The Kannada film industry, popularly known as Sandalwood, has witnessed a dynamic year in 2025. From blockbuster successes to underwhelming performances, here’s a comprehensive overview of the top-performing Kannada films, their box office collections, and verdicts.
Top Kannada Movies of 2025: Box Office Collections & Verdicts
Below is a detailed table showcasing the top Kannada films of 2025, their worldwide collections, and box office verdicts:
| Rank | Movie Title | Worldwide Gross (₹ Cr) | India Net (₹ Cr) | Overseas (₹ Cr) | Budget (₹ Cr) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choo Mantar | 6.36 | 5.71 | – | 1 | None |
| 2 | Forest | 1.45 | 1.33 | – | 1 | None |
| 3 | Royal | 1.07 | 0.96 | – | 1 | None |
| 4 | Sanju Weds Geetha 2 | 0.88 | 0.78 | – | 1 | None |
| 5 | Rakshasa | 0.77 | 0.60 | – | 1 | None |
| 6 | Game Changer | 186.26 | 0.57 | 30.25 | 1 | Disaster |
| 7 | Nodidavaru Enanthare | 0.62 | 0.53 | – | 1 | None |
| 8 | Apaayavide Eccharike | 0.51 | 0.46 | – | 1 | None |
| 9 | Rudhra Garuda Purana | 0.51 | 0.44 | – | 1 | None |
| 10 | Sidlingu 2 | 0.48 | 0.43 | – | 1 | None |
Note: The verdicts are based solely on box office earnings and do not account for other revenue streams like OTT, TV, or music rights.
Choo Mantar: Leading the Box Office
“Choo Mantar” has emerged as the top-grossing Kannada film of 2025, amassing a worldwide gross of ₹6.36 crore. With a modest budget of ₹1 crore, the film’s impressive earnings highlight its popularity among audiences.
Game Changer: A High-Budget Misfire
Despite its massive worldwide gross of ₹186.26 crore, “Game Changer” has been labeled a disaster due to its underwhelming performance in the Indian market, collecting only ₹0.57 crore net. The film’s significant overseas earnings couldn’t compensate for its domestic shortcomings.Sacnilk
Emerging Trends in Sandalwood
The 2025 box office trends indicate a growing preference for content-driven films with modest budgets. Movies like “Forest” and “Royal” have performed well, emphasizing the audience’s inclination towards quality storytelling over star power.
