India, Oct. 12 -- Kantara Chapter 1 has been the blockbuster to bookend an indifferent year for Indian cinema. It started on a bright note for Indian films with Chhaava breaking the bank, but since then, only Saiyaara, Mahavatar Narsimha, Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra, and L2: Empuraan were able to truly collect record numbers. None of these films, however, crossed the elusive Rs.1000-crore mark. Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 was seen as the best bet for it this year. So far, it has not disappointed, minting over Rs.500 crore in just 10 days.

Yet, there are reports claiming that Kantara Chapter 1 may not even turn a profit for Hombale Films, its production house, until it reaches Rs.900 crore worldwide, a mark still some distance away for...