View source for K.G.F: Chapter 1

{{Short description|2018 Indian period action film}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = K.G.F: Chapter 1
| image          = K.G.F Chapter 1 poster.jpg
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Prashanth Neel]]
| writer         = '''Dialogues by :-'''<br>Prashanth Neel<br>Chandramouli.M<br>Dr. Suri<br>Vinay Shivangi
| screenplay     = Prashanth Neel
| story          = Prashanth Neel
| producer       = Vijay Kiragandur
| narrator       = 
| cinematography = [[Bhuvan Gowda]]
| starring       = {{Plain list|
* [[Yash (actor)|Yash]]
* [[Ramachandra Raju]]
* [[Srinidhi Shetty]]
* [[Vasishta N. Simha]]
* [[Archana Jois]]
* [[Anant Nag]]
* [[Achyuth Kumar]]
* [[Malavika Avinash]]
* [[T. S. Nagabharana]]
* [[B. Suresha]]
}}
| music          = [[Ravi Basrur]]
| editing        = [[Srikanth Gowda]]
| studio         = [[Hombale Films]]
| distributor    = {{Plain list|
* [[KRG Studios]] (Kannada)
* [[Excel Entertainment]] and [[AA Films]] (Hindi)
* [[Vishal Film Factory]]  (Tamil)
* [[Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram]] (Telugu)
* [[Global United Media]] (Malayalam)
}}
| released       = {{Film date|df=yes|2018|12|20|[[United States]] & [[Canada]]|2018|12|21|[[India]]}}
| runtime        = 155 minutes<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nathan |first1=Archana |title='KGF' film review: Lots of style and not enough substance |url=https://scroll.in/reel/906565/kgf-film-review-lots-of-style-and-not-enough-substance |website=Scroll.in |access-date=23 December 2018 |date=21 December 2018}}</ref>
| country        = India
| language       = Kannada
| budget         = {{INR|80 crore|link=yes}}<ref name="zeebiz"/>
| gross          = {{Estimation}} {{INR|250 crore|link=yes}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-kgf-chapter-2-box-office-collection-sanjay-dutt-farhan-akhtar-yash-starrer-106870|title=KGF: Chapter 2 - This Bollywood actor to boost box office collections of Yash starrer?|website=www.zeebiz.com|date=29 July 2019}}</ref><ref name="kgf1">{{citation|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/yash-reveals-he-has-approached-sanjay-dutt-for-kgf-chapter-2-1452187-2019-02-09
| title=Yash's film KGF: Chapter 1 made Rs 250 crore at the box office worldwide and became a magnum-opus. Now, the makers are busy with pre-production work of KGF: Chapter 2.|date=2019-02-09|work=indiatoday}}</ref>
}}

'''''K.G.F: Chapter 1''''' is a 2018 Indian [[Kannada]]-language [[Period piece|period]] [[action film]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/05/no-technology-can-replace-the-theatrical-experience-1907707.html |title=The story of KGF is fresh and special for Indian cinema: Yash|publisher=[[The New Indian Express]]|quote=With Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar’s 2.0 clawing its way up the Indian box-office — arriving on the heels of Baahubali 1 and 2, which proved the theatrical potential of epic crossover films — Kannada cinema seems ready with a massive offering in the period action genre, KGF: Chapter 1.}}</ref> written and directed by [[Prashanth Neel]], and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner of [[Hombale Films]]. It is the first of two installments in the [[K.G.F (film series)|series]], followed by ''[[K.G.F: Chapter 2]]''. The film features an [[ensemble cast]] including [[Yash (actor)|Yash]], [[Ramachandra Raju]], [[Srinidhi Shetty]], [[Vasishta N. Simha]], [[Achyuth Kumar]], [[Anant Nag]], [[Archana Jois]], [[T. S. Nagabharana]], [[B. Suresha]] and [[Malavika Avinash]]. Filmed on a budget of {{INRConvert|800|m|lk=r|year=2018}}, it was the [[List of most expensive Indian films#Kannada|most expensive Kannada film]] at the time of its release.<ref name="zeebiz">{{cite web|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-kgf-box-office-collection-record-1st-kannada-movie-to-release-in-pakistan-earns-whopping-rs-200-cr-worldwide-80693|title=KGF Box Office collection: Record! 1st Kannada movie to release in Pakistan; earns whopping Rs 200 cr worldwide|date=17 January 2019|website=Zee Business}}</ref> In the film, Rocky, a high-ranking mercenary, working for a prominent gold mafia in [[Bombay]], seeks power and wealth in order to fulfill his mother's promise. Due to his high fame, the leaders of the gold mafia where he works hires him to assassinate Garuda, the son of the founder of [[Kolar Gold Fields]].

The film's development began in early 2015, after Neel finished writing the screenplay.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yash And Radhika Pandit To Pair Up Again In KGF! |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2015/yash-and-radhika-pandit-to-pair-up-again-in-kgf-175889.html |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=Filmibeat |date=6 March 2015 |language=en}}</ref> Filming began two years later, in January 2017. Most of the film is set in the [[Kolar Gold Fields]] and was filmed in locales such as [[Kolar]], [[Mysore]], and parts of [[North Karnataka]]. The film's production was completed in August 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yash discusses risks of shooting on a gold mine for KGF |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/yash-discusses-risks-of-shooting-on-gold-mines-for-kgf-5501520/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=25 December 2018 |language=en-IN |date=20 December 2018}}</ref> [[Bhuvan Gowda]] handled the cinematography and [[Srikanth Gowda]] edited the film. Composer [[Ravi Basrur]] scored the film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar |first1=Hemanth |title=KGF: Chapter 1 — Yash, director Prashanth Neel on their upcoming film, and taking cues from SS Rajamouli |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kgf-chapter-1-yash-director-prashanth-neel-on-their-upcoming-film-and-taking-cues-from-ss-rajamouli-5738141.html |website=Firstpost |access-date=25 December 2018 |language=en |date=16 December 2018}}</ref>

The Kannada version of ''K.G.F: Chapter 1'' was released on 20 December 2018 and the dubbed versions in [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Malayalam]] and [[Hindi]] released the next day.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hooli |first1=Shekhar H. |title=KGF movie review: This is what Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam audience say about Yash starrer |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-chapter-1-movie-review-rating-by-non-kannada-viewers-live-updates-788451 |access-date=25 December 2018 |work=International Business Times, India Edition |date=21 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The film received positive reviews from critics and dialogues from the film became famous worldwide. Due to this, the film performed well commercially and collected {{INRConvert|2.5|b|year=2018}} in its entire theatrical run, becoming the [[List of Highest-grossing Kannada films|highest-grossing Kannada film]] and turned out to be a [[Cult following|cult hit]].<ref name="kgf12">{{citation|title=Yash's film KGF: Chapter 1 made more than Rs 250 crore at the box office worldwide and became a magnum-opus. Now, the makers are busy with pre-production work of KGF: Chapter 2.|date=2019-02-09|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/yash-reveals-he-has-approached-sanjay-dutt-for-kgf-chapter-2-1452187-2019-02-09|work=indiatoday}}</ref> At the [[66th National Film Awards]], the film won two awards for [[National Film Award for Best Stunt Choreography|Stunt Choreography]] and [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=192564|title=66th National Film Awards for 2018 announced|publisher=Press Information Bureau Government of India Ministry of Information & Broadcasting}}</ref> At the [[66th Filmfare Awards South]], the film won two awards from five nominations, including the award for [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Best Film]] and [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada|Best Actor]] for Yash.

== Plot == 
Journalist Anand Ingalagi's book ''[[El Dorado]]'', which detailed the events at the [[Kolar Gold Fields]] (K.G.F) between 1951 and 2018, was banned by the Indian government, but a television news channel procures a copy and interviews him.

Government officials discovered gold [[ore]] in southern [[Mysore State]] in 1951. On the same day, Raja "Rocky" Krishnappa Bairya was born to a poor underage Shanti. Suryavardhan, a powerful don who accompanied them, has the officials killed and leases the land for 99 years under the pretext of running Narachi, a [[limestone]] mine, but secretly establishes K.G.F. He had five associates: Kamal, son of Suryavardhan's late associate who looks after gold refinery in Varca; Rajendra Desai, who oversees the transportation of refined gold bars coming from the refinery; Andrews, who oversees the gold smuggling in the [[Western Coastal Plains|Western Coast]]; Guru Pandian, president of the in-government DYSS party who gave political influence to Suryavardhan; and Adheera, Suryavardhan's younger brother, know for his ruthlessness, headed the K.G.F security. Suryavardhan suffers a [[stroke]] and appoints his elder son Garuda as the future heir of K.G.F. Suryavardhan expected Adheera to serve as his son's aide, but Adheera unsuccessfully attempts to assasinate Garuda. In turn, Garuda bombs Adheera's car and he is presumed dead. Suryavardhan's associates eye the riches of K.G.F and plans to assassinate Garuda.

Rocky arrives in [[Bombay]] as a ten-year-old on a quest for wealth and power as desired by his dying mother, and begins to work for Shetty, a gold smuggler and Andrews' underboss, who competes against a [[Dubai]]-based underworld don Inayat Khalil. Years later, he rises in ranks and oversees the arrival of 'African' gold bars to the Bombay coast. Rocky's influence begins to rival Shetty's own. Andrews', who notices this, offers him Bombay in return for assassinating Garuda. Rocky accepts the offer and heads to [[Bangalore]]; he meets Desai's daughter Reena and falls in love with her. This irritates Reena's fiance Kamal, who immediately dislikes Rocky. A statue inaugration is organised for luring Garuda out of K.G.F. With the help of Desai, Andrews, Kamal and Andrews' secretary Daya, Rocky enters the party office with a smuggled [[pistol]]. But the attempt is averted even before it began when they are spotted by Garuda's bodyguards. Rocky witnesses the authority and power that Garuda commands. Seeing no other option to murder Garuda, Rocky journeys to K.G.F, killing a unit of Garuda's henchmen to enter. The workers in K.G.F, who were forcibly kidnapped, are subjected to inhumane conditions and treated as slaves. Rocky becomes one of them and although apathetic at first, he is moved by the cold-blooded murder of a mother and son by a guard. Rocky stealthily accesses the map of the mine in the maintenance room during a roll call and narrowly escapes death after a fellow slave sacrifices himself to save the lives of his wife and unborn child. Andrews, Kamal and Desai are misinformed about the incident and assume Rocky is killed.

