The Indian film industry is heading toward one of the biggest box office clashes of 2025. On October 2, fans will witness Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ competing head-to-head with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor’s romantic entertainer ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’. Both films are scheduled to release on the national holiday of Gandhi Jayanti, which also coincides with Dussehra this year.

Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ Set to Release in Multiple Languages

Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ is scheduled for release in theaters on October 2, 2025. The film will release in multiple Indian languages, appealing to a pan-India audience. The first installment, released in 2022, was a massive success. It earned critical acclaim, box office glory, and even won Rishab Shetty a National Award for his powerful performance and direction.

The upcoming chapter is expected to dive deeper into the mythological lore introduced in the original film. Fans have been eagerly waiting for this sequel. The hype around the film is intense, especially after the teaser left audiences stunned with its gripping visuals and haunting music.

Varun Dhawan’s Film to Clash Head-On

On the other side of this cinematic duel is ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’. Starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor in lead roles, this romantic comedy promises a blend of drama, fun, and emotions. The film’s makers officially announced the release date on July 14, locking in October 2 for its theatrical release.

While Varun and Janhvi’s fan base is excited, industry insiders and social media users have mixed reactions. Many believe that clashing with a franchise like ‘Kantara’ may not be the smartest move. The comment sections across platforms are filled with fans warning about a possible loss of business due to divided attention.

What Makes October 2 a Hot Release Date?

October 2, 2025, marks Gandhi Jayanti and also falls during the Dussehra holidays. With schools, offices, and businesses closed, it’s considered a lucrative window for film releases. Holiday weekends historically lead to higher footfalls at theaters.

Naturally, production houses aim to grab this golden opportunity. But when multiple big films release on the same day, box office collections often take a hit. Past clashes like ‘Raees vs Kaabil’ and ‘Gadar 2 vs OMG 2’ have shown how both films can suffer in terms of revenue.

Social Media Reacts: “Avoid This Clash”

The announcement of the release date for ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ has triggered a wave of reactions on social media. Several fans urged the makers to reconsider the date to avoid clashing with the high-voltage ‘Kantara Chapter 1’.

One user wrote, “Kantara 2 is also coming. Why clash and lose money? Go solo!” Another commented, “Please don’t release it alongside Kantara.” Fans fear that having two strong films on the same day will divide the audience and hurt both movies’ box office potential.

Not Just Two – More Films Joining the Clash

Adding to the already intense competition, another film titled ‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’ starring Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa is also slated for release on October 2. That makes it a three-way clash on one of the year’s biggest holiday weekends.

But wait, there’s more. Rumors suggest that Akshay Kumar’s courtroom drama ‘Jolly LLB 3’ might also hit theaters on the same date. While the producers haven’t confirmed this yet, they are reportedly planning to utilize the holiday weekend for maximum viewership.

If all four films arrive on the same day, theaters across the country will be flooded with options. It could lead to fierce competition for screens, showtimes, and audience attention.

Impact on Box Office Revenue

A clash of this magnitude is always risky. Each film aims to secure maximum screens and a solo run at the box office. But when multiple big-budget films release simultaneously, there is bound to be a drop in occupancy.

Distributors may struggle to allocate adequate screens to each title. Urban multiplexes will face programming pressure, while single-screen theaters may favor mass entertainers over niche content. This could hurt niche films that rely on word-of-mouth.

Moreover, early box office numbers play a huge role in shaping a film’s destiny today. With multiple films releasing together, the possibility of a slow start increases, impacting lifetime collections.

The Stakes Are High

For Rishab Shetty, ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ is not just a sequel—it’s a legacy. The first film earned global acclaim, and expectations from the next chapter are sky-high. It’s deeply rooted in folklore and appeals strongly to cultural and spiritual sentiments.

On the other hand, Varun Dhawan is trying to bounce back with a family-friendly entertainer after a series of lukewarm releases. His pairing with Janhvi Kapoor is fresh, and the film is expected to attract younger audiences. If the content connects, it could become a sleeper hit.

Will One Film Postpone?

Historically, one film often steps back to avoid such high-stakes competition. Producers assess screen availability, marketing campaigns, and content confidence before making final calls.

With only a few months left for release, it remains to be seen whether any production house changes its strategy. So far, all three films are holding firm to the October 2 date. But industry insiders believe there’s still time for a reshuffle.

What Audiences Can Expect

For viewers, October 2 promises a variety of entertainment:

• ‘Kantara Chapter 1’: A mythological prequel rooted in folklore and spiritual traditions.

• ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’: A colorful romantic drama with comedy and emotions.

• ‘Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat’: A romantic thriller starring fresh faces.

• Possible addition – ‘Jolly LLB 3’: A courtroom comedy with satire and legal drama.

If all films release together, it will be a movie marathon for cinephiles.

October 2, 2025, is shaping up to be a turning point at the Indian box office. The clash between ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ and ‘Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari’ is already drawing comparisons to previous big-ticket showdowns.

Whether this becomes a win-win for audiences or a loss-loss for producers depends on content, marketing, and release planning. One thing is certain—the battle lines are drawn, and excitement is building.

Stay tuned as the countdown to Gandhi Jayanti begins. Theaters are gearing up. Audiences are waiting. And the box office war is just around the corner.