Kantara: Chapter 1

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Kantara: Chapter 1
Theatrical release poster
Directed byRishab Shetty
Written byRishab Shetty
Produced byVijay Kiragandur
Chaluve Gowda
Starring
CinematographyArvind S. Kashyap
Edited bySuresh Mallaiah
Music byB. Ajaneesh Loknath
Production
company
Distributed bysee below
Release date
  • 2 October 2025 (2025-10-02)
Running time
168 minutes[1][2]
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada
Budget₹125 crore[3][4]

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language period mythological[5] action drama film written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films. A prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, the story delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film.[6][7]

Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film is expected to explore the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore and history explored in the first film released in 2022. Like its predecessor, the prequel would reportedly blend regional folklore, spirituality, and action, continuing the saga of man's relationship with nature and the divine.[8][9]

Filming began in November 2023. The first look and teaser was released on 27 November 2023. Rishab Shetty plays the role of a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers.[10][11] The publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio.[12][13] B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score. The film was released on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, in standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and EPIQ formats. Like its predecessor, the film received positive reviews from critics.

Plot

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In 1990 Shiva[n 1] as a child questions the villagers about the mysterious disappearance of his father at a particular spot in the forest. The villagers respond that it is a long story—a folk tale that goes back many centuries.

In an Ancient Era – Kadamba Period (3rd–4th Century CE)– in the ancient forest of Madhuvana (The Divine Forest), two communities resided: the Kantara community, a peaceful tribe living in harmony with nature; the Karpa community, known for their evil practices, including black magic. A cruel king from the city of Bangra invades Madhuvana with his army. However, under mysterious circumstances, his soldiers begin to die one by one, and eventually the king himself perishes. The only survivor is the prince, Rajasekhara, who later ascends the throne.

Rajasekhara rules Bangra and fathers two children: Kanakavathi, his disabled daughter. Kulasekhara, his son and heir. Through forbidden black magic, Rajasekhara cures Kanakavathi’s disability. Meanwhile, in Madhuvana, a baby is abandoned in a well. The tiger-vahana of Goddess Chamundi appears to guard the child. A woman from the Kantara community adopts him, and he is named Berme.

Rajasekhara becomes fearful of the forest, believing it to be haunted. In contrast, Kulasekhara dismisses the legends as superstition. He leads soldiers into the forest to hunt, but the group mysteriously dwindles as men die one by one. The survivors flee, though one soldier is captured by Berme and his friends.

Berme and his companions infiltrate Bangra with the help of the captured soldier. They begin trading and gradually win recognition. During this time, Berme falls in love with Princess Kanakavathi. Suspicion arises about Berme’s true identity—whether he is a soldier of Bangra or an outsider. Kulasekhara interrogates him, but no evidence is found. Rajasekhara, distrustful, orders Berme and his group to be sold to Arab merchants.

However, Berme’s gang offers the Arabs psychoactive plants from the sacred forest, securing their release. They then begin building influence at Bangra’s port, which angers Kulasekhara. In retaliation, Kulasekhara burns down the forest at night.

At this moment, Berme becomes possessed by Kshetrapala Guliga Daiva, who slaughters Kulasekhara and his men, saving both the villagers and the sacred forest.

Rajasekhara grows increasingly paranoid. Soon after, Berme and his companions face attacks from the Karpa tribe’s goons but emerge victorious. To restore faith, Rajasekhara and Kanakavathi build a temple of Lord Shiva/Swamy Ullaya and invite the Kantara community to perform a Bhuta Kola ritual.

The ritual appears successful, but the following day it is revealed that demigods Panjurli and Guliga have been captured through black magic. The shocking truth emerges: Rajasekhara and Kanakavathi plotted to avenge Kulasekhara’s death and seize control of the forest.

Berme rallies the villagers into an army and launches an assault on Bangra. A fierce battle ensues, with heavy casualties on both sides. Berme is eventually defeated and thrown into the same well where he was once abandoned as a baby.

In the well, Berme becomes possessed by Ansha Of Swamy Ullaya—Guliga. Empowered, he unleashes divine fury, massacring Rajasekhara’s soldiers. As he advances towards Rajasekhara and Kanakavathi, he is further possessed by Goddess Chamundi, and in a climactic rage, slays them both.