Rocky engages in a fight with an entire unit of twenty-three guards, killing each one of them to save a blind slave they were about to brutally murder. With this act, Rocky emerges as a messiah in the slaves' eyes. He orders them to burn the guards' corpses to let Andrews' and his men know he is still alive via their informants, Kulkarni and Garuda's younger brother Virat. Garuda prepares to leave his residence to investigate the fire and missing guards. To avert this, Virat smothers Suryavardhan, in order to sidetrack Garuda, who rushes back home.

Shaken by the recent bad turn of events, Garuda orders [[Maa Kaali]]'s ritual to be rescheduled from the following week to the next day, planning to kill his father's allies as soon as the ritual is complete. The next day, Rocky heads unsuspected through a tunnel to the site where Garuda has decided to behead three slaves as [[human sacrifice|offerings]] to the goddess, as Vanaram discovers that the third slave to be beheaded was found dead inside his prison cell. Upon Garuda's arrival and sacrifice of two slaves, a concealed Rocky, who had taken the third slave's place, emerges and beheads him. The ecstatic slaves accept Rocky as their leader.

Ingalagi concludes that Rocky intentionally chose KGF as the location to assassinate Garuda, thereby inspiring an army of slaves to help him seize control. The narrator (Anand) indicates, however, that this is just the beginning. The news of Garuda's murder reaches Ramika Sen, the to-be [[prime minister of India]]. Adheera, who was presumed dead, hears the news of Garuda's death and plans to resurface so does Inayat Khalil. All others at the K.G.F including Desai, Kamal, Andrews, Daya, Khalil and Shetty, were overjoyed by hearing the news. As Vanaram orders his men to attack Rocky and his army, a gunshot is heard.

== Cast ==
[[File:Yash kgf event.jpg|thumb|200px|Yash at KGF Chapter 1 event]]
{{Cast listing|
* [[Yash (actor)|Yash]] as Raja Krishnappa Bairya "Rocky" <ref>{{cite web |title='KGF – Chapter 1' film review: Introduces a new Superhero
|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/dec/21/kgf---chapter-1-film-review-introduces-a-new-superhero-1914694.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=22 December 2018 |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> a young boy who grew up in poverty after his mother's death; he becomes a high-profile mercenary, working under the associates of KGF's cult, before rising as a liberator.
** Anmol Vijay as young Rocky<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet the younger version of Yash in KGF |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/08/meet-the-younger-version-of-yash-in-kgf-1908708.html |access-date=22 December 2018 |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 December 2018}}</ref>
* [[Ramachandra Raju]] as Garuda, Suryavardhan's eldest son and heir of K.G.F, and the main antagonist of the film responsible for the mass slavery and murder perpetrated by the cult in an effort to gain control
* [[Srinidhi Shetty]] as Reena Desai, Rajendra Desai's daughter, Kamal's fiancee and Rocky's girlfriend
* [[Vasishta N. Simha]] as Kamal, a prominent gangster in [[Bengaluru]], Reena's fiance, Bhargav's son, and a high-ranking associate at KGF, who dislikes Rocky 
* [[Achyuth Kumar]] as Guru Pandian, DYSS Party president, Suryavardhan's best friend and a high-ranking associate at KGF
* [[Archana Jois]] as Shanthamma, Rocky's mother,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A. |title='KGF – Chapter 1' film review: Introduces a new superhero |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/dec/21/kgf---chapter-1-film-review-introduces-a-new-superhero-1914694.html |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=23 December 2018 |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> who gave birth to Rocky the day that KGF was discovered, and died of sickness in Rocky's youth
* [[Anant Nag]] as Anand Ingalagi, the author of ''El Dorado'', the controversial book that details the supposed true events of Rocky's uprising in the cult
** Ashok Sharma as young Anand Ingalagi
* Ramesh Indira as Suryavardhan, the founder of the KGF's political cult and father of Garuda and Virat; he makes his money from smuggling gold and built his empire from scratch.
* Vinay Bidappa as Virat, Garuda's younger brother
* Lakki Lakshman as Rajendra Desai, a [[Bengaluru]]-based underworld don, Reena's father and a high-ranking associate at KGF
* B. S. Avinash as Andrews, a prominent crime boss, Shetty's boss and a high-ranking associate at KGF
* Tarak Ponnappa as Daya, Andrews' secretary, who work as a middleman for Desai, Andrews, Kamal and Guru Pandian
* Dinesh Mangaluru as Shetty, Rocky's employer and a prominent gold smuggler
* Harish Rai as Khasim, Rocky's mentor 
* Balakrishna as Inayat Khalil, a [[Dubai]] based don<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-05-15|title=Exclusive Interview : Aadarsh Balakrishna- I have taken my career very seriously now|url=https://www.123telugu.com/interviews/exclusive-interview-aadarsh-balakrishna-i-have-taken-my-career-very-seriously-now.html|access-date=2021-01-10|website=123telugu.com|language=en}}</ref>
* [[T. S. Nagabharana]] as Srinivas,  the owner of TV news channel ''24/News''
* [[Malavika Avinash]] as Deepa Hegde, the chief editor of ''24/News''
* Govinde Gowda as a peon at ''24/News''
* Mohan Juneja as Nagaraju, an informer to Ingalagi
* Ayyappa P. Sharma as Vanaram, commander of KGF
* John Kokken as John, overseer of KGF
* Puneeth Rudranag as Rugga, overseer at the KGF mines
* Neenasam Ashwath as Kulkarni
* [[B. Suresha]] as Vittal, a slave at KGF
* Srinivas Murthy as Narayan, a slave at KGF
* Yash Shetty as Shyam, archaeological department officer
* Lakshmipathi as Kencha, a slave at KGF, the storyteller
* Roopa Rayappa as Shanthi, a slave at KGF
* Krishnoji Rao as an old blind man working in KGF
* Surya Shekhar as Dilawar
* Sampath Maitreya as Shanti's husband
* [[Tamannaah Bhatia]] as Milky (in a special appearance for the [[item number]] "Jokae")
* [[Mouni Roy]] as Lucy ( in a special appearance in the Hindi version item number " Gali Gali")
}}

== Production ==

=== Pre-production ===
Following the success of ''[[Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari]]'' (2014), [[Yash (actor)|Yash]] signed for four projects as of March 2015, including one with director [[Prashanth Neel]] (of ''[[Ugramm]]'' fame).<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash has signed four films - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yash-has-signed-four-films/articleshow/46476646.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India |last1=Joy |first1=Prathibha }}</ref> The project, ''KGF'', about an ambitious man and his life in the 1970s, was considered to be one of the most expensive films in [[Sandalwood cinema]]. [[Hombale Films]], the production house led by Vijay Kiragandur, bankrolled the project,<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash turns script doctor for his films - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yash-turns-script-doctor-for-his-films/articleshow/49148481.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> and one of its production executive Karthik Gowda, stated that "KGF, which is set in the 70s, took over one and a half years of pre-production, because they wanted to ensure they got every single detail right, be it the matchboxes, telephone, or the clothes people wore."<ref name=":1">{{cite news|title=Yash to shoot for most expensive film in July - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yash-to-shoot-for-most-expensive-film-in-July/articleshow/51322154.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> The film's director, Prashanth Neel, stated that the film would be launched in April 2016, and the shooting would begin in May 2016.<ref name=":1" /> [[Ravi Basrur]], who earlier scored music for the director's ''Ugramm'', was hired for the project, while [[Bhuvan Gowda]] handled the cinematography.

In an interview with ''[[The Times of India]]'', Prashanth Neel stated that he planned to split the film in two parts, as the narration of the story is in a non-linear format. The decision to split the film into two parts also had to do with its commercial prospects. He further added “The scale of the project is huge and we had a scope for a beginning, an interval, and an end for both parts, so it made sense for us to release it as two parts”. As for the decision to make it a multilingual release, he says that it was because the film is based on a unique idea and has a universal theme.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash's 'KGF' is about a gangster's rise and fall - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/yashs-kgf-is-about-a-gangsters-rise-and-fall/articleshow/65857374.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suganth |first1=M. }}</ref> About the rumours of doing ''KGF'' as a "Tamil version, with Suriya being roped in, but failing to do so", he stated that it was meant to be a Kannada film.<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF was always meant to be a Kannada film with Yash - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-was-always-meant-to-be-a-kannada-film-with-yash/articleshow/57960649.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

In December 2020, during the making of its second installment, Prasanth Neel denied rumours of a third installment in the ''KGF'' franchise, claiming that the story would conclude in its second part.<ref>{{cite news|title="There won't be a part 3 to 'K.G.F'": Director Prashanth Neel squashes every rumor regarding 'K.G.F: Chapter 3' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/there-wont-be-a-part-3-to-k-g-f-director-prashanth-neel-squashes-every-rumor-regarding-k-g-f-chapter-3/articleshow/79846127.cms|access-date=2021-01-10|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Development ===
The film features an ensemble cast, most of them completely new faces. The cast members sported rugged looks, given the subject and setting of the film. Yash grew his beard and long hair for his role as Rocky, a slick and a suave person of the 1970s.<ref>{{cite news|title=Is Yash growing his hair for KGF? - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/is-yash-growing-his-hair-for-kgf/articleshow/56624583.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Bangalore-based model [[Srinidhi Shetty]], a winner of the Miss Supranational 2016, was cast alongside Yash.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hot pairs to look forward to in 2017 - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/hot-pairs-to-look-forward-in-2017/articleshow/56442849.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> Srinidhi, a self-confessed fan of Yash, claimed that she had watched his films ''[[Drama (2012 film)|Drama]]'' and ''Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari'', and stated that he is one of the actors to whom she looks forward.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Yash to romance a beauty queen! - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-to-romance-miss-supranational/articleshow/56238011.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In August 2017, Vasishta Simha bagged a pivotal role in the film,<ref>{{cite web |title=Vasishta N Simha bags a pivotal role in KGF |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/vasishta-n-simha-bags-a-pivotal-role-in-kgf/articleshow/60243550.cms |author=Sunayana Suresh |date=28 August 2017 |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref> while [[Ramya Krishnan]] and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] were falsely reported to be a part of the film.<ref>{{cite web |title=KGF to be multilingual, will release in five languages |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-to-be-amultilingual-will-release-in-five-languages/articleshow/60257321.cms |author=Sunayana Suresh |date=29 August 2017 |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com |access-date=24 November 2018}}</ref>

