Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, has been released worldwide on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra. The film is a Kannada-language period mythological action drama. Rishab Shetty writes and directs the film, also taking on the lead role. Kantara: Chapter 1 is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films.
Plot and Setting
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, Kantara: Chapter 1 delves into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. The story explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the region's mythological lore and history. The film is set in 300 CE during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty and takes audiences into the mystical forests of Banavasi, where divine spirits awaken and the roots of the Daiva tradition are forged. The plot unravels the mysteries of Kaadubettu Shiva's origins during the Kadamba dynasty era.
Cast
The film stars Rishab Shetty as Berme, a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers. The cast also includes Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara, and Jayaram as King Vijayendra.
Production
Principal photography commenced in November 2023. A significant portion of the film was shot in Shetty's village in Kundapura, where a massive set was constructed by over 600 carpenters. For his role, Shetty learned horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting. The film's soundtrack and background score are composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
Reception
Early reviews of Kantara: Chapter 1 have been mixed. Some critics have praised the film's visuals, action sequences, and Rishab Shetty's performance, while others have found the first half slow-paced and the storyline overstuffed. Kuldeep Gadhavi called the film outstanding, a "class film" and "pure goosebumps from start to finish". Umair Sandhu, however, called the film "overrated & weird".
Many fans are hailing Rishab Shetty's vision, describing the prequel as “a soul-stirring journey into folklore, faith & human emotions”. The climax has been particularly praised, with viewers guaranteeing goosebumps and calling it unforgettable.
Technical Aspects
Arvind S Kashyap's cinematography and Ajaneesh Loknath's music have been lauded. The visual effects have also been commended, with some reviewers describing them as mind-boggling and comparing the film's visuals to Hollywood blockbusters.
Release and Box Office
Kantara: Chapter 1 was released on October 2, 2025, in standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and EPIQ formats. In addition to Kannada, the film is also available in dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and English. Advance bookings for the film have been strong, with the film earning ₹5.7 crore in pre-sales.
