Kaatera

1970s: Kaatera is a blacksmith in Bheemanahalli living with his sister Kumari, brother-in-law Mahadevanna and family. Kaatera has to tackle multiple challenges to implement Land Reforms Act in order for the farmers to escape from the feudal landlords Devaraya and Kaalegowda as they are torturing the farmers to gain tax.

Prabhavathi, the daughter of Shanubogha, has been in love with Kaatera since childhood. Despite reluctance due to caste discrimination, Kaatera accepts her love and Prabhavathi leaves with Kaatera against her parents' wishes. Just before the marriage, Kaatera learns that Devaraya has sent 108 skilled combatants to destroy him and his village. Kaatera kills the combatants and returns home only to find Prabhavathi killed. An enraged Kaatera kills Devaraya for Prabhavathi's death and is imprisoned.

1989: The forensic team finds the skeletons and Reena D'Souza, the forensic officer, tells the police to begin the investigation. Reena learns from a police officer, who was among the combatants, about Kaatera's past and closes the case as natural death due to Kaatera's good nature.

Meanwhile, Mahadevanna and the villagers manage to get Kaatera released on parole. Kaatera attends the festival and meets Prabhavathi's brother Paddu. Kaatera reveals Paddu's involvement in Prabhavathi's death. Paddu reveals that he killed Prabhavathi as he was enraged about her marriage to Kaatera. Kaatera kills Paddu, thus avenging Prabhavathi's death. Kaatera urges the villagers to respect each other and eradicate caste discrimination. Kaatera pays respect to Prabhavathi and returns to prison, hoping that the villagers will change.

{{div col|colwidth=25em}}

• Darshan as Kaatera{{Cite web |last=M |first=Shashiprasad S. |date=2023-09-12 |title=Cinema is bigger than star actors and production houses: Kannada actor Darshan |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/cinema-is-bigger-than-star-actors-and-production-houses-kannada-actor-darshan/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=The South First |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133328/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/cinema-is-bigger-than-star-actors-and-production-houses-kannada-actor-darshan/ |url-status=live }}
• Aradhana Ram as Prabhavathi
• Jagapathi Babu as Devaraya
• Kumar Govind as Mahadevanna
• Vinod Kumar Alva as Kaalegowda
• Shruti as Kumari
• Vaijanath Biradar as Chongla
• Achyuth Kumar
• Danish Akhtar Saifi
• Padma Vasanthi
• Kalyani
• Master Rohit as Puttaraju
• Avinash as Shanubogha
• Srinivasa Murthy
• Shivamani
• Doddanna
• Chandra Kumar
• Ankitha Gowda
• Radha Ramachandra
• Dingri Nagaraj
• Keshav Sheelanere
• Ravi Chethan as Maara
• Shweta Prasad as Reena D'Souza
• Rangavalli Sudheer
• Arun Bachchan
• Manju Srirangapatna
• Keerthi Banu
• Chindodi Vijayakumar
• Anil Kumar
• Sardar Sathya as Kasaba police inspector

{{div col end}}

The initial announcement of the film was made on 16 February 2022 on occasion of Darshan's birthday by Tharun Sudhir without revealing much details.{{Cite web |date=February 19, 2022 |title=Tharun Kishore Sudhir drops D56 theme poster with a bang |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/tharun-kishore-sudhir-drops-d56-theme-poster-with-a-bang/articleshow/89671825.cms |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Bangalore Mirror |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133326/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/tharun-kishore-sudhir-drops-d56-theme-poster-with-a-bang/articleshow/89671825.cms |url-status=live }} The project was initially said to be produced by Umapathy Srinivas Gowda, which did not materialise.{{Cite web |last=indiascreens |date=2022-02-16 |title=Theme poster of 'D56' released on Darshan's birthday – Kannada Screens |url=https://kannadascreens.com/en/theme-poster-of-d56-released-on-darshans-birthday/ |access-date=2023-10-31 |language=en-US |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133327/https://kannadascreens.com/en/theme-poster-of-d56-released-on-darshans-birthday/ |url-status=live }} Later, Rockline Venkatesh took over the project and the announcement was made on 16 February 2022 by releasing a poster. The poster featured a dog leading a band of sheep which created a lot of buzz around the film.{{Cite web |title=Tharun Kishore Sudhir unveils an intriguing poster for D56 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2022/feb/17/tharun-kishore-sudhir-unveils-an-intriguing-poster-for-d56-2420302.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=The New Indian Express |date=17 February 2022 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133327/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2022/feb/17/tharun-kishore-sudhir-unveils-an-intriguing-poster-for-d56-2420302.html |url-status=live }}