In July 2016, the filmmakers kick-started a 15-day schedule in [[North Karnataka]], without Yash, as the actor was shooting for ''[[Santhu Straight Forward]]'' (2016). The first schedule of the film took place on a huge set, which took more than 35–40 days to construct.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash's movie to begin, but without him! - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/KGF-to-begin-without-Yash/articleshow/52775894.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> The film was slated to take off earlier that year, but was pushed back because of problems surrounding the [[Kalasa-Banduri Nala project|Kalasa Banduri issue]], which meant the team had to cancel its initial shoot schedule plans. The schedule was further complicated by Yash's break from shooting films, in order to focus on his wedding to [[Radhika Pandit]], which was held in Bangalore in December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash to take a break to focus on his wedding - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Yash-to-take-a-break-to-focus-on-his-wedding/articleshow/55285027.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
The film's shooting began on 15 January 2017,<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=15 January 2017 |title=Yash-starrer KGF starts as per schedule |work=The New Indian Express |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/mar/16/yash-starrer-kgf-starts-as-per-schedule-1581753.html |url-status=live |access-date=25 December 2018}}</ref> after completing the final stages of pre-production.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash's most expensive film is ready to roll - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yashs-most-expensive-film-is-ready-to-roll/articleshow/56121749.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> On 25 January 2017, the filmmakers erected huge sets at [[Badami]], to replicate [[Kolar]] in the period of 1970–80, thereby filming extensively in the location.<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF to be shot in Badami - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/KGF-to-be-shot-in-badami/articleshow/56773121.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The art director Shivakumar recreated the Kolar Gold Fields film set of the 1980s and VFX was used as an extension for the film.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shinde |first1=Prajwal |title=Art director and VFX responsible for KGF's larger than life visuals |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/oct/27/trio-of-technical-wizards--makes-kgf--best-in-longest-time-1685111.html |access-date=27 October 2018 |work=Indian Express |date=3 March 2019}}</ref> Aware that a freak accident happened at the sets of ''[[Maasthi Gudi|Masti Gudi]]'' (2017), claiming the lives of two actors, producer Kirangadur secured an insurance cover for the crew members working on the film.<ref>{{cite news|title=Insurance cover for all crew members in Yash's KGF - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/insurance-cover-for-all-crew-members-in-yashs-kgf/articleshow/57829367.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Desai |first1=Dhwani }}</ref> As of 25 June 2017, the project was 50 percent complete, and production had restarted after sets were rebuilt, following their destruction by heavy rains.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A |title=Storm or shine, Rocking star Yash's KGF stays on schedule |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2017/jun/25/storm-or-shine--yashs-kgf--stays-on-schedule-1620820.html |access-date=30 June 2017 |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=25 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=KGF shoot continues despite heavy rains - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-shoot-continues-despite-heavy-rains/articleshow/59319030.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

As a part of the film's shoot, the filmmakers painted a portion of the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, which is located on the campus of [[University of Mysore]]. Some sequences of the movie, which has Yash and Srinidhi Shetty in the lead roles, were also shot at the centenary clock tower located next to the campus.<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF team gives heritage structure Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion a facelift - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-team-gives-heritage-structure-jayalakshmi-vilas-mansion-a-facelift/articleshow/60409761.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Lokesh |first1=Vinay }}</ref> Yash entered the final schedule of the film in April 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash heads to final schedule of KGF - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-heads-to-final-schedule-of-kgf/articleshow/63881144.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In May 2018, actors [[Malavika Avinash]] and [[Anant Nag]] filmed the interview sequence, one of the major scenes in the film's storyline.<ref>{{cite news|title=Malavika Avinash and Ananth Nag shoot for KGF - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/malavika-avinash-and-ananth-nag-shoot-for-kgf/articleshow/64189481.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> At the end of the month, Yash had announced that he had completed his portions, and started dubbing for the film. As of May 2018, the filmmakers completed major portions of the film, except one song.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash completes shoot for KGF; starts dubbing for it - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-completes-shoot-for-kgf-starts-dubbing-for-it/articleshow/64355177.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref>

In August 2018, [[Kajal Aggarwal]] was reported to shoot for a song sequence, thus marking her debut in Kannada.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kajal Aggarwal to make Kannada debut with KGF? - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kajal-aggarwal-to-make-kannada-debut-with-kgf/articleshow/65269642.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> However, on 9 August, [[Tamannaah]] was hired for a song number,<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamannah Bhatia to make a return to Kannada cinema with a special appearance in 'KGF' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/tamannah-bhatia-to-make-a-return-to-kannada-cinema-with-a-special-appearance-in-kgf/articleshow/65291841.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> thus marking her second film appearance in Kannada, after ''[[Jaguar (2016 film)|Jaguar]]'' (2016).<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamannaah sizzles with Yash in a recreated classic in KGF - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/tamannaah-sizzles-with-yash-in-a-recreated-classic-in-kgf/articleshow/65323058.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> On 17 August 2018, the filmmakers announced that shooting of the film had wrapped,<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash wraps up work on director Prashant Neel's 'KGF' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-wraps-up-work-on-director-prashant-neels-kgf/articleshow/65422322.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> although another song shoot for the film's Hindi version, featuring Yash and [[Mouni Roy]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Mouni Roy roped in for a special song in Yash starrer 'KGF' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/mouni-roy-roped-in-for-a-special-song-in-yash-starrer-kgf/articleshow/66972850.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> took place at the Goregaon Studio on 7 and 8 December.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pictures: Mouni Roy and Yash wrap shoot of their song in 'KGF' - Times of India ►|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/pictures-mouni-roy-and-yash-wrap-shoot-of-their-song-in-kgf/articleshow/67026929.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

== Themes and influences ==
In an interview with director Prashanth Neel for ''[[The Times of India]]'' about the theme of the film, he stated "'KGF' has a strong texture of gold in it, which is about greed and gold. KGF, in many ways, is akin to [[El Dorado]]. The way kings and soldiers have over the years gone looking for the mythical El Dorado, where anyone who lays claim to the place ruled the world. This is what Anant Nag (narrator) says in the film, too.”<ref name=":2">{{cite news|title='KGF is about greed and gold' - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-is-about-greed-and-gold/articleshow/65855885.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> Prashant explains about the setting of the film in 1970–80, stating, "In 1978, because of the [[Cold War (1979–1985)|Cold War]] between the [[United States|USA]] and the erstwhile [[Soviet Union]] that had affected places like [[Iran]] and [[Afghanistan]], the price of gold went up the highest in the recorded history. Till date, one cannot find another time when the price of gold shot up so much. So, 1978 was the perfect setting for us, because the higher the price of gold, the higher the greed of men.”<ref name=":2" /> The film was also inspired by [[action movies]] and [[western movies]]<ref>{{citation|last=Nathan|first=Archana|title=Kannada film 'KGF' dreams big: 'Cinema is becoming pan-Indian and international'|date=2018-12-18|url=https://scroll.in/reel/906039/kannada-film-kgf-dreams-big-cinema-is-becoming-pan-indian-and-international|work=Scroll}}</ref> like ''[[The Good, the Bad and the Ugly]]'' and ''[[For a Few Dollars More]]''.<ref>{{citation|last=A|first=Shraddha|title=I wondered if I could pull off a project as big as KGF|date=2018-12-13|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/13/i-wondered-if-i-could-pull-off-a-project-as-big-as-kgf-1910707.html|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

==Music==
{{Main|K.G.F: Chapter 1 (soundtrack)}}

[[Ravi Basrur]] composed the soundtrack album and the film's score, while [[Tanishk Bagchi]] [[remaster]]ed the track "Gali Gali" from ''[[Tridev]]'' (1989) for the film's Hindi version.<ref>{{cite news |title=KGF Chapter 1 Song Gali Gali: Mouni Roy Headlines the Remixed Tridev Song |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kgf-chapter-1-song-gali-gali-mouni-roy-headlines-the-remixed-tridev-song-1972393.html |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=News18 |date=14 December 2018}}</ref> The audio rights of the film were purchased by [[Lahari Music]] in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam for {{INRConvert|36|m|year=2018}}, a record sum for any South Indian film; the Hindi version's audio rights were bought by [[T-Series (company)|T-Series]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khajane |first1=Muralidhara |title='KGF' audio rights sold for record sum |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/kgf-audio-rights-sold-for-record-sum/article25593109.ece |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=26 November 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

The track "Salaam Rocky Bhai" served as the lead single from the soundtrack album.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=First single from KGF album to be out on Friday|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/nov/30/first-single-from-kgf-album-to-be-out-on-monday-9021.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-09|website=[[Cinema Express]]|language=en}}</ref> It was released in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam on 7 December 2018,<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2018-12-07|title=KGF first single: Salaam Rocky Bhai song from Yash's film is out [Lyrical Video]|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-first-single-salaam-rocky-bhai-song-yash-out-tuesday-lyrical-video-787081|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> along with the full soundtrack album;<ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|date=|title='KGF' full album out now - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-to-release-first-song-today/articleshow/66919769.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> the album for the Hindi version was released on 9 December 2018. The [[karaoke]] versions of the songs were released on 27 December 2018.

The film's score was released in two volumes; the first volume of the [[Soundtrack|original soundtrack]] was released on 10 September 2019, and the second volume was released on 12 October 2019.