In the aftermath, Berme performs the Gulika Kola. Following the ritual, he vanishes into the mysterious well—just as the legend foretells.

Cast

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Production

[edit]

Development

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Following the success of Kantara (2022), in February 2023, Rishab Shetty confirmed that a prequel will be made and what was actually shown was the second part.[14] It was reported that in Mangalore, Shetty had sought the permission of god Panjurli to film a prequel.[15][16] The scripting work was completed in around 8 months, where Shetty collaborated with Shaneel Gautham and Anirudh Mahesh.[17]

The film throws light on the origin of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva.[18] The film's story is set in pre-colonial Karnataka, during the reign of Kadambas from Banavasi.[19][20] Later, Shetty also revealed that basic theme of the film is same as previous part, and focuses on the conflict between the tribals of Kantara forest and a tyrannical king.[21][22]

Filming

[edit]

Principal photography began in November 2023, with a formal pooja ceremony.[23] In April 2024, major portion was filmed in Shetty's own village in Kundapura.[24] A massive set was created by more than 600 carpenters for the same.[25][26] Shetty learned horse riding, Kalaripayattu and sword fighting for his role.[27][28] In November 2024, a bus carrying crew members met with an accident near Jadkal due to which shooting got halted.[29] In January 2025, filming moved to the forests of Sakleshpur. However, later the makers were fined ₹50K for dumping material inside protected forest area.[30] In February 2025, a grand war sequence was filmed which was choreographed by national and international experts. The sequence included over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of nearly 3,000 people. It was shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka's mountains, and the sequence took nearly 50 days to film completely.[31][32] In May 2025, the film's last schedule was filmed 20 kilometers away from Kundapur.[33] The entire filming was wrapped by July 2025.[34][35]

Music

[edit]

The film's soundtrack album and background score was composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who had composed for the prequel, Kantara.[36]

The first single titled "Brahmakalasha" was released on 28 September 2025.[37] The second single titled "Rebel Song" was released on 1 October 2025.[38] The song's Hindi version was sung by Diljit Dosanjh.[39]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Brahmakalasha"Shashiraj KavoorAbby V5:44
2."Rebel Song"Thrilok VikramMime Ramdass3:58

Marketing

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The film's first look teaser was released on 27 November 2023.[40] Another first-look poster was released on 7 July 2025, following the wrap of the film.[41] The official trailer was released on 22 September 2025.[42] Following the release of the trailer a press meet was held in Bengaluru.[43] On 28 September 2025, a pre-release event was held in Hyderabad where N. T. Rama Rao Jr. was invited as chief guest.[44] On 30 September 2025, another pre-release event was set to take place in Chennai, however it was cancelled by the makers, following the 2025 Karur crowd crush.[45]

Release

[edit]

Theatrical

[edit]

Kantara: Chapter 1 was released in theatres worldwide on 2 October 2025 in standard and IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and EPIQ formats, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami.[46][47] Apart from the original Kannada language it was also released in dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.[48]

Distribution

[edit]

The producers Hombale Films will distribute the film in Karnataka.[49] In Kerala, actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran’s company Prithviraj Productions acquired the theatrical rights, continuing their collaboration from Kantara (2022).[50] In North India, AA Films handled the distribution[51], while in the Telugu-speaking states, Mythri Movie Makers, Geetha Arts, Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Vigneshwara Entertainments, SV Cinemas and KSN Telefilms handled the distribution.[52] In Tamil Nadu, the distribution was handled by Think Studios, M. Movies, Fivestar K. Senthil and S Picture.[53] For overseas markets, distribution was managed by Phars Films.[54] In North America, distribution was handled by Prathyangira Cinemas.[55]

Home media

[edit]