Later, Jagapathi Babu was onboarded to play the antagonist role which was confirmed by the director.{{Cite web |title='Jagapathi Babu does justice to any role' |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/interviews/2023/feb/12/jagapathi-babu-does-justice-to-any-role-39912.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=Cinema Express |date=12 February 2023 |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133327/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/interviews/2023/feb/12/jagapathi-babu-does-justice-to-any-role-39912.html |url-status=live }} The team roped in Debutant Aradhana Ram, who is the daughter of actress Malashri.{{Cite web |title=Ananya Ramu rechristened Radhana Ram for Darshan's D56 |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/ananya-ramu-rechristened-radhana-ram-for-darshans-d56/1bca9f7d45961 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133329/https://www.ottplay.com/news/ananya-ramu-rechristened-radhana-ram-for-darshans-d56/1bca9f7d45961 |url-status=live }} A year later on 26 February 2023, the makers announced the title and first look of the film, celebrating the actor's birthday. The project was titled "Kaatera", which is based on the goddess Kaateramma, famous in Karnataka.{{Cite news |date=2023-02-16 |title=The title of Darshan's 'D56' is 'Kaatera' |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/the-title-of-darshans-d56-is-kaatera/articleshow/97969497.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-31 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133327/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/the-title-of-darshans-d56-is-kaatera/articleshow/97969497.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} The project is being co-written by Jagadeesh Kumar Hampi of Guru Shishyaru fame. Renowned dialogue writer Maasti was brought on board. Popular actor Kumar Govind was onboarded on 17 March 2023 on his birthday by releasing a poster.{{Cite news |date=2023-05-17 |title=Darshan's Kaatera team welcomes 'brotherly soul' Kumar Govind to team |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/darshans-kaatera-team-welcomes-brotherly-soul-kumar-govind-to-team/articleshow/100295492.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-31 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=21 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721191929/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/darshans-kaatera-team-welcomes-brotherly-soul-kumar-govind-to-team/articleshow/100295492.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}

Principal photography began with a muhurta on 5 August 2022. The shooting took place in various locations of Bengaluru and Hyderabad.{{Cite web |title=Darshan resumes shooting for Tharun Kishore Sudhir's 'D56' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2022/oct/15/darshan-resumes-shooting-for-tharun-kishore-sudhirs-d56-2508211.html |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=The New Indian Express |date=15 October 2022 |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133327/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2022/oct/15/darshan-resumes-shooting-for-tharun-kishore-sudhirs-d56-2508211.html |url-status=live }} The film organised a press meet on 12 September 2023 in Bangalore, where it was revealed that the major portions of the film had been shot and post production works would begin shortly thereafter.{{Cite web |title=Challenging Star Darshan: Kaatera is 95% done; will be in theatres shortly |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/challenging-star-darshan-kaatera-is-95-done-will-be-in-theatres-shortly/57ac9b17fd768 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133334/https://www.ottplay.com/news/challenging-star-darshan-kaatera-is-95-done-will-be-in-theatres-shortly/57ac9b17fd768 |url-status=live }}

{{Infobox album|

| name = Kaatera

| type = soundtrack

| artist = V. Harikrishna

| cover =

| alt =

| released = 2023

| recorded = 2023

| venue =

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length =

| label = Anand Audio

| producer = V. Harikrishna

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

| next_title =

| next_year =

}}

V. Harikrishna, a long time and frequent collaborator of Darshan, composed the music.{{Cite web |title=Not Ajaneesh or Charanraj, Tharun falls back on Darshan's trusted companion V Harikrishna for Kaatera |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/not-ajaneesh-or-charanraj-tharun-falls-back-on-darshans-trusted-companion-v-harikrishna-for-kaatera/598df57ef4638 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133327/https://www.ottplay.com/news/not-ajaneesh-or-charanraj-tharun-falls-back-on-darshans-trusted-companion-v-harikrishna-for-kaatera/598df57ef4638 |url-status=live }}

