South cinema's box office triumphs: Pawan Kalyan's 'OG' and Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' set new benchmarks

In a remarkable turn of events, South Indian cinema has once again proven its dominance at the box office with two major releases-Pawan Kalyan's They Call Him OG and Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1. Both films have shattered records and set new milestones, underscoring the growing influence and appeal of regional cinema on a global scale.

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Pawan Kalyan's 'OG': A Telugu Blockbuster

Released on September 25, 2025, They Call Him OG has become a significant success in Pawan Kalyan's illustrious career. Directed by Sujeeth, the film opened with a staggering Rs 63.75 crore net across India, marking one of the highest openings for a Telugu film.

Within its first ten days, the movie amassed over Rs 200 crore globally, making it the highest-grossing film in Pawan Kalyan's career. By day 12, the film had crossed the Rs 184 crore mark in India, surpassing Akshay Kumar's Housefull 5 to become the 8th biggest hit of 2025.

Despite a slight dip in collections in the second week, OG has solidified its position as the highest-grossing Telugu film of 2025, surpassing previous hits like Sankranthiki Vasthunam.

Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1': A Cultural Phenomenon

Released on October 2, 2025, Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken the box office by storm. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the film earned Rs 61.85 crore on its opening day, ranking as the third-highest day-one grosser of the year.

Within just five days of its release, the film amassed a total collection of Rs 256.50 crore, surpassing the earnings of Mahavatar Narsimha and securing its position as the fourth highest-grossing film of the year.

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Global Appeal of South Indian Cinema

Both OG and Kantara: Chapter 1 exemplify the growing influence of South Indian cinema on the global stage. Their box office successes not only highlight the star power of Pawan Kalyan and Rishab Shetty but also underscore the rich storytelling and cultural narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.