== Marketing ==
The first look of the film was released on 3 May 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=First look of Yash's KGF out today! - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/first-look-of-yashs-kgf-out-today/articleshow/58492923.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On 8 January 2018, coinciding with Yash's birthday, a one-minute long introductory teaser, with [[Anant Nag|Ananth Nag]] narrating, was unveiled by the production team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ananth Nag gives a peek into Yash's character in KGF today - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/ananth-nag-gives-a-peek-into-yashs-character-in-kgf-today/articleshow/62401899.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> After responding to a fan's request, Yash announced that the film's trailer would be released in October 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF': Rocking Star Yash reveals film's trailer to be out in October - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-rocking-star-yash-reveals-films-trailer-to-be-out-in-october/articleshow/65609656.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> [[Farhan Akhtar]] shared the first look on 6 November 2018 and a second one on 8 November on the occasion of [[Diwali]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Chaubey|first=Pranita|date=8 November 2018|title=Trending: New Poster Of KGF Introduces Us To The 'Bloody Mines Of Kolar'|url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/trending-new-poster-of-kfg-introduces-us-to-the-bloody-mines-of-kolar-1944622|url-status=live|access-date=2 August 2021|website=NDTV}}</ref> The official trailer of the film was released on 9 November 2018.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 November 2018|title=KGF trailer out: Yash stars in biggest Kannada film ever made|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kgf-trailer-yash-1385765-2018-11-10|access-date=24 November 2018|website=indiatoday.in}}</ref> The trailer crossed more than one million views within an hour of its release.<ref>{{cite news|title=The intriguing KGF Telugu trailer trends at #1 with 2.3M views - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-intriguing-kgf-telugu-trailer-trends-at-1-with-2-3m-views/articleshow/66564942.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Nyayapati |first1=Neeshita }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=KGF's Hindi trailer gets close to 6 million hits in less than 24 hours - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgfs-hindi-trailer-gets-close-to-6-million-hits-in-less-than-24-hours/articleshow/66566255.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

Special promotions were planned on 4 December in [[Chennai]], and 6 December in [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=KGF promotions in full swing|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/nov/30/first-single-from-kgf-album-to-be-out-on-monday-9021.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-09|website=[[Cinema Express]]|language=en}}</ref> On 9 December 2018, the makers hosted a pre-release event at the JRC Convention Centre in Hyderabad to promote the film's Telugu version. [[S. S. Rajamouli]] graced the event as the chief guest.<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2018-12-06|title=SS Rajamouli is the special guest at Yash's KGF pre-release event|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/ss-rajamouli-special-guest-yashs-kgf-pre-release-event-787259|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> As a part of the film's promotion, an online game, ''KGF'', specially designed for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] mobile phones, was released by Mobi2Fun Private Limited for the [[Google Play Store]], which saw more than 5,000 downloads upon its initial release.<ref>{{cite web|title=With online 'KGF' game, Yash fans go extra mile to set 'Rocky bhai' free|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/25/with-a-game-plan-kgf-fans-go-extra-mile-to-set-rocky-free-1916424.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

== Release ==
===Theatrical===
On 28 August 2017, the filmmakers announced that ''KGF'' will be made as a multilingual film, released in [[Kannada]], [[Malayalam]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], and [[Hindi]] languages, marking the first foray of its crew members (including [[Yash (actor)|Yash]]) into different industries.<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF to be a multilingual, will release in five languages - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-to-be-amultilingual-will-release-in-five-languages/articleshow/60257321.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana }}</ref> The filmmakers planned to release the film in the second half of 2018. On 19 September 2018,<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' release date to be announced on 19 September - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-release-date-to-be-announced-on-19-september/articleshow/65770601.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> it was announced that the first part of the film will be released on 16 November 2018;<ref>{{cite web|title=Five-language release for KGF in November|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/sep/19/five-language-release-for-kgf-in-november-1873887.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil star Vishal to announce 'KGF' trailer release date - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/tamil-star-vishal-to-announce-kgf-trailer-release-date/articleshow/65873470.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> however, the release was postponed to 21 December.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' release postponed to December - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-release-postponed-to-december/articleshow/66137174.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Distribution ===
The [[Film distribution|distribution]] rights for the Kannada version were bought by KRG Studios, a sister company of Hombale Films. The film's Hindi version was distributed by [[Ritesh Sidhwani|Rithesh Sidhwani]], [[Farhan Akhtar]], and Anil Thadani,<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-12-06|title=Farhan Akhtar on producing KGF: We are enjoying work from cultures and languages which we weren't familiar with|url=https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/farhan-akhtar-on-producing-kgf-we-are-enjoying-work-from-cultures-and-languages-which-we-werent-familiar-with-1323905/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=Bollywood Life|language=en}}</ref> who bought the rights under their banners [[Excel Entertainment]] and [[AA Films]].<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF gets major boost as Farhan Akhtar partners for Hindi version of the film - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-gets-major-boost-as-farhan-akhtar-partners-for-hindi-version-of-the-film/articleshow/66148048.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en|last1=Joy |first1=Prathibha }}</ref> The rights for the Tamil and Telugu dubbed versions were sold to [[Vishal Film Factory]] and [[Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram]].<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' sells Tamil and Telugu dubbing rights - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-sells-tamil-and-telugu-dubbing-rights/articleshow/66546636.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Leading distributors bag Tamil, Telugu rights to KGF |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/nov/08/leading-distributors-bag-tamil-telugu-rights-to-kgf-1895344.html |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The New Indian Express |date=8 November 2018}}</ref> The Malayalam-dubbed rights of the film were sold to [[Global United Media]].<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF: Chapter 1' to release in 1800 to 2000 theaters across the country - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-chapter-1-to-release-in-1800-to-2000-theaters-across-the-country/articleshow/67128468.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Screenings and statistics ===
''K.G.F: Chapter 1'' received a U/A certificate from the [[Central Board of Film Certification]] in early December 2018.<ref>{{cite news |author=Abhijith |title=Yash Starrer KGF: Chapter 1 Gets U/A Certificate From Censor Board! |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2018/yash-starrer-kgf-chapter-1-gets-u-a-certificate-from-censor-board-280278.html |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=Filmibeat |date=8 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223052911/https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2018/yash-starrer-kgf-chapter-1-gets-u-a-certificate-from-censor-board-280278.html |archive-date=23 December 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yash is like a brother from another mother: Vishal |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/yash-brother-from-another-mother-vishal-kgf-5500142/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=23 December 2018 |language=en-IN |date=19 December 2018}}</ref> It was reported that the film would be released to 1,800–2,200 screens worldwide,<ref>{{cite news |title=Yash's multilingual 'KGF' to hit 2,000 screens across the country |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/15/kgf----chapter-1--to-hit-2000-screens-across-the-country-1911670.html |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The New Indian Express |date=15 December 2018}}</ref> the widest ever release for a Kannada film.<ref>{{cite news |first=Himesh |last=Mankad |author-link=Himesh Mankad|title=K.G.F: Chapter 1, starring Yash, Srinidhi Shetty, to release on 2200 screens across India |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/k-g-f-chapter-1-starring-yash-srinidhi-shetty-to-release-on-2200-screens-across-india/articleshow/67177621.cms |access-date=21 December 2018 |work=[[Bangalore Mirror]] |date=20 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Yash's KGF to hit 2,000 screens across the country |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yashs-kgf-to-hit-2000-screens-across-the-country/articleshow/67113112.cms |access-date=21 December 2018 |work=The Times of India |date=20 December 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=400 theatres in Karnataka, 1500 in country: Yash's 'KGF' set for big release |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/400-theatres-karnataka-1500-country-yash-s-kgf-set-big-release-93685 |access-date=21 December 2018 |work=The News Minute |date=20 December 2018}}</ref> However, it was later reported that the film was released to 2,460 screens, including 1,500 for the Hindi version, 400 each for Kannada and Telugu, 100 for Tamil and 60 for Malayalam.<ref>{{cite news |title=KGF box office collection Day 1: Yash film earns Rs 18.1 crore |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kgf-box-office-collection-day-1-yash-5504127/ |access-date=22 December 2018 |work=The Indian Express |date=22 December 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref>

The advance booking for the shows were started on 16 December 2018,{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}} and saw a tremendous response upon its initial bookings.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ratda|first=Khushboo|title=Yash starrer KGF gets a historic advance booking at the South Indian box office|url=https://regional.pinkvilla.com/kannada/news/yash-starrer-kgf-gets-historic-advance-booking-south-indian-box-office/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=Pinkvilla|language=en-US}}</ref> Following its response, the filmmakers allotted early morning shows at 4:00&nbsp;a.m. for the preview.<ref>{{cite news|title=4 am show for KGF in Bengaluru tomorrow! - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/4-am-shows-for-kgf-in-bengaluru-tomorrow/articleshow/67175668.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The film was released in the [[United States|U.S.]] and [[Canada]] on 20 December 2018 and in [[India]] the following day.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yash's 'KGF' to release in more than 1,800 screens across the country |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yash-s-kgf-release-more-1800-screens-across-country-93512https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yash-s-kgf-release-more-1800-screens-across-country-93512 |access-date=21 December 2018 |work=The News Minute |date=17 December 2018}}</ref> The day also saw releases in parts of [[Africa]], [[Hong Kong]], [[New Zealand]] and parts of [[Eastern Europe]], including [[Cyprus]], the first in these regions for a Kannada film.<ref>{{cite news |title=KGF collection Day 2: Yash's magnum opus works its magic at the box office |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/yash-kgf-box-office-collection-day-2-5505351/ |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The Indian Express |date=23 December 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> The film released in [[Malaysia]] on 28 December and in [[United Kingdom]] on 4 January 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF: Chapter 1 Box Office Collection Day 18: Yash's film makes it to Rs 200 crore club|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kgf-chapter-1-box-office-collection-day-18-yash-film-makes-rs-200-crore-club/story/307950.html|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=8 January 2019 }}</ref>

The Hindi-dubbed version of the film was released to 71 screens in [[Pakistan]] on 11 January and became the first Kannada film to be released there, although ''[[Lucia (film)|Lucia]]'' (2013) was screened at [[film festival]]s and had no theatrical release in the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yash-starrer KGF becomes first Kannada film to release in Pakistan |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2019/jan/13/yash-starrer-kgf-released-in-pakistan-1924639.html |access-date=17 January 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=13 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Rocky Bhai gets a thumbs up in Pakistan |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2019/jan/15/rocky-bhai-gets-a-thumbs-up-in-pakistan-1925085.html |access-date=17 January 2019 |work=The New Indian Express |date=15 January 2019}}</ref>

=== Film festivals ===
''KGF'' was screened at the 11th [[Bangalore International Film Festival]] on 28 February 2019, where it received an award for the Best Picture in the Entertainment category, and was adjudged the most popular Kannada film by the jury members.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' and 'Mookajjiya Kanasu' take top honours at 11th International Film Festival - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-and-mookajjiya-kanasu-take-top-honours-at-11th-international-film-festival/articleshow/68231403.cms|access-date=2021-01-11|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=KGF is most popular Kannada film at BIFFes|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/mar/01/kgf-is-most-popular-kannada-film-at-biffes-1945177.html|access-date=2021-01-11|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

=== Lawsuit ===
On 20 December 2018, the 10th Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court in [[Bengaluru]] had passed an interim stay before the film's release, following two petitions, filed by Venkatesh G, Yogesh and Ratan, citing plagiarism allegations, and also accusing the filmmakers of portraying [[Kolar]]'s history in a poor light.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-12-20|title=Bengaluru court stays KGF release|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/bengaluru-court-stays-yash-kgf-release-5502925/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> However, the producer Kiragandur stated that the film will be released on the said date, and asked fans to avoid rumours.<ref>{{cite web|date=December 21, 2018|title=Producer says 'KGF' will be released despite court stay |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/producer-says-kgf-will-be-released-despite-court-stay/articleshow/67184886.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On 27 December 2018, the filmmakers issued a statement that the shows in [[Australia]] were cancelled due to an unauthorized screening, as the distributors of the film did not consult the producers of the original.{{citation needed|date=March 2022}}