{{Track listing

| collapsed =

| headline =

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| total_length = 31:02

| all_writing =

| all_lyrics =

| all_music =

| title1 = Pasandaagavne

| lyrics1 = Chethan Kumar

| extra1 = Mangli

| length1 = 5:42

| title2 = Yaava Janumada Gelathi

| lyrics2 = V. Nagendra Prasad

| extra2 = Hemanth Kumar, Rakshita Suresh

| length2 = 4:35

| title3 = Anuragava Kalisalu

| lyrics3 = Yogaraj Bhat

| extra3 = Vani Harikrishna

| length3 = 5:39

| title4 = Punyathma

| lyrics4 = Nagarjun Sharma

| extra4 = Vijay Prakash

| length4 = 5:23

| title5 = Kaatera Theme

| lyrics5 = Punith Arya

| extra5 = Aniruddha Shastry, Madhwesh Bharadwaj, Abhishek M. R., Vishak Nagalapura

| length5 = 5:12

}}

Initially, the producer was aiming to release the film on occasion of Dasara, which did not happen due to production delays.{{cite news |date=10 July 2023 |title=The much awaited movie 'Kaatera' is releasing during Dasara festival |newspaper=Kannada Prabha |url=https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/2023/jul/10/we-aim-to-bring-kaatera-to-the-screens-during-the-dasara-festival-497937.html |accessdate=11 August 2023 |archive-date=11 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811110659/https://www.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/2023/jul/10/we-aim-to-bring-kaatera-to-the-screens-during-the-dasara-festival-497937.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |author=A Sharada |date=10 July 2023 |title=We aim to bring Kaatera to the screes during the Dasara festival. |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2023/jul/10/we-aim-to-bring-kaatera-to-the-screens-during-the-dasara-festival-2593110.html |access-date=11 August 2023}} It is being speculated that the team are eyeing Sankranti or February 2024 release.{{Cite web |title=Challenging Star Darshan's Kaatera to be a 2024 Republic Day release? Here's what we know... |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/challenging-star-darshans-kaatera-to-be-a-2024-republic-day-release-heres-what-we-know/aacb18bd5d563 |access-date=2023-10-31 |website=OTTPlay |language=en |archive-date=31 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031133332/https://www.ottplay.com/news/challenging-star-darshans-kaatera-to-be-a-2024-republic-day-release-heres-what-we-know/aacb18bd5d563 |url-status=live }} The makers announced that the film will be releasing on 29 December 2023, through a special video.{{Cite web |last=B |first=Praveen Chandra |title=Kaatera Release Date: ಚಾಲೆಂಜಿಂಗ್‌ ಸ್ಟಾರ್‌ ದರ್ಶನ್‌ ನಟನೆಯ ಕಾಟೇರ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ದಿನಾಂಕ ಪ್ರಕಟ, ಫ್ಯಾನ್ಸ್‌ಗೆ ಖುಷಿಯೋ ಖುಷಿ |url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-challenging-star-darshan-kaatera-kannada-movie-release-date-announced-december-29-2023-pcp-181701255086739.html |access-date=2023-11-29 |website=Kannada Hindustan Times |language=kn |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204105018/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/t/sandalwood-news-challenging-star-darshan-kaatera-kannada-movie-release-date-announced-december-29-2023-pcp-181701255086739.html |url-status=live }} Post the film's positive reviews and collections, the makers announced that the production house is aiming for a grand overseas release, starting with Dubai. Additionally, the film is set to have theatrical run in around 9 countries including Germany, UK, the USA, Canada, and Ireland.{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/jan/01/kaatera-set-to-make-a-big-splash-overseas-2646576.html|title='Kaatera' set to make a big splash overseas|website=The New Indian Express|date=January 2024 |access-date=1 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101065300/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/jan/01/kaatera-set-to-make-a-big-splash-overseas-2646576.html|url-status=live}}

ZEE5 and Zee Kannada bought the digital streaming and satellite rights of the film.{{cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaatera-on-ott-where-to-watch-challenging-star-darshans-film-after-its-theatrical-run/b41db69811830|title=Kaatera on OTT: Where to watch Challenging Star Darshan's film after its theatrical run|website=OTTplay|access-date=31 December 2023|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231063223/https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaatera-on-ott-where-to-watch-challenging-star-darshans-film-after-its-theatrical-run/b41db69811830|url-status=live}} The film was premiered on ZEE5 on February 9, 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/020124/zee5-bags-darshans-kaatera-digital-streaming-rights.html|title=Kaatera OTT Release Date|website=Deccan Chronicle|date=2 January 2024 |access-date=22 February 2024}}

