Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Kaantha Box Office Crosses ₹10 Crore Amidst Legal Dispute
A new movie called 'Kaantha' starring Dulquer Salmaan has been released.
It's set in the 1950s and is about a movie star and his director.
The movie has made over 10 crore rupees in its first three days, which is a good start!
However, the family of an old famous actor, M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, is suing the filmmakers.
They say the movie shows their grandfather in a bad and untrue way, even though the filmmakers say the story is completely made up.
People are talking about the movie because of this legal issue.
The movie's ticket sales are okay, but some shows on Sunday had very few people, which could mean people have mixed feelings about it or are concerned about the controversy.
Dulquer Salmaan's period thriller 'Kaantha' earned ₹4.35 crore on its opening day and ₹4.85 crore on its second day.
The film's three-day box office collection in India is estimated to be around ₹10.17 crore.
Despite decent box office numbers, Sunday's occupancy for the Tamil 2D version showed low attendance in many regions.
A lawsuit has been filed by the grandson of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, alleging the film defames the late actor.
Filmmakers maintain that 'Kaantha' is a fictional story and not a biographical depiction of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.
- Who
- Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, Rana Daggubati, B. Thiagarajan (grandson of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar)
- What
- Dulquer Salmaan's period thriller 'Kaantha' has crossed ₹10 crore at the box office in three days, but faces a legal challenge alleging defamation of the legendary actor M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.
- When
- Opened on November 14, 2025; cumulative box office figures up to the third day (Sunday afternoon).
- Where
- India (with collections reported from Tamil and Telugu markets, and occupancy figures from various cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, Pondicherry, Trichy, Coimbatore, Vellore, Mumbai, and NCR).
- Why
- The film is experiencing box office growth despite a lawsuit filed by the grandson of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, who claims the movie defames the late actor by portraying him negatively, despite filmmakers insisting the film is fictional.
Filmmakers' Statement
Legal Action and Allegations
Basis of the Film
Filmmakers' Statement
The makers of 'Kaantha', including lead actors Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati, have consistently stated that the film is a work of fiction and not a biopic.
Legal Action and Allegations
B. Thiagarajan, grandson of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, has filed a lawsuit alleging the film defames his grandfather by portraying him negatively, claiming Bhagavathar was not blind, impoverished, or disrespected in his final days and that the filmmakers should have sought permission.
Film's Depiction
Filmmakers' Statement
The film is promoted as a fictional drama set in the 1950s, exploring the relationship between a rising film star and his director mentor.
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuit claims the film falsely and damagingly portrays M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar as a man of 'loose morals' who died blind, impoverished, and disrespected.
- Film Title
- Kaantha
- Lead Actor
- Dulquer Salmaan
- Director
- Selvamani Selvaraj
- Producers
- Dulquer Salmaan (Wayfarer Films), Rana Daggubati (Spirit Media)
- Release Date
- November 14, 2025
- Day 1 India Collection
- ₹4.35 crore
- Day 2 India Collection
- ₹4.85 crore
- Day 3 (Early Estimates)
- ₹0.97 crore
- Total India Collection (3 Days)
- ₹10.17 crore
Sources
Kaantha: Kalyani Priyadarshan Gets Excited When Dulquer Salmaan Speaks Tamil On Screen, Calls Film Her ‘Favourite’
Kaantha box office collection Day 2: Dulquer Salmaan’s period drama sees 11.49% growth, earns over Rs 10 cr worldwide
Kaantha Box Office Collection Day 2: Dulquer Salmaan’s period film sees GROWTH, worldwide earnings JUMP to Rs...
Kaantha Box Office Collection Day 2: Progress Report On Dulquer Salmaan's Film