=== Piracy ===
On 18 December 2018, a few scenes from the film were leaked onto social networking sites,<ref>{{cite web|date=December 18, 2018|title=Yash's KGF movie leaked online even before release?|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yash-s-kgf-movie-leaked-online-even-before-release-1411789-2018-12-18|access-date=2021-01-09|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref> although Karthik Gowda, the executive producer, labeled it a rumour and clarified that the filmmakers have created a team to fight against online piracy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Yash starrer 'KGF' to fight against online piracy - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-starrer-kgf-to-fight-against-online-piracy/articleshow/67143370.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> Despite preventative measures, [[Copyright infringement|pirated versions]] of the film were made available before its release.<ref>{{cite news |title=Yash starrer 'KGF' to fight against online piracy - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/yash-starrer-kgf-to-fight-against-online-piracy/articleshow/67143370.cms |access-date=2022-03-23 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref> In May 2020, the producers sued a local television channel for premiering the film's Telugu version illegally.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF: Chapter 1': Makers of Yash starrer to sue a local channel for airing the film illegally - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-chapter-1-makers-of-yash-starrer-to-sue-a-local-channel-for-airing-the-film-illegally/articleshow/75642397.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

=== Home media ===
The film's digital rights were sold to [[Amazon Prime Video]] for {{INRConvert|180|m|year=2019}},<ref name="online">{{citation|title=KGF to stream on Amazon Prime Video from February 5|date=2019-02-05|url=https://www.indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kgf-chapter-1-amazon-prime-india-5567827/lite/|work=Indian Express}}</ref> and premiered on 5 February 2019, along with its dubbed versions.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-02-04|title=Amazon Prime announces release date for 'KGF', fans delighted|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/amazon-prime-announces-release-date-kgf-fans-delighted-96159|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> [[Colors Kannada]] bought the satellite rights for an undisclosed record price,<ref>{{citation|title=KGF digital rights sold to Amazon Prime for Rs 18 crore, Colors Kannada buys satellite rights|date=2018-12-27|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/kgf-digital-rights-sold-to-amazon-prime-for-rs-18-crore-colors-kannada-buys-satellite-rights-pke8er|work=Asianet Newsable}}</ref> and hosted its premiere on 30 March 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF world television premiere on March 30 - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/kannada/kgf-world-television-premiere-on-march-30/articleshow/68437105.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The Tamil version of the film was telecast through [[Colors Tamil]] on 7 April.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-04-06|title='KGF: Chapter 1' Tamil will have its Television premier on April 7|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kgf-chapter-1-tamil-will-have-its-television-premier-april-7-99559|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> [[Sony Pictures Networks India|Sony Pictures Networks]] acquired the satellite rights of the Hindi version.<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2018-12-27|title=Yash's KGF digital and satellite rights sold for astronomical figure|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/yashs-kgf-digital-satellite-rights-sold-astronomical-figure-788821|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref>

The film's Telugu version was premiered on [[Star Maa]] on 5 July 2020,<ref>{{cite web|last=Johnson|first=David|date=2020-06-30|title=KGF: 18 months after its theatrical release, Telugu version of Yash-starrer to have TV premiere|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-18-months-after-its-theatrical-release-telugu-version-yash-starrer-have-tv-premiere-823546|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2020-07-03|title=Telugu dubbed version of KGF: Chapter 1 all set for television premiere|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/telugu-dubbed-version-of-kgf-chapter-1-all-set-for-television-premiere/story-gQqjIQt4vYE6OByyw2ToDJ.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> and registered an average TRP rating of 11.9, with many citing the delay of the premiere for more than 18 months after the theatrical release date.<ref>{{cite web|last=Manjula|date=2020-07-20|title=Mahesh Beats Yash: Sarileru Neekevvaru TRP Ratings Overtake KGF Chapter 1|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/mahesh-babu-beats-yash-sarileru-neekevvaru-trp-ratings-overtake-kgf-chapter-1-634632|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.thehansindia.com|language=en}}</ref> The Malayalam version of the movie was jointly purchased by [[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]] and [[Kairali TV]]. The movie premiered on Asianet and Kairali TV on 14 December 2020.

=== Re-release ===
The film was re-released in the United States to 35 locations on 31 January 2019, becoming the first Kannada film to be re-released in the country.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-02-01|title=Yash's 'KGF' to re-release in the US|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yash-s-kgf-re-release-us-96068|access-date=2021-01-11|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref> On 1 November 2019, coinciding with the occasion of [[Karnataka Rajyotsava|Kannada Rajyotsava]], the filmmakers re-released the film at 25–30 centres across [[Karnataka]], with a week run during its release.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF: Chapter 1' to be re-released on the occasion of Kannada Rajyotsava - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-chapter-1-to-be-re-released-on-the-occasion-of-kannada-rajyotsava/articleshow/71821595.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India }}</ref> The film's Hindi version was re-released in [[PVR Cinemas|PVR]], [[INOX Leisure Limited|Inox]], and [[Cinépolis|Cinepolis]] theatres, on 23–29 October 2020.<ref>{{cite web|date=2020-10-24|title=Yash's KGF to re-release in theatres|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/yash-blockbuster-kgf-to-re-release-in-theatres-6852976/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref>

==Reception==
=== Box office ===
{{see also|List of highest-grossing Indian films}}
On the first day of its release, ''KGF: Chapter 1'' collected {{INRConvert|250|m|year=2018}} worldwide,<ref name="bz">{{cite web|url=https://m.businesstoday.in/lite/story/kgf-box-collection-day-1-yash-film-earns-rs-2-crore-on-its-first-day-despite-competition-from-shah-rukh-khan-zero/1/303359.html|title=KGF box collection day 1: Yash's film earns Rs 25 crore on its first day despite competition from Shah Rukh Khan's Zero|website=m.businesstoday.in|date=22 December 2018 }}</ref> which was the highest opening in the [[Kannada Film Industry|Kannada film industry]]. In Karnataka's capital [[Bengaluru]] alone, the film earned about {{INRConvert|50|m|year=2018}} on the first day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/kgf-box-collection-day-1-yash-s-film-opens-well-but-it-is-no-baahubali-1415091-2018-12-22 |title=KGF box collection day 1: Yash's film opens well but it is no Baahubali |website=India Today}}</ref> The film registered a gross of {{INRConvert|596.1|m|year=2018}} at the worldwide box office on its first three days, becoming the fastest Kannada film to gross {{INRConvert|500|m|year=2018}}.<ref name="Ind">{{cite web|date=2018-12-24|title=KGF box office collection Day 3: Yash starrer earns Rs 59.61 crore|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/box-office-collection/yash-kgf-box-office-collection-day-3-5506252/|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The film grossed around {{INRConvert|1.13|b|year=2018}} worldwide in the first week of its release,<ref>{{cite web|title=Yash-starrer 'KGF' strikes gold, first Kannada movie in Rs 100 crore club|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/27/kgf-strikes-gold-first-kannada-movie-in-rs-100-cr-club-1917130.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> becoming the first Kannada film to gross {{INRConvert|1|b|year=2018}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kgf-box-office-collection-day-7-yash-starrer-inches-towards-rs-150-crore-mark-1418731-2018-12-28|title=KGF box office collection Day 7: Yash-starrer inches towards Rs 150-crore mark|date=December 28, 2018|website=India Today}}</ref> On 9 January 2019, trade analysts announced that the film entered the {{INRConvert|2|b|year=2019}} mark, thus becoming the first Kannada film to do so.<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-01-08|title=Yash's KGF Enters Rs 200 Crore Club, First Kannada Film to Do So|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/yashs-kgf-enters-rs-200-crore-club-first-kannada-film-to-do-so-1995039.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=News18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kgf-becomes-first-kannada-film-to-break-into-rs-200-cr-club-njan-prakashan-declared-blockbuster-5862501.html/amp|title=KGF becomes first Kannada film to break into Rs 200 cr club; Njan Prakashan declared blockbuster|date=2019-01-09|archive-date=2019-01-13|work=Firstpost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113152018/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kgf-becomes-first-kannada-film-to-break-into-rs-200-cr-club-njan-prakashan-declared-blockbuster-5862501.html/amp}}</ref> It went on to gross around {{INRConvert|2.5|b|year=2019}}<ref name="kgf1"/> and completed a theatrical run of over 100 days in a couple of centres in [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/kgf-movie-chapter-1-chapter-2-cast-trailer-box-office/1534562/|title=K.G.F: Chapter 1 completes 100 days at theaters, becomes biggest blockbuster in history of Kannada movies|date=1 April 2019}}</ref>

==== India ====
On the first day of release, ''KGF: Chapter 1'' collected {{INRConvert|181|m|year=2018}} net at the domestic box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-box-office-collection-day-1-rocking-star-yashs-film-smashes-all-records-788518|title=KGF day 1 box office collection: Rocking Star Yash's film smashes all records|website=[[International Business Times]]|date=22 December 2018}}</ref> The Hindi version raked in more than {{INRConvert|20|m|year=2018}} at the box office on the first day.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' box office collection Day 1: The Yash starrer earns Rs 18 crore across all formats on its opening day - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kgf-box-office-collection-day-1-the-yash-starrer-earns-rs-18-crore-across-all-formats-on-its-opening-day/articleshow/67205468.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On the second day, the film outdid its first day totals, with a worldwide total of {{INRConvert|250|m|year=2018}}.<ref name="bz"/> First weekend totals stood at around {{INRConvert|596|m|year=2018}} worldwide from all versions,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/photo-gallery-kgf-box-office-collection-day-3-worldwide-another-record-smashed-yash-srinidhi-starrer-makes-most-of-christmas-mood-77219|title=KGF box office collection day 3 total: Yash starrer earns whopping Rs 59.6 crore! Looks set to break records|date=24 December 2018|website=Zee Business}}</ref> whereas the Hindi-dubbed version collected over {{INRConvert|90|m|year=2018}}.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' box office collection Day 3: The Yash starrer action entertainer collects Rs 52.25 crore across all formats on its opening weekend - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-3-the-yash-starrer-action-entertainer-collects-rs-52-25-crore-across-all-formats-on-its-opening-weekend/articleshow/67229652.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On the fourth day, the film collected approximately {{INRConvert|800|m|year=2018}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/photo-gallery-kgf-box-office-collection-day-4-worldwide-rs-100-crore-karnataka-hindi-all-languages-till-now-yash-srinidhi-shetty-77433/amp|title = KGF box office collection day 4: Yash starrer inches towards Rs 100 crore! Check earnings in Kannada, Hindi, Worldwide ,India News, Business News &#124; Zee Business}}</ref> while the Hindi version saw a jump of 45% on Monday.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' box office collection Day 4: The Prashanth Neel directorial starring Yash collects Rs 13.75 crore across all formats on Monday - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-4-the-prashanth-neel-directorial-starring-yash-collects-rs-13-75-crore-across-all-formats-on-monday/articleshow/67242270.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> On 25 December 2018, the film saw a steep incline on the box office due to the [[Christmas]] holidays, collecting more than {{INRConvert|840|m|year=2018}} upon release.<ref>{{cite news|title='KGF' box office collection Day 5: The Yash and Srinidhi Shetty starrer collects Rs 4.25 crore on Tuesday - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-5-the-yash-and-srinidhi-shetty-starrer-collects-rs-4-25-crore-on-tuesday/articleshow/67254067.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The fifth day totals stood at up to {{INRConvert|1|b|year=2018}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.zeebiz.com/india/photo-gallery-kgf-box-office-collection-day-6-kannada-hindi-total-worldwide-yash-starrer-another-record-77684|title=KGF Box Office Collection Day 6 Worldwide: Yash film in biggies club! Now trails Baahubali, 2.0|date=27 December 2018}}</ref>