A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Kaatera steers away from conventional mass formulas, and full credit should go to director Tharun Kishore Sudhir and his co-writer Jadeshaa K Hampi."{{cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/dec/30/kaatera-movie-review-darshan-wields-his-finest-weapon-yet-2646053.html|title='Kaatera' movie review: Darshan wields his finest weapon yet|website=The New Indian Express|date=30 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-30|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062819/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2023/dec/30/kaatera-movie-review-darshan-wields-his-finest-weapon-yet-2646053.html|url-status=live}} Y. Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror gave 4/5 stars and wrote "It is worth a watch by all and a must for Darshan's fans."{{cite news|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/kaatera-kannada-movie-review-wholesome-family-entertainer/articleshow/106387306.cms|title=Kaatera (Kannada) Movie Review: Wholesome family entertainer|website=Bangalore Mirror|access-date=2023-12-29|language=en|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107070923/https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/kaatera-kannada-movie-review-wholesome-family-entertainer/articleshow/106387306.cms|url-status=live}}

S. Sridevi of The Times of India gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "The movie drives home an important message while being a perfect star vehicle for Darshan. Now is a good time to say, 'Welcome back, Darshan – the performer.'"{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/kaatera/movie-review/106374484.cms|title=Kaatera Movie Review: Kaatera: A Film That Brings Out Darshan In His Full Glory As A Mass Hero And Performer|website=The Times of India|access-date=2023-12-29|language=en|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107070923/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/kaatera/movie-review/106374484.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}} Swaroop Kadur of OTTplay gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "'Kaatera' could have definitely benefitted from a more taut screenplay and shorter runtime, but the film is certainly worth a watch. The film doesn't mindlessly rely upon its lead actor's star status and instead attempts to drive home a message in engaging, mostly entertaining ways."{{cite news|url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/kaatera-review-challenging-star-darshan-is-solid-effective-in-tharun-sudhirs-well-meaning-film/084c85e7e5793|title=Kaatera review - Challenging Star Darshan is solid, effective in Tharun Sudhir's well-meaning film|website=OTTplay|access-date=2023-12-29|language=en|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107070923/https://www.ottplay.com/review/kaatera-review-challenging-star-darshan-is-solid-effective-in-tharun-sudhirs-well-meaning-film/084c85e7e5793|url-status=live}}

Vivek M. V. of The Hindu wrote "Despite celebrating Darshan's 'mass' appeal, 'Kaatera' doesn't lose sight of its subject, as it balances its message nearly with good dose of entertainment."{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kaatera-movie-review-darshan-powers-tharun-sudhirs-old-school-commercial-entertainer/article67686760.ece|title='Kaatera' movie review: Darshan powers Tharun Sudhir's old-school commercial entertainer|website=The Hindu|date=29 December 2023 |access-date=2023-12-29|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062819/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kaatera-movie-review-darshan-powers-tharun-sudhirs-old-school-commercial-entertainer/article67686760.ece|url-status=live |last1=m. v |first1=Vivek }}

From Day 1, there have been contrasting reports with respect to box office collections officially announced by the makers and the amount estimated by the industry trackers. While Vijaya Karnataka reported that the first day collections officially announced by the makers was ₹19.79 crores,{{cite web|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-starrer-kaatera-movie-first-day-box-office-collection-report/amp_articleshow/106394857.cms|title=ದರ್ಶನ್, ಆರಾಧನಾರ 'Kaatera' ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮೊದಲ ದಿನ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದೆಷ್ಟು?|website=Vijay Karnataka|access-date=2023-12-30|language=kn|archive-date=30 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230091615/https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-starrer-kaatera-movie-first-day-box-office-collection-report/amp_articleshow/106394857.cms|url-status=live}} Hindustan Times cautioned that the actual figure might be only ₹9 crores as per trade.{{cite web|url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/amp/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-1-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-mints-9-crore-in-india-pcp-181703896090755.html|title=Kaatera Day 1 Collection: ಮೊದಲ ದಿನವೇ ಬಾಕ್ಸ್‌ ಆಫೀಸ್‌ ರಾಜನಾದ ಕಾಟೇರ; ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಬಹುಕೋಟಿ ಗಳಿಸಿದ ದರ್ಶನ್‌ ಸಿನಿಮಾ|website=Hindustan Times Kannada|access-date=2023-12-30|language=kn|archive-date=30 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230091615/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/amp/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-1-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-mints-9-crore-in-india-pcp-181703896090755.html|url-status=live}} Vijayavani reported the gross first day collection to be ₹14.79 crores which was ₹5 crore equidistant from both the trade figures and official figures.{{Cite news|date=2023-12-29|title=Kaatera First Day Collections Revealed|work=Vijayavani|url=https://www.vijayavani.net/kaatera-fd-collection-revealed|access-date=2023-12-29|archive-date=29 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229171805/https://www.vijayavani.net/kaatera-fd-collection-revealed|url-status=live}} OTT Play and Times of India reported the first day net collections to be ₹11 crores.{{cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaatera-box-office-collection-darshans-film-makes-strong-start-eyes-solid-opening-weekend/82ba48a090962|title=Kaatera Box Office Collection – Darshan's film makes strong start, eyes solid opening weekend|website=OTTplay|access-date=2023-12-30|language=en|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231062819/https://www.ottplay.com/news/kaatera-box-office-collection-darshans-film-makes-strong-start-eyes-solid-opening-weekend/82ba48a090962|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-1-darshans-film-mints-rs-11-crore-on-the-opening-day/articleshow/106422456.cms|title='Kaatera' box office collection day 1: Darshan's film mints Rs 11 crore on the opening day|newspaper=The Times of India |date=31 December 2023|access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101062822/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-1-darshans-film-mints-rs-11-crore-on-the-opening-day/articleshow/106422456.cms|url-status=live}}