The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime for ₹125 crore.[56][57]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Search Film: Kantara A Legend Chapter 1". Central Board of Film Certification. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  2. ^ Seta, Fenil. "EXCLUSIVE: CBFC censors obscene hand gesture in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  3. ^ "'Kantara 2': Has Rishab Shetty increased the budget for the prequel by over Rs 100 crore? Here's what we know..." The Times of India.
  4. ^ "'Kantara 2' to be made on a whopping budget; here are the full details". The Hans India. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  5. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1: Jr NTR To Grace Mega Pre-Release Event Of Rishab Shetty's Mythological Epic On THIS Date". Times Now. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
  6. ^ "Kantara, KGF 2 win National Film Awards 2024; Chaluve Gowda of Hombale Films reveals how it happened: 'Wanted to take Kannada cinema to…'". 16 August 2024.
  7. ^ Padmashree Bhat (6 February 2023). "Rishab Shetty: ನೀವು ನೋಡಿದ್ದೇ 'ಕಾಂತಾರ 2', 'ಕಾಂತಾರ-1' ಈಗ ರೆಡಿ ಮಾಡಬೇಕು; ರಿಷಬ್ ಶೆಟ್ಟಿ ಅಧಿಕೃತ ಘೋಷಣೆ". Vijaya Karnataka. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Mohanlal to play Rishab Shetty's father in Kantara Chapter 1: Report". India Today. 1 October 2024. Retrieved 19 October 2024.
  9. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (3 May 2025). "Chaluve Gowda reveals Hombale Films' Oscar strategy for Kantara Chapter 1 at WAVES 2025 1 : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama.
  10. ^ "The wait is finally over! Here's when Kantara: Chapter 1 first look will be unveiled". ETV Bharat News. 25 November 2025. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
  11. ^ "Kantara 2 Teaser: Rishab Shetty Is Covered in Blood and Has Fire In His Eyes in First Look, Watch". News18. 27 November 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  12. ^ Yashika Mathur (7 July 2023). "Rishab Shetty shares update on Kantara 2: 'We will start shooting…". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 15 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  13. ^ "Rishab Shetty announces 'Kantara 2' launch in 2024; Says it will be a 'Prequel'". The Economic Times. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  14. ^ "Rishab Shetty confirms Kantara 2 will be a prequel: 'What you have seen is actually Part 2, Part 1 will come next year'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  15. ^ "Rishab Shetty seeks divine consent for Kantara 2, gets it". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  16. ^ "Kantara 2 confirmed! Rishab Shetty gets local God's consent for Kantara sequel. Read here". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
  17. ^ "Su From So's Shaneel Gautham on the writing process of Kantara Chapter 1: 'There were a lot of re-writes…'". OTTPlay. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  18. ^ "Kantara: Chapter 1 to narrate the history of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva divinities". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 9 January 2024.
  19. ^ "8 Things You Need To Know About Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 Ahead Of Its Trailer". Times Now. Retrieved 21 September 2025.
  20. ^ "What's the story of Kantara Chapter 1 and how does Rishab Shetty's prequel connect to the first part?". Pinkvilla. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  21. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1 teaser out: Rishab Shetty's prequel to be set in 300 CE?", Hindustan Times, 27 November 2023, archived from the original on 28 November 2023, retrieved 28 November 2023
  22. ^ "Rishab Shetty: The basic theme of Kantara Chapter 1 is the same as Kantara, but…". OTTPlay. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
  23. ^ "Pooja ceremony of Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara-A Legend Chapter 1'". The South First. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  24. ^ Hungama, Bollywood. "Vijay Kiragandur unveils exciting updates on Kantara 2 and KGF: "We've completed about 30 per cent of the filming" : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  25. ^ "Kantara 2: Rishab Shetty Says A Huge Set Has Been Put Up In His Village, Team To Shoot There In April". News18. Retrieved 19 March 2025.
  26. ^ "Kantara: Chapter 1 gears up for 20-day schedule, team heads to Kundapura; shoot deets inside". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 30 April 2024.
  27. ^ "Rishab Shetty prepares for Kantara Chapter 1 with intense Kalaripayattu training, shares photo". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  28. ^ "'Kantara: Chapter 1' release date confirmed: When will Rishabh Shetty's much-awaited prequel hit the theatres". The Economic Times. 2 April 2025. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  29. ^ "Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' shoot halts after a bus accident involving junior artists". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 November 2024.