The film collected more than {{INRConvert|1.05|b|year=2018}} at the domestic box office in the first week of release.<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF strikes gold at the box office - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-strikes-gold-at-the-box-office/articleshow/67272759.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> After ten days, the film had collected {{INRConvert|870|m|year=2018}} from Karnataka, {{INRConvert|16|m|year=2018}} from [[Kerala]], {{INRConvert|61|m|year=2018}} from [[Tamil Nadu]], and {{INRConvert|145|m|year=2018}} from Telugu-speaking states.<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF Box Office Collection Day 10: Costliest Kannada movie makes Rs 152.20 crore worldwide|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-10-costliest-kannada-movie-makes-rs-152-20-crore-worldwide/story/305539.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=31 December 2018 }}</ref> The film entered the {{INRConvert|1|b}} mark in Karnataka on the fifteenth day of box office, thus becoming the first film in Karnataka to do so.<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF Box Office Collection Day 15: Yash's film becomes first Kannada movie to make Rs 100 crore in Karnataka|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-15-yash-film-becomes-first-kannada-movie-to-cross-rs-100-crore/story/307103.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=5 January 2019 }}</ref>

It collected over {{INRConvert|1.34|b|year=2018}} in Karnataka, becoming the highest-grossing film in that state, and beating the previous record set by ''[[Baahubali 2: The Conclusion]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/article/yashs-kgf-tops-karnataka-box-office-beating-baahubali-2-goes-past-rs-240-crore-mark-globally-in-just-40-days/358478|title=Historic Blockbuster! Yash starrer KGF tops Karnataka box office beating Baahubali 2; goes past Rs 240 crore mark globally in just 40 days &#124; Entertainment News|website=www.timesnownews.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://menglish.sakshi.com/amp/entertainment/2019/02/04/kgf-day-42-collections-yash-overtakes-prabhas-beats-baahubali-record|title=KGF Day 42 Collections: Yash Overtakes Prabhas, Beats Baahubali Record|website=menglish.sakshi.com|date=4 February 2019}}</ref> The film collected {{INRConvert|243.9|m|year=2019}} in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, {{INRConvert|31.8|m|year=2019}} in Kerala, and {{INRConvert|88.2|m|year=2019}} in Tamil Nadu; the film earned more than {{INRConvert|1.72|b|year=2019}} across theatres across South India.<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-03-06|title=KGF Worldwide Box Office Collections: Crosses Rs 200 Crore! Creates 100 Crore Club In Karnataka|url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2019/yash-kgf-total-worldwide-box-office-collections-crosses-200-crore-creates-100-crore-club-in-karnatak-283510.html|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Filmibeat|language=en}}</ref> Its Hindi version earned more than {{INRConvert|403.9|m|year=2019}}; it became the fourth-highest grossing [[Hindi language|Hindi]]-dubbed film after the [[Baahubali (franchise)|''Baahubali'' franchise]] and [[2.0 (film)|''2.0'']] of the that time.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/article/kgf-box-office-collection-day-21-yash-starrer-earns-rs-40-39-crore-becomes-the-4th-highest-grossing-dubbed-hindi-film-of-all-time/346030|title=KGF BO collection day 21: Yash starrer earns Rs 40.39 crore; becomes 4th highest grossing dubbed Hindi film|date=2019-01-11|archive-date=2019-01-13|work=Times Now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113153020/https://www.timesnownews.com/amp/entertainment/box-office/article/kgf-box-office-collection-day-21-yash-starrer-earns-rs-40-39-crore-becomes-the-4th-highest-grossing-dubbed-hindi-film-of-all-time/346030}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{cite web|title=K.G.F – Chapter 1 Box Office Collection till Now {{!}} Box Collection - Bollywood Hungama|website=[[Bollywood Hungama]] |date=21 December 2018 |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movie/kgf-dubbed/box-office/|access-date=2021-01-11|language=en}}</ref> The film earned more than {{INRConvert|2.04|b|year=2018}} at the domestic box office.<ref>{{cite web|date=2018-12-24|title=Yash's action entertainer 'KGF' a big hit at the box office, rakes in the moolah|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/yash-s-action-entertainer-kgf-big-hit-box-office-rakes-moolah-93897|access-date=2021-01-11|website=The News Minute|language=en}}</ref>

==== Other territories ====
Premiering at more than 100 theatres in 50 locations,<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF Box Office collection: Yash starrer becomes first Kannada film to set a huge record in USA|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-yash-starrer-becomes-first-kannada-film-set-huge-record-usa-435240|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Pinkvilla|date=24 December 2018|language=en}}</ref> ''K.G.F'' became the fastest Kannada film to cross $200k and $300k in the United States box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF box office collection day 2: Yash's movie becomes fastest Kannada movie to cross $200K in US|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-2-yash-movie-becomes-fastest-kannada-movie-to-cross-200k-in-us/story/303548.html|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=23 December 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Vyas|date=2018-12-24|title=KGF Sets a New Record in USA|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-12-24/KGF-Sets-a-New-Record-in-USA/463897|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.thehansindia.com|language=en}}</ref> As of 25 December, the film earned $413,214, becoming the first Kannada film to earn $400k at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF box office collection Day 5: Yash's movie going strong at domestic, overseas market|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-5-yash-movie-going-strong-at-domestic-overseas-market/story/304322.html|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=26 December 2018 }}</ref> Within the end of the first week, ''K.G.F'' collected more than $522,848 at the box office,<ref>{{cite web|title=KGF Box Office Collection Day 7: Yash's movie inches towards Rs 150 crore worldwide|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/kgf-box-office-collection-day-7-yashs-movie-inches-towards-rs-150-crore-worldwide/story/304866.html|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=28 December 2018 }}</ref> becoming the first [[Kannada cinema|Sandalwood film]] to cross a half million ($500k) dollars in [[United States]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2018-12-28|title=KGF box office collection Day 7: Here is how much Yash's film collects in its 1st week in US|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-box-office-collection-day-7-here-how-much-yashs-film-collects-its-1st-week-us-788837|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref>

During the second weekend, the film grossed $146,207, to take its total tally to $669,055, and it crossed the $700k mark within the second week.<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2019-01-02|title=KGF box office collection: Yash's film set to reach $700K in the US|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-box-office-collection-yashs-film-set-reach-700k-us-789133|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> Thereafter, the tally saw a normal dip and the film ended its lifetime total at $805,637 in the country.<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2019-01-24|title=KGF box office collection: Here is the lifetime collection of Yash's film in the US|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-box-office-collection-here-lifetime-collection-yashs-film-us-790644|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref>

Apart from the US, the film collected £22,656 in [[United Kingdom]], $9,539 in [[New Zealand]], and RM 11,406 in [[Malaysia]],<ref name=":3" /> to collect a cumulative $1.5 million in overseas profits.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/kgf-box-office-collection-day-15-yash-starrer-enters-third-week-us-789368|title=KGF box office collection day 15: Yash-starrer enters third week in the US|first=Prakash|last=Upadhyaya|date=5 January 2019|website=International Business Times, India Edition}}</ref>

===Critical response===
''K.G.F: Chapter 1'' received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite news |title=KGF box office collection Day 1: Yash film earns Rs 18.1 crore |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kgf-box-office-collection-day-1-yash-5504127/ |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The Indian Express |date=22 December 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> While its story plot, cinematography, action sequences, music, narraton, direction and cast performances of the [[ensemble cast]] received acclaim, critics had mixed comments about the screenplay and editing. However the film's dialogues became famous worldwide, especially Yash and Anant Nag's dialogues.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rocking Star Yash's 'KGF' gets a positive response from fans and audiences |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/rocking-star-yashs-kgf-gets-a-positive-response-from-fans-and-audiences/articleshow/67191968.cms |access-date=23 December 2018 |work=The Times of India |date=21 December 2018}}</ref>

Reviewing for ''[[Deccan Herald]]'', Vivek M. V. felt that the "grandeur" lay in the film's "fantastically gripping story". He praised the film's narration, its "brilliant" editing, and "riveting sequences".<ref>{{cite web |last1=M. V. |first1=Vivek |title='KGF' movie review: Kannada cinema enters big leagues |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dh-talkies/kgf-movie-review-kannada-709204.html |website=Deccan Herald |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Sunayana Suresh of ''[[The Times of India]]'' gave the film rating of {{frac|3|1|2}} stars out of five, writing that it had a "fast-paced first half ... but the second half and the climax sets up the right premise for the second part of the film." She called the screenplay's "non-linear" fashion the "most interesting part of the film". She commended Yash's performance, in that he "lives his character to the fullest".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Suresh |first1=Sunayana |title=KGF Review {3.5/5}: 'KGF: Chapter 1' surely seems to have delivered what it set to achieve |website=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/kgf/movie-review/67187039.cms |access-date=22 December 2018 |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Troy Ribeiro of ''News18'' echoed her sentiment, writing, "Yash's endurance, strife and sincerity ... get projected as perfunctory" in the context of "tight close-ups and mid-shots the camera stops us from getting emotionally connected to" every actor in the film. He further wrote, "With intense atmospheric lighting, every frame in the film looks aesthetic and natural. Brilliant cinematography and equally challenging action sequences are put together with razor-sharp edits. They give the film a racy pace."<ref>{{cite web |title=KGF Review: Brilliant Cinematography, Challenging Action Sequences Give Yash's Film a Racy Pace |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kgf-movie-review-brilliant-cinematography-challenging-action-sequences-give-yash-film-a-racy-pace-1980355.html |website=News18 |access-date=22 December 2018 |date=22 December 2018}}</ref> Priyanka Sundar of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' called the film a "story of greed and redemption" that "burns bright". While praising the "promising" background score, "sharp" editing, and "stunning" visuals, she felt that the screenplay could have been "tighter".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sundar |first1=Priyanka |title=KGF Chapter 1 movie review: Yash's movie about goldmine mafia burns bright |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/kgf-chapter-1-movie-review-yash-s-movie-about-goldmine-mafia-burns-bright/story-bWBDTJIQ7wYP2LxvQCZBWJ.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en |date=21 December 2018}}</ref>