Similar to Day 1, there were varying reports with respect to Day 2 collections – while the makers announced that the two day gross was ₹37.14 crores,{{Cite web|url=https://tv9kannada.com/entertainment/sandalwood/kaatera-movie-collection-darshan-starrer-kaatera-2nd-day-box-office-collection-reaches-rs-37-cr-mdn-751433.html|title=2 ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ 37 ಕೋಟಿ ರೂಪಾಯಿ ಗಳಿಸಿದ 'ಕಾಟೇರ'; ಜೋರಾಗಿದೆ ದರ್ಶನ್ ಅಬ್ಬರ|date=31 December 2023|website=TV9 Kannada|access-date=31 December 2023|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231063238/https://tv9kannada.com/entertainment/sandalwood/kaatera-movie-collection-darshan-starrer-kaatera-2nd-day-box-office-collection-reaches-rs-37-cr-mdn-751433.html|url-status=live}} Deccan Chronicle pegged it at only ₹18.85 crores{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/sandalwood/311223/darshans-kaatera-second-day-box-office-collections.html|title=Kaatera Day 2 Collections: Darshan Movie Box Office Rampage On|date=31 December 2023 |access-date=31 December 2023|archive-date=31 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231130051/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/sandalwood/311223/darshans-kaatera-second-day-box-office-collections.html|url-status=live}} and Jagran estimated an even lower figure of ₹17.75 crores.{{Cite web|url=https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-2-darshan-starrer-remains-stable-after-opening-to-good-numbers-10123961|title=Kaatera Box Office Collection Day 2: Darshan-Starrer Remains Stable After Opening To Good Numbers|website=English Jagran|date=31 December 2023 |access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101034118/https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-2-darshan-starrer-remains-stable-after-opening-to-good-numbers-10123961|url-status=live}} The trade estimated the first weekend gross to be only ₹27.60 crore{{Cite web|url=https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-3-darshan-led-kannada-movie-performs-well-10124060|title=Kaatera Box Office Collection Day 3: Darshan-Led Kannada Movie Performs Well|website=English Jagran|date=January 2024 |access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101055450/https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-3-darshan-led-kannada-movie-performs-well-10124060|url-status=live}} to ₹35 crore {{Cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/kaatera-box-office-collection-darshans-actioner-ends-opening-weekend-on-a-high/904fa63434542|title=Kaatera box office collection – Darshan's actioner ends opening weekend on a high|website=www.ottplay.com|access-date=2 January 2024|archive-date=2 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102023825/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/kaatera-box-office-collection-darshans-actioner-ends-opening-weekend-on-a-high/904fa63434542|url-status=live}} as against ₹58.08 crore declared by the makers.{{Cite web|url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kannada-movie-kaatera-day-3-collection-darshan-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-film-mints-cr-pcp-181704081332527.html|title=Kaatera Day 3 Collection: ಮೂರನೇ ದಿನವೂ ಗಲ್ಲಾಪೆಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಕೊಳ್ಳೆಹೊಡೆದ ದರ್ಶನ್‌-ಆರಾಧನಾ ನಟನೆಯ ಕಾಟೇರ, ಇಲ್ಲಿದೆ ಬಾಕ್ಸ್‌ ಆಫೀಸ್ ವರದಿ|first=Praveen Chandra|last=B|website=Kannada Hindustan Times|access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=1 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240101054057/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kannada-movie-kaatera-day-3-collection-darshan-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-film-mints-cr-pcp-181704081332527.html|url-status=live}} Similarly, at the end of first Monday, the makers declared a gross of ₹76.34 crores{{Cite web|url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-4-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-mints-77-crore-in-karnataka-mn-181704172866572.html|title=Kaatera Day 4 Collection: ಬಾಕ್ಸ್‌ಆಫೀಸ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಲ್ಕನೇ ದಿನವೂ 'ಕಾಟೇರ' ಸುನಾಮಿ! ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್‌ ಎಷ್ಟಾಯ್ತು?|first=Manjunath B.|last=Kotagunasi|website=Kannada Hindustan Times|access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=6 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106022139/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-4-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-ram-mints-77-crore-in-karnataka-mn-181704172866572.html|url-status=live}} as against trade figure of ₹36.89 crores.