Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is heading to OTT after a successful theatrical run. The film is set to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting October 31, 2025.
OTT Release Details
Kantara: Chapter 1 will be available on Amazon Prime Video in Kannada, with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Details regarding the Hindi dub are yet to be announced, but it is expected to be released later, possibly around November 26. The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime Video for ₹125 crore.
Theatrical Success
Kantara: Chapter 1 has had a tremendous run in theaters, surpassing Vicky Kaushal's Chhaava to become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. The film has grossed over ₹800 crore worldwide. According to Hombale Films, the production house behind Kantara: Chapter 1, the film earned ₹717 crore worldwide in its first two weeks. Sacnilk estimates the worldwide collection to be around ₹775 crore after 21 days. In India, the film has earned ₹556.75 crore net, with an additional $13 million from overseas.
Plot and Storyline
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the ancient roots of the Buta Kola ritual and delves deeper into the lore and history explored in the first film. The story begins during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. King Vijayendra of Bangra orders the execution of Mayakara, a fisherman, and discovers precious spices, sparking his desire to seize the sacred spice garden within the Kantara forest. When he enters the forest, he is killed by the ganas of Eeshwara and guardian daivas, Panjurli and Guliga.
His son, Rajashekara, traumatized by his father's death, becomes the new king and decrees that no one should enter the forest. In the village of Kantara, a sacred well holds a secret. A young boy, believed to be born of divine will, is found inside and adopted by a tribal woman, who names him Berme. As Berme grows up, he ventures beyond the forest and discovers that the spices from the forest are being exploited through barter trade. Berme decides to cultivate and trade spices independently to support his people. He also develops a romantic connection with Kanakavathi.
Kanakavathi asks Berme and the tribal leaders to move their deities to the kingdom temple to restore harmony. The ritual is completed, but soon after, children in Kantara begin falling unconscious from a mysterious illness. Berme learns that Kanakavathi has been conspiring against the tribe, planning to trap the daivas and harness their power through black magic. Berme declares war against the Bangra kingdom. In battle, Kanakavathi strengthens Rajashekara with forbidden rituals. Berme discovers a hidden chamber with a Shivalinga and is possessed by Guliga. As Panjurli Daiva ignites a fire around Rajashekara's stronghold, Berme confronts Kanakavathi. Chavundi possesses Berme, defeats, and kills both Kanakavathi and Rajashekara, restoring peace to Kantara. The film closes with Berme diving back into the sacred well and disappearing.
Cast and Characters
The film stars Rishab Shetty, who also wrote and directed it, along with Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. Rishab Shetty plays the lead role of Berme, while Rukmini Vasanth plays Kanakavathi. Gulshan Devaiah plays Kulashekhara, and Jayaram plays Rajasekhara.
Kantara: Chapter 1 promises to be a visually stunning and culturally rich cinematic experience, exploring the origins of the traditions and conflicts depicted in the first film.
