October 2, 2025 has marked a landmark moment at the Indian box office—with the high-voltage release of “Kantara Chapter 1,” the arrival of family comedy “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” and a wave of anticipation for a month packed with diverse new films. Below is an in-depth, long-form look at these trends and their impact on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.
Kantara Chapter 1: A Spellbinding Folklore Spectacle
Few Indian movies have generated as much multi-industry anticipation as “Kantara: Chapter 1,” released on October 2. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, this mythological epic is the prequel to the widely acclaimed 2022 film and sets the bar for what a pan-Indian release can achieve this festive season.
The story roots itself in the Kadamba dynasty, examining the timeless “man vs nature” dilemma and epic conflicts over land rights, faith, and power. In grand cinematic fashion, Shetty blends mythology, tribal folklore, cinematic visual effects, and a deeply metaphorical storytelling style. His character Berme, leader of Kantara, becomes the anchor in a power struggle that encapsulates centuries-old questions about who claims the land—and who is chosen to protect it.
The film’s first half pulses with breathtaking set-pieces, including a chariot-and-horse chase and forest battles that have been lauded for their meticulous direction and technical artistry. The integration of divine forces, social themes (like the uplifting chariot scene for outcast tribes), and sweeping music propels the narrative into both visual and emotional highs. Standout performances are delivered by Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah, who, along with Shetty, create a dynamic ensemble that keeps audiences enthralled. The powerful “Guliga scream” sequences and multi-layered metaphors pile on the goosebumps, offering a dense, textured experience on par with the finest international epics.
Technical departments also shine: Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography, Ajaneesh Loknath’s music, and impressive VFX come together for what is being called one of the most visually striking Indian films of recent memory. The climax and trance-inducing folk ritual scenes, in particular, have already spawned passionate social media conversations and critical praise.
Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Family Comedy With A Festive Punch
Clashing directly with “Kantara” on Gandhi Jayanti is “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” a mass-market rom-com starring Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and an ensemble cast led by director Shashank Khaitan. The film arrives with the momentum of Khaitan and Dhawan’s previous hits (“Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania,” “Badrinath Ki Dulhania”) and caters to youth, families, and audiences seeking lighter holiday entertainment.
The cheerful clash between a mythological epic and a family romantic comedy is emblematic of Indian cinema’s festive range—producers are confident in the audience’s hunger for both grand, thoughtful stories and popcorn-friendly escapes on the big screen. Insiders note that this kind of scheduling is a testament to the health of theatrical exhibition in India, as these divergent visions can succeed side by side.
The 11 Biggest Releases This October
October 2025 is stacked with major releases, sequels, and bold new projects reflecting the country’s festival-time box office power. A selection of the most notable include:
- Kantara: Chapter 1 – Rishab Shetty’s folklore saga, tying myth, faith, and a caste-conscious land dispute, expected to be among the highest-grossing films this year.
- Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari – Romantic, comic, and musical; a strong entertainer positioned perfectly for holiday crowds.
- Thamma – A mythological-mystery starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna, set for a much-anticipated Diwali release.
- Go Goa Gone 2 – The return of India’s beloved zom-com franchise, bringing back Saif Ali Khan and cult favorite characters for another round of zombie action and laughs.
- Baahubali: The Epic – SS Rajamouli’s iconic Baahubali saga returns to theatres in a five-hour mega-format. The re-release is expected to make box office history, with a packed star cast led by Prabhas and Rana Daggubati.
- The Smashing Machine – Dwayne Johnson stars in an international sports biopic about the life of MMA fighter Mark Kerr, broadening the global portfolio of October’s Indian exhibition circuit.
- Dude – Pradeep Ranganathan leads this romantic comedy, anticipated by fans following his previous successes.
- Bison – A sports drama with Dhruva Vikram, this one dives into untapped stories of Indian kabaddi and local heroes.
- Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat – A tragic love story featuring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa, releasing on Diwali.
- Diés Iraé – Malayalam horror, hailed for its chilling trailer, adding to Kerala’s banner year.
- The Taj Story – A courtroom drama probing the origins and myths around India’s iconic Taj Mahal.
Regional Power: Southern Stars and Original Storytelling
The regional slate remains mighty this festive season. “Idli Kadai” from Tamil superstar Dhanush is drawing strong reviews for its relatable humor and grounded drama. Telugu releases and Malayalam horror thrillers (like “Diés Iraé”) show how local industries are capturing the national imagination, while still exploring fresh genres.
Sports and mythology-themed films such as “Bison,” and genre-defining entries into horror and romance are earning buzz on social media, highlighting the layered choices available to Indian audiences.
Franchise Fever and Festival Clashes
India’s obsession with sequels and franchises continues this October. Apart from “Go Goa Gone 2” and the grand Baahubali re-release, Ravi Teja’s “Mass Jathara” adds masala energy to Telugu cinema’s festival calendar. Franchise films, by design, give producers a reliable edge, drawing on proven audience affection for stars, characters, and story worlds.
Holiday weekends become battlegrounds, where filmmakers and distributors are banking on the festive bonus and multi-film appeal to drive footfalls. Critics note that while some projects rely on brand power, several upcoming films aim to merge commercial instincts with fresh storytelling.
Box Office and Streaming Showdowns
Industry projections indicate record pre-bookings for “Kantara: Chapter 1” and healthy advance sales for “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” especially in multiplex hubs and tier-two cities. Meanwhile, OTT platforms are rolling out their own slate of Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam shows, with titles like “Madharaasi” and “War 2” expected to attract digital-first viewers.
Hybrid viewing habits are keeping producers on their toes, as films now chart success in both physical and digital domains. Diwali and October, in general, are expected to set new benchmarks for post-pandemic theatrical recovery.
Critical and Public Response
Reviews for “Kantara: Chapter 1” are overwhelmingly positive, hailing the film as a “cultural phenomenon” and praising its detailed world-building, technical mastery, and gripping performances. Audience reactions range from awe to emotional resonance, particularly for the standout ritual and action sequences.
The cheerful optimism around “Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari,” combined with box office momentum seen in other new releases, points to strong support for lighter, family-oriented entertainment—especially during the holidays.
Social media is alive with memes, reviews, and box office predictions, giving real-time insight into shifting trends and audience priorities.
Conclusion: Cinema’s Festive Renaissance
October 2, 2025, demonstrates just how dynamic and resilient Indian cinema has become. Audiences across the country are reveling in rare depth and diversity—whether drawn by epic myth, fun-filled romance, social commentary, or supernatural chills. The current festival lineup showcases everything Indian film does best: spectacular storytelling, crowd-pleasing genres, socially conscious myth-bending, and, most importantly, the power to bring people together for a shared experience.
As new records are set and new films continue to draw crowds through the month, the only certainty is that the landscape of Indian cinema remains as unpredictable, creative, and thrilling as ever.