Janani K. of ''[[India Today]]'' felt the film was "dragged and over-stretched", and gave it a three out of five-star rating. While she commended Yash's "extraordinary performance" and the "brilliantly choreographed stunt sequences", she wrote that despite having "universal theme, [the film] gets lost in translation, thanks to sloppy editing and atrocious dialogues."<ref>{{cite web |last1=K. |first1=Janani |title=KGF Chapter 1 Movie Review: Sloppy writing spoils Yash's intriguing gangster drama |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kgf-chapter-1-movie-review-sloppy-writing-spoils-yash-s-intriguing-gangster-drama-1414701-2018-12-21 |website=India Today |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Subha J. Rao of ''[[Firstpost]]'' gave the film a similar rating, and praised the film's music, cinematography, and art direction, particularly the latter in "bringing alive the grime and heat of the gold mines". However, she felt "[t]ighter editing ... would have smoothened out the kinks" in the film.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rao |first1=Subha J. |title=KGF: Chapter 1 movie review — Yash-starrer has a gripping story that deserved better treatment |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kgf-chapter-1-movie-review-yash-starrer-has-a-gripping-story-that-deserved-better-treatment-5770351.html |website=Firstpost |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Shashiprasad S. M. of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' scored the film {{frac|2|1|2}} stars out of five, describing the film as "a visual spectacle". Barring that, he felt it fell short of "instilling the much-needed life into it."<ref>{{cite web |last1=S. M. |first1=Shashiprasad |title=KGF movie review: Rold gold! |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/211218/kgf-movie-review-rold-gold.html |website=Deccan Chronicle |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Karthik Keramalu of ''Film Companion'' felt that the film fell short of "becoming a great movie by a long mile". He dismissed the dialogue delivered by Yash's character as a "lengthy sermon about his own valour", while also criticizing the film's editing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Keramalu |first1=Karthik |title=K.G.F: Chapter 1 Movie Review: Prashanth Neel's Epic Falls Short Of Greatness By A Mile |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/kgf-chapter1-movie-review-prashanth-neel-yash-srinidhi-shetty-anant-nag/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222133626/https://www.filmcompanion.in/kgf-chapter1-movie-review-prashanth-neel-yash-srinidhi-shetty-anant-nag/ |archive-date=22 December 2018 |website=Film Companion |access-date=22 December 2018 |date=21 December 2018}}</ref>

Excluding what he described the film's climax as "spectacular with the support of a brilliant cast" and "spot-on" sets and location, Muralidhara Khajane of ''[[The Hindu]]'' felt there was "nothing in the film that we have not seen before". While writing that "[t]here is a certain finesse to the edgy, moody cinematography", he concluded that the film lacked a "soul, a believable story, and a rounded protagonist."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Khajane |first1=Muralidhara |title=KGF review: The pageant is beautiful but meaningless |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/kgf-review-the-pageant-is-beautiful-but-meaningless/article25805463.ece |website=The Hindu |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en-IN |date=22 December 2018}}</ref> Manoj Kumar R. of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' scored the film {{frac|2|1|2}} stars out of five, deeming it "[a]n overstretched exercise in hero worship". While drawing comparisons of certain scenes to those from ''[[Baahubali (franchise)|Baahubali]]'', he felt the film had a "flimsy storyline", which he added was made up for by its "terrific background orchestra".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kumar R. |first1=Manoj |title=KGF movie review: An overstretched exercise in hero worship |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/kgf-movie-review-rating-yash-5503903/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en-IN |date=21 December 2018}}</ref> Also writing for the same news publication, Shubhra Gupta drew comparisons of the film in plot to those of ''[[Nayakan]]'', ''[[Deewaar]]'', and ''[[Parinda]]'' in its first half. She felt that the film had "nothing more" than "striking cinematography, and the brown and sepia colours which suffuse the screen."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |title=KGF review: The movie is just a star vehicle |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/regional/kgf-review-yash-rating-5504053/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=22 December 2018 |language=en-IN |date=21 December 2018}}</ref>

The character of Rocky was well received by critics. Janani K. of ''[[India Today]]'' said that "You take a look at [Rocky] and instantly you know that this guy will do the impossible and pull people out of their misery."<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kgf-chapter-1-movie-review-sloppy-writing-spoils-yash-s-intriguing-gangster-drama-1414701-2018-12-21|title=KGF Chapter 1 Movie Review: Sloppy writing spoils Yash's intriguing gangster drama|first=Janani|last=K|date=2018-12-21|work=India Today}}</ref> Sunaina Suresh of ''[[Times of India]]'' said that "The growth of Rocky is shown steadily and the makers kept a clever story telling pattern right through that keeps pace with the narrative." Suresh further added: "The first chapter shows Rocky as the maverick mastermind who will stop at nothing in order to achieve his mission."<ref>{{citation|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/kgf/movie-review/67189988.cms|title=KGF review|date=2018-12-23|first=Sunaina|last=Suresh|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> Troy Ribeiro of ''News18'' said that "Rocky is the new Superhero in the town."<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kgf-movie-review-brilliant-cinematography-challenging-action-sequences-give-yash-film-a-racy-pace-1980355.html|title=KGF Movie Review: Brilliant Cinematography, Challenging Action Sequences|first=Troy|last=Ribeiro|date=2018-12-22|work=News 18}}</ref>

==Accolades==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Year
! Ceremony
! Category
! Recipient(s)
! Result
! {{Abbreviation|Ref.|References}}
|-
| rowspan="2"|2018
!scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[2018 Karnataka State Film Awards]]
| [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Music Director|Best Music Director]]
| [[Ravi Basrur]]
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/south-masala/karnataka-state-film-awards-2018-raghavendra-rajkumar-and-meghana-raj-bag-top-honours-check-out-all-winners/articleshow/73186197.cms|title=Karnataka State Film Awards 2018: Raghavendra Rajkumar and Meghana Raj bag top honours; check out all winners|date=10 January 2020|work=Bangalore Mirror}}</ref>
|-
| [[Karnataka State Film Award for Best Art Direction|Best Art Director]]
| Shiva Kumar K
| {{Won}}
|-
| rowspan="26"|2019
!scope="row" rowspan="8" | [[Zee Kannada|Zee Kannada Hemmeya Kanndiga Awards]]
| Best Film
|''K.G.F''
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="8" |<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.zeekannada.zee5.com/hemmeya-kannadiga-awards-2019-winners-list-a-big-win-for-rachitha-ram-yash-and-chikkana/amp/ |title=Hemmeya Kannadiga Awards 2019 Winners List: A Big Win for Rachitha Ram, Yash and Chikkana - Zee Kannada |access-date=16 August 2019 |archive-date=16 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816163846/https://zeekannada.zee5.com/hemmeya-kannadiga-awards-2019-winners-list-a-big-win-for-rachitha-ram-yash-and-chikkana/amp/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| Best Director
| [[Prashanth Neel]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Actor
| [[Yash (actor)|Yash]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Cinematographer
| [[Bhuvan Gowda]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Music Director
| Ravi Basrur
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Villain
| [[Ramachandra Raju]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Lyricist
| V. Nagendra Prasad
| {{Won}}
|-
| Voice Of The Year
| [[Vijay Prakash]]
| {{Won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | [[66th National Film Awards]]
| [[National Film Award for Best Special Effects|Best Special Effects]]
| Unifi Media
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite news |title=National Film Awards 2019 LIVE Updates: Ayushmann, Vicky, Keerthy are Best Actors |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/story/national-film-awards-2019-live-updates-1579101-2019-08-09 |access-date=24 August 2019 |work=India Today |date=9 August 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[National Film Award for Best Stunt Choreography|Best Stunt Choreography]]
| Vikram More, [[Anbariv]]
| {{Won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="11" | [[8th South Indian International Movie Awards|8th SIIMA Awards]]
| Best Film
| ''K.G.F''
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="11"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/entertainment/bollywood/160819/siima-awards-2019-vijay-yash-keerthi-kgf-win-big-heres-full-winn.html|title=SIIMA Awards 2019: Vijay, Yash, Keerthi, KGF win big, here's full winners list|work=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/siima-awards-2019-kgf-star-yash-pulls-suave-look-all-blue-attire-and-wins-best-actor-award-468093?amp|title=SIIMA Awards 2019: KGF star Yash pulls off a suave look in an all blue attire and wins Best Actor Award |website=www.pinkvilla.com}}</ref>
|-
| Best Actor
| Yash
| {{Won}}
|-
| Pantaloons style icon male of the year
| Yash
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Director
| Prashanth Neel
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Actor in a Negative Role
| Ramachandra Raju
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Debut Actress
| [[Srinidhi Shetty]]
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Supporting Actress
| Archana Jois
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Cinematographer
| Bhuvan Gowda
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Music
| Ravi Basrur
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Supporting actor - Male
| [[Achyuth Kumar]]
| {{Won}}
|-
| Best Playback Singer - Male
| Vijay Prakash
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="5"| [[66th Filmfare Awards South]]
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Film – Kannada|Best Film – Kannada]]
| ''K.G.F: Chapter 1''
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="5"|<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-66th-filmfare-awards-south-2019_-37931.html|title=Nominations for the 66th Filmfare Awards (South) 2019|website=[[Filmfare]]|access-date=20 December 2019}}</ref>
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada|Best Director – Kannada]]
| Prashanth Neel
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Kannada|Best Actor – Kannada]]
| Yash
| {{Won}}
|-
| [[Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada|Best Music Director – Kannada]]
| Ravi Basrur
| {{Nom}}
|-
| Best Female Debut
| Srinidhi Shetty
| {{Nom}}
|}

