Kantara: Chapter 1 – Rishab Shetty’s Divine Prequel Unveils the Origins of a Legend

Kantara: Chapter 1 marks the highly anticipated return to the mystical universe that captivated audiences in 2022. Helmed by visionary filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty, this prequel dives into the mythological and spiritual roots of the original Kantara, unraveling the ancestral legacy of the Kadamba dynasty and the sacred Bhuta Kola tradition of coastal Karnataka.

Set in a pre-colonial era, the film introduces Berme, a fierce Naga Sadhu portrayed by Shetty, who rises against a brutal king to protect his people. The narrative blends folklore, divine intervention, and man-versus-nature conflict, echoing themes of spiritual warfare and cultural preservation. Unlike the contemporary setting of the first film, Chapter 1 is a period epic that explores the origins of the divine protector foretold in legend.

🗓️ Release Date: October 2, 2025
📍 Languages: Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, English
📽️ Formats: Standard and IMAX

Backed by Hombale Films, the powerhouse studio behind KGF and Salaar, the film boasts a stellar ensemble:

– Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi

– Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara

– Jayaram Subramaniam, Pramod Shetty, and others in pivotal roles

🎶 The haunting score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath and immersive cinematography by Arvind Kashyap elevate the film’s spiritual and emotional depth. The production features a grand war sequence choreographed by national and international experts, filmed over 50 days with more than 500 fighters on a 25-acre set in Karnataka’s mountains.

🔥 With 2,500+ theaters set for paid premiere screenings on October 1, the film is banking on organic buzz and word-of-mouth publicity, echoing the grassroots success of the original Kantara. The trailer, which showcases Shetty’s transformation into a divine warrior, has already sparked massive anticipation across social media.

🧠 Kantara: Chapter 1 isn’t just a film—it’s a cultural revival, a cinematic ode to forgotten traditions, and a spiritual journey that promises to resonate across generations.