{{Cite web|url=https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-4-darshan-kannada-action-drama-passes-monday-test-10124250|title=Kaatera Box Office Collection Day 4: Darshan's Kannada Action Drama Passes Monday Test|website=English Jagran|date=2 January 2024 |access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105130116/https://english.jagran.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-4-darshan-kannada-action-drama-passes-monday-test-10124250|url-status=live}} Continuing with the tradition, the difference between producer figure and trade figure continued to be more than 50% even after 5 day of release – with the trade estimating the gross collection to be around ₹ 41.40 crores {{Cite web|url=https://www.abplive.com/entertainment/south-cinema/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-5-tharun-sudhir-darshan-jagapathi-babu-film-india-net-collection-2576218|title=सालार के तूफान में भी जमकर कमाई कर रही है ये कन्नड़ फिल्म, पांच दिनों में वसूल लिया बजट|first=एबीपी एंटरटेनमेंट|last=डेस्क|date=3 January 2024|website=www.abplive.com|access-date=3 January 2024|archive-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103162214/https://www.abplive.com/entertainment/south-cinema/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-5-tharun-sudhir-darshan-jagapathi-babu-film-india-net-collection-2576218|url-status=live}} to ₹44 crores{{Cite web|url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/this-south-film-created-a-stir-in-salaar-noise-as-movie-collected-budget-in-5-days-4790413|title=Kaatera Box Office Collection: सालार के आगे साउथ की इस फिल्म ने मचाया तहलका, 5 दिनों में हासिल किया बजट का कलेक्शन|website=NDTVIndia|access-date=5 January 2024|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105160254/https://ndtv.in/bollywood/this-south-film-created-a-stir-in-salaar-noise-as-movie-collected-budget-in-5-days-4790413|url-status=live}} as against the producer figure of ₹86.84 crores.{{Cite web|url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-5-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-mints-86-crore-in-karnataka-mnk-181704253943188.html|title=Kaatera Day 5 Collection: 'ಕಾಟೇರ' ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಐದನೇ ದಿನವೂ ಬಂಪರ್;‌ ನೂರು ಕೋಟಿಗೆ ಇನ್ನೆಷ್ಟು ಬೇಕು?|first=Manjunath B.|last=Kotagunasi|website=Kannada Hindustan Times|access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103162218/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-5-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-mints-86-crore-in-karnataka-mnk-181704253943188.html|url-status=live}} The total gross at the end of Day 6 was reported to be ₹95.36 crores.{{Cite web |last=Kotagunasi |first=Manjunath B. |title=Kaatera Day 6 Collection: ಆರನೇ ದಿನವೂ ಕಾಟೇರನ ಬೊಕ್ಕಸಕ್ಕೆ ಕೋಟಿ ಕೋಟಿ! ಶತಕೋಟಿಗೆ ಬೇಕು ಕೇವಲ ಇಷ್ಟೇ ಮೊತ್ತ |url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/photos/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-6-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-mints-95-crore-in-karnataka-mnk-181704350750382.html |access-date=2024-01-04 |website=Kannada Hindustan Times |language=kn |archive-date=4 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240104154136/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/photos/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-6-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-mints-95-crore-in-karnataka-mnk-181704350750382.html |url-status=live }} The total first week gross collections were reported to be ₹104.58 crores by the makers{{Cite web|url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/photos/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-7-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-mints-104-crore-in-karnataka-mnk-181704423699278.html|title=Kaatera Day 7 Collection: ಒಂದೇ ವಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಶತಕೋಟಿಗೆ ಮುತ್ತಿಕ್ಕಿದ ಕಾಟೇರ! ದರ್ಶನ್‌ ಸಿನಿ ಕೆರಿಯರ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೊಸ ದಾಖಲೆ ಸೃಷ್ಟಿ|first=Manjunath B.|last=Kotagunasi|website=Kannada Hindustan Times|access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105155047/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/photos/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-7-challenging-star-darshan-aradhana-mints-104-crore-in-karnataka-mnk-181704423699278.html|url-status=live}} as against the trade estimate of only ₹45.50 crores{{Cite web|url=https://hindustanntimes.in/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-8/|title=Kaatera Box Office Collection Day 8 – Hindustanntimes|date=4 January 2024|access-date=5 January 2024|archive-date=5 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105160138/https://hindustanntimes.in/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-8/|url-status=live}} – further widening the gap between the two figures by a staggering 130%.