== Sequel ==
{{Main|K.G.F: Chapter 2}}
Before the release of the first ''K.G.F'' film in December 2018, the filmmakers shot 20% of its second installment, with the crew doing double shifts till January 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Why 'KGF' cast and crew will be working double shifts ahead of film's release|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/why-kgf-cast-and-crew-will-be-working-double-shifts-ahead-of-films-release/articleshow/66784570.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title='KGF: Chapter 2' completes 15% of shooting|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-chapter-2-completes-15-of-shooting/articleshow/67378246.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> The film has Yash and Srinidhi Shetty reprising their roles from the first film, while [[Sanjay Dutt]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Sanjay Dutt roped in for KGF Chapter 2? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/sanjay-dutt-roped-in-for-kgf-chapter-2/articleshow/67938768.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and [[Raveena Tandon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kgf-2-raveena-tandon-in-talks-with-yash-film-1466239-2019-02-27|title=KGF Chapter 2: Raveena Tandon in talks with Yash film?|date=February 27, 2019|website=India Today}}</ref> were cast in pivotal new roles. The shooting of the film kick-started on 13 March 2019.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shinde|first1=Prajwal|date=28 March 2019|title=KGF 2: Rocking Star Yash and Director Prashant Neel's Film Takes Off|work=News 18|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/kgf-2-rocking-star-yash-and-director-prashant-neel-film-takes-off-2065295.html|access-date=13 March 2019}}</ref>

''K.G.F: Chapter 2'' was originally scheduled to hit theatres on 23 October 2020,<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF: Chapter 2 to hit screens in October? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-chapter-2-to-hit-screens-in-october/articleshow/74570814.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Yash, Raveena Tandon and Sanjay Dutt starrer 'KGF: Chapter 2' to hit the theatres on October 23 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/yash-raveena-tandon-and-sanjay-dutt-starrer-kgf-chapter-2-to-hit-the-theatres-on-october-23/articleshow/74613920.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> but its release was postponed due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]].<ref>{{cite news|title=KGF 2 trailer not anytime now, say makers |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/kgf-2-trailer-not-anytime-now-say-makers/articleshow/75210653.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> In January 2021, the filmmakers announced a new release date of 16 July 2021<ref>{{cite news|title=It's out! Yash's KGF: Chapter 2 to release on July 16, 2021 - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/its-out-yashs-kgf-chapter-2-to-release-on-april-14/articleshow/80586641.cms|access-date=2021-02-03|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> but again got postponed due to the same reason. On 22 August 2021, the filmmakers announced that the film will release on 14 April 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yash's KGF 2 to release on Apr 14, 2022, to clash with Prabhas's Salaar | url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/yash-s-kgf-2-to-release-on-apr-14-2022-to-clash-with-prabhas-s-salaar-1843981-2021-08-22 | access-date=22 August 2021| website=[[India Today]] |language=en}}</ref> Finally Chapter 2 was released on 14 April 2022 in [[Kannada]], and in dubbed versions for the [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], and [[Malayalam]] languages.

== Legacy ==
{{Blockquote|text=The success of 'KGF' means a lot to the [[Kannada cinema|Kannada industry]], especially to a lot of our talented technicians who don't get the due they deserve. A lot of our talented technicians have been looking for a platform and 'KGF' has provided them that pedestal. This success has boosted the morale of the Kannada industry. It has justified the talent of [[Prashanth Neel]].|author=|title=|source=Yash in an interview to [[Indo Asian News Service|IANS]], after the success of ''K.G.F''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kgf-success-has-boosted-morale-of-kannada-film-industry-yash-119030700477_1.html|title='KGF' success has boosted morale of Kannada film industry: Yash|newspaper=Business Standard India|date=7 March 2019|via=Business Standard}}</ref>}}
The film was praised by many celebrities across the South Indian film industry. Director [[Pa. Ranjith]] praised the team after watching the trailer of the film,<ref>{{cite news|title=Tamil director Pa Ranjith appreciates 'KGF' trailer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/tamil-director-pa-ranjith-appreciates-kgf-trailer/articleshow/66591906.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> while [[Puneeth Rajkumar]] and [[Shah Rukh Khan]] also appreciated Yash and the filmmakers.<ref>{{cite news|title=Puneeth Rajkumar wishes team 'KGF'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/puneeth-rajkumar-wishes-team-kgf/articleshow/66602450.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Shah Rukh Khan congratulates Yash for his upcoming film 'KGF'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/shah-rukh-khan-congratulates-yash-for-his-upcoming-film-kgf/articleshow/67159359.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> [[Raveena Tandon]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Raveena Tandon appreciates Yash's acting in 'KGF' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/raveena-tandon-appreciates-yashs-acting-in-kgf/articleshow/67232642.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> [[Rashmika Mandanna]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Geetha Govindam actress praises the Yash-starrer KGF |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/geetha-govindam-actress-praises-the-yash-starrer-kgf/articleshow/67253410.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> [[Ram Gopal Varma]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Ram Gopal Varma congratulates team 'KGF' for the film's success|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/ram-gopal-varma-congratulates-team-kgf-for-the-films-success/articleshow/67270698.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and [[Sumalatha|Sumalatha Ambareesh]] (wife of late actor [[Ambareesh]])<ref>{{cite news|title=When Sumalatha Ambareesh applauded Yash|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/when-sumalatha-ambareesh-applauded-yash/articleshow/67242838.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> also praised Yash's performance. Tamil actor [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]], who watched a special screening of the film on 20 January 2019 in [[Chennai]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|date=2019-01-20|title=Thalapathy Vijay gives thumbs-up for Yash's KGF|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/thalapathy-vijay-gives-thumbs-yashs-kgf-790272|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-11|website=www.ibtimes.co.in|language=en}}</ref> praised the team for its brilliant filmmaking, and Yash for his performance.<ref>{{cite news|title=Thalapathy Vijay praises KGF team|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalapathy-vijay-praises-kgf-team/articleshow/67608821.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

Following the box office performance of the film, on 3 January 2019, the [[Income Tax Department]] raided the homes of several film stars and producers from the Kannada industry,<ref>{{cite news|title=Income tax officials raid homes of Kannada film actors and producers |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/income-tax-officials-raid-homes-of-kannada-film-actors-and-producers/articleshow/67362887.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> including Yash and the film's producer, Vijay Kiragandur,<ref>{{cite news|title=Income Tax raid on Sandalwood stars continue for the second day |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/income-tax-raid-on-sandalwood-stars-continue-for-the-second-day/articleshow/67379564.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> and its actors have also been asked to provide details of Yash's remuneration for the film, shedding light on the fact that the movie's performance was considered to be the reason behind the IT raid.<ref>{{cite news|title=I-T officials keen to know how much Yash made from KGF?|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/i-t-officials-keen-to-know-how-much-yash-made-from-kgf/articleshow/67383225.cms|access-date=2021-01-09|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>

In a March 2018 interview with ''IANS'', Yash stated that "The success of ''K.G.F: Chapter 1'' boosted the morale of the Kannada film industry. This success means a lot to all the untapped talent of our industry".<ref>{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title='KGF' success has boosted morale of Kannada film industry: Yash|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/kgf-success-has-boosted-morale-of-kannada-film-industry-yash/1491621|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Outlook India}}</ref> ''K.G.F'' also established Kannada cinema in the multilingual film market, with the 2019 releases [[Pailwaan]], [[Kurukshetra (2019 film)|Kurukshetra]], and [[Avane Srimannarayana]] being released in multiple languages.<ref>{{cite web|title=From Tagaru to KGF: Kannada film industry's 2018 report card|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2018/dec/29/2018-sandalwoods-report-card-1917913.html|access-date=2021-01-11|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> Shjilpa Sebastian wrote an article for ''[[The Hindu]]'', "2019: The Year when Kannada Cinema Went National", in which she stated that the film "changed the game plan for the Kannada film industry".<ref>{{Cite news|last=R|first=Shilpa Sebastian|date=2019-12-19|title=2019: The year when Kannada cinema went national|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/2019-the-year-when-kannada-cinema-went-national/article30348537.ece|access-date=2021-01-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

''K.G.F'' became the most streamed film on [[Amazon Prime Video]] on 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Toleti|first=Siddartha|date=2019-12-07|title=The Sensational Kannada Movie KGF Is The Most Streamed Film Of The Year|url=https://www.binged.com/news/the-sensational-kannada-movie-kgf-is-the-most-streamed-film-of-the-year/|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Binged|language=en-US}}</ref> Director [[Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar]], chairman of the [[Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy]], praised the film, stating: "We can expect more 'KGF's in the future. Not everyone can make a 'KGF', but its success can inspire more quality filmmaking using both local and international technicians."<ref>{{cite web|date=2019-02-28|title=KGF turns talking point at film festival|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/city/kgf-turns-talking-point-film-720900.html|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Deccan Herald|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=R|first=Shilpa Sebastian|date=2020-01-24|title=Director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar explains what is unique about Kannada film industry, after KGF|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/director-nagathihalli-chandrashekar-explains-what-is-unique-about-his-film-india-vs-england/article30642000.ece|url-status=live|access-date=2021-01-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

== See also ==
* [[Kannada cinema]]
* [[List of films featuring slavery]]
* [[Mining in India]]
* [[Kolar Gold Fields]]
* [[K.G.F: Chapter 2]]

== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|7838252}}
* {{Rotten Tomatoes|kgf}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama title|KGF}}
{{National Film Award Best Special Effects|state=collapsed}}
{{Prashanth Neel}}
{{AA Films}}
{{Vishal Film Factory}}

[[Category:2010s Kannada-language films]]
[[Category:2018 action drama films]]
[[Category:2010s vigilante films]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Films set in the 1980s]]
[[Category:Indian gangster films]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Period action films]]
[[Category:Indian historical action films]]
[[Category:Films that won the Best Special Effects National Film Award]]
[[Category:2018 masala films]]
[[Category:Indian pregnancy films]]
[[Category:Indian vigilante films]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films set in Karnataka]]
[[Category:Films shot in Karnataka]]
[[Category:Films about mining]]
[[Category:Cold War films]]
[[Category:Films set in 1978]]
[[Category:Films about Indian slavery]]
[[Category:Films directed by Prashanth Neel]]
[[Category:AA Films films]]