengths, OG has Pawan’s mass image, while Kantara has rooted storytelling and culture. This Dussehra, audiences are getting a feast, but for the makers, it is a fight for numbers. The coming week will show whether OG can keep its strength or if Kantara will take the lead.