The trade estimated the net collections to be ₹55.58 crores {{Cite web|url=https://hindustanntimes.in/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-11/|title=Kaatera box office collection day 11 India & Worldwide – Hindustanntimes|date=7 January 2024|access-date=7 January 2024|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107091708/https://hindustanntimes.in/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-11/|url-status=live}} - which resulted in a whopping ₹49 crores difference between the gross figures declared and the net figures estimated. The net collections at the end of two weeks was reported to be around ₹59.90 crores{{Cite web |url=https://ndtv.in/bollywood/no-promotion-no-social-media-trend-this-south-movie-45-crore-budget-double-collection-in-new-7-film-releases-4860096/amp/1 |title=ना प्रमोशन, ना सोशल मीडिया पर चर्चा, फिर भी बॉक्स ऑफिस पर रिलीज हुई 7 फिल्में के बीच 45 करोड़ के बजट की दोगुनी कमाई |access-date=20 January 2024 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121065127/https://ndtv.in/bollywood/no-promotion-no-social-media-trend-this-south-movie-45-crore-budget-double-collection-in-new-7-film-releases-4860096 |url-status=live }} to ₹65.57 crores.{{Cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-150647353.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALdVWcVRnAGjP_pCk80gmtMsQgAnwoufDdlpqjX9D_a5Gt5Cq8F_mb5onNsp4sAIraHOaWC3XhbTPtfD7oQRpOJX0EP0g-IRnU9Cst-ZKrk5u_MXinZeGz07JwlY19KLPbGBdOK1ti-o0QC6wg6pprfedZLlWl8d3sNBRVJFuleb |title=Kaatera Box Office Collection Day 12: Darshan's Movie Hits $7 Million |date=10 January 2024 |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121065211/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kaatera-box-office-collection-day-150647353.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALdVWcVRnAGjP_pCk80gmtMsQgAnwoufDdlpqjX9D_a5Gt5Cq8F_mb5onNsp4sAIraHOaWC3XhbTPtfD7oQRpOJX0EP0g-IRnU9Cst-ZKrk5u_MXinZeGz07JwlY19KLPbGBdOK1ti-o0QC6wg6pprfedZLlWl8d3sNBRVJFuleb |url-status=live }} While the makers announced that the movie had become the highest grosser in the state with ₹190.89 crores collected in 19 days,{{Cite web |url=https://m.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/2024/jan/17/actor-darshan-starrer-kaatera-movie-collects-190-crores-510400.amp |title=ಬಾಕ್ಸ್ ಆಫೀಸ್ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ದಾಖಲೆ: 200 ಕೋಟಿ ಕ್ಲಬ್ ನತ್ತ ಮುನ್ನುಗಿದ 'ದರ್ಶನ್' ಕಾಟೇರ! |date=6 January 2024 |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117143917/https://m.kannadaprabha.com/cinema/news/2024/jan/17/actor-darshan-starrer-kaatera-movie-collects-190-crores-510400.amp |url-status=live }} Hindustan Times noted the huge difference between the figures declared by the makers and the amount estimated by the trackers.{{Cite web|url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-9-darshan-movies-mints-crores-in-karnataka-and-world-box-office-pcp-181704601775787.html|title=Kaatera Day 9 Collection: ಮುಂದುವರೆದ ದರ್ಶನ್‌ ಕಾಟೇರ ಅಬ್ಬರ; 9 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬಾಕ್ಸ್‌ ಆಫೀಸ್‌ ರಾಜನಾಗಿ ಮೆರೆದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಿನಿಮಾ|first=Praveen Chandra|last=B|website=Kannada Hindustan Times|access-date=8 January 2024|archive-date=8 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108065923/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-kaatera-box-office-collection-day-9-darshan-movies-mints-crores-in-karnataka-and-world-box-office-pcp-181704601775787.html|url-status=live}} The makers announced the gross collections to be ₹206 crores at the end of 20 days{{Cite web |url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/amp/entertainment/sandalwood-news-darshan-tarun-sudhir-combination-kaatera-created-history-by-collecting-200-crores-at-the-box-office-mnk-181705640423271.html |title=Kaatera 200 Crore: ಬಾಕ್ಸ್‌ ಆಫೀಸ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಲ್ತಾನನಾದ 'ಕಾಟೇರ'! ದರ್ಶನ್‌ ಬತ್ತಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಮೊದಲ 200 ಕೋಟಿ ಕಲೆಕ್ಷನ್‌ ಗರಿಮೆ |access-date=20 January 2024 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121065207/https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/amp/entertainment |url-status=live }} but the tracked collections was reported to be only ₹100 crores after 22 days of its release.{{Cite web |url=https://kannada.asianetnews.com/video/sandalwood/kaatera-movie-total-collection-is-200-crore-nbn-s7jlv4 |title=Kaatera: ಬಾಕ್ಸಾಫೀಸ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ 'ಕಾಟೇರ' ಬಿಗ್ ಸಕ್ಸಸ್..! 100 ಕೋಟಿ ಕ್ಲಬ್ ಸೇರಿದ್ದು ಯಾರೆಲ್ಲಾ ಗೊತ್ತಾ..? |access-date=20 January 2024 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121065104/https://kannada.asianetnews.com/amp/video/sandalwood/kaatera-movie-total-collection-is-200-crore-nbn-s7jlv4 |url-status=live }} OTT Play speculated that the collections could have been inflated since the weekly collections and footfalls couldn't match up.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/team-kaatera-releases-rs-200-crore-box-office-poster-but-does-the-math-add-up/dfd92e36e146 |title=Team Kaatera releases Rs 200 crore box office poster; but does the math add up? |access-date=21 January 2024 |archive-date=21 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240121065212/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/news/team-kaatera-releases-rs-200-crore-box-office-poster-but-does-the-math-add-up/dfd92e36e146 |url-status=live }} A report in January 2024 called the movie the highest grosser of the year with a total collection of ₹216 crore{{cite web |date=20 January 2024|title=Darshan's Kaatera joins the Rs 200-crore club|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/Jan/20/darshans-kaatera-joins-the-rs-200-crore-club|access-date=20 January 2024|website=THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS|language=en}} but in mid - 2024, the collections reported by multiple sources were in total contrast - ranging from ₹200 croreshttps://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/what-explains-this-dry-spell-for-kannada-cinema-3145033#google_vignette to a paltry ₹25 crores.https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/movies-and-mass-heroes-are-scarce-in-the-kannada-industry/ However, the trade estimated the final gross to be around ₹65 crores. Reports emerged later that though the movie was the highest grosser of the year, the collections were only ₹67 crores.{{cite web | url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/record-2022-kannada-cinema-saw-steep-decline-box-office-numbers-2023-not-single-film-crossed-even-rs-70-cr-mark-footfalls-8-1-cr-3-2-cr/ | title=After a record 2022, Kannada cinema saw a STEEP decline in box office numbers in 2023; not a SINGLE film crossed even the Rs. 70 cr. Mark; footfalls down from 8.1 cr. To 3.2 cr. :Bollywood Box Office - Bollywood Hungama | website=Bollywood Hungama | date=31 January 2024 }}

{{reflist}}

; Notes

{{notelist}}

• {{IMDb title|26744208}}
• [https://www.zee5.com/movies/details/kaatera/0-0-1z5508837 Kaatera] on ZEE5

{{SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada}}

Category:2020s Kannada-language films

Category:2023 films

Category:Indian action films

Category:Rockline Entertainments films

Category:Indian films about revenge

Category:Films scored by V. Harikrishna

Category:Films set in 1970

Category:Films about farmers

Category:Films shot in Bengaluru

Category:Films about social issues in India