  30. ^ "'Kantara Chapter-1' makers fined Rs 50k for forest violation". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
  31. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1: Hombale Films hire over 500 skilled fighters for a never-seen-before war sequence in Rishab Shetty starrer". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
  32. ^ "Kantara 2: Rishab Shetty To Shoot For The Biggest War Sequence In Karnataka For 50 Days". News18. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  33. ^ "Kantara – Chapter 1 shooting update: Final schedule of Rishab Shetty starrer begins ahead of October 2 release". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  34. ^ Sistu, Suhas (8 July 2025). "'Kantara: Chapter 1' wraps filming, all set for a grand release on Oct 2". The Hans India. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  35. ^ "'Kantara: Chapter 1' poster unveiled on Rishab Shetty's birthday; Shoot wrapped, release announced". The Times of India. 7 July 2025. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  36. ^ "Ajaneesh Loknath: Kantara Chapter 1 fuses Carnatic music with tribal rhythms". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  37. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1 Brahmakalsha Song: Step Into The Divine World Of Rishab Shetty's Mythical-Actioner". Times Now. Retrieved 28 September 2025.
  38. ^ "Kantara's Rebel Song: War Chant Forged In Fire". Gulte. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  39. ^ "'Kantara: Chapter 1' makers drop high-energy song by Diljit Dosanjh". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  40. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1 teaser: Rishab Shetty is fierce and mighty in film's first look". India Today. 27 November 2023. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  41. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1 First Look Poster: Rishab Shetty's Fierce, Warrior-Like Avatar Leaves Fans Awestruck". News18. Retrieved 8 July 2025.
  42. ^ "'Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1' trailer: Rishabh Shetty leads stunning prequel epic". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 September 2025.
  43. ^ "Rukmini Vasanth in tears at 'Kantara Chapter 1' trailer launch: Here's what she revealed about Rishab Shetty". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 September 2025.
  44. ^ "NTR backs Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 at Hyderabad pre-release event". Telangana Today. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
  45. ^ "'Kantara: Chapter 1': Makers of the Rishab Shetty starrer CANCEL Chennai event after Karur stampede tragedy". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  46. ^ "Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' gets a release date -". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  47. ^ "Kantara Chapter 1 release date: Rishab Shetty's prequel will be out next year on Gandhi Jayanti". Hindustan Times. 17 November 2024. Archived from the original on 17 November 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  48. ^ "'Kantara: Chapter 1' to release in Spanish and English". The Week. Retrieved 16 September 2025.
  49. ^ "Kantara: Chapter 1 makers lock India and overseas distribution partners; all set for October 2 grand release". OTTplay. 6 September 2025. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
  50. ^ "കാന്താര ചാപ്റ്റര്‍1 കേരളത്തിലെ വിതരണം പൃഥ്വിരാജ് പ്രൊഡക്ഷന്‍സിന്, ചിത്രം ഒക്ടോബര്‍ 2ന് തീയേറ്ററില്‍". Mathrubhumi News (in Malayalam). 6 September 2025. Retrieved 8 September 2025.
  51. ^ "AA Films to distribute Kantara: Chapter 1 in North India". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 September 2025.
  52. ^ "Kantara: Chapter 1 locks massive Telugu release rights as global release plans unfold". Cinema Express. Retrieved 11 September 2025.
  53. ^ Hombale Films [@hombalefilms] (16 September 2025). "Delighted to announce our collaboration with the Tamizh distributors to bring the epic saga of #KantaraChapter1 to audiences across 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐍𝐚𝐝𝐮 🔥 Witness the divine origin of a LEGEND this 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝐧𝐝" (Tweet). Retrieved 16 September 2025 – via Twitter.
  54. ^ Hombale Films [@hombalefilms] (6 September 2025). "The divine saga spreads its roar beyond borders… ✨🔥 #KantaraChapter1 hits cinemas worldwide from 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐𝐧𝐝, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓. 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬 release by @PharsFilm" (Tweet). Retrieved 6 September 2025 – via Twitter.
  55. ^ "US distributor lits up Kantara Chapter 1 premiere hype". Cinema Express. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  56. ^ "Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 OTT Release: Where And When To Watch Rishab Shetty's Film". IndiaTimes. 21 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  57. ^ Sharadhaa, A. (21 March 2024). "Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 secures digital rights for a whopping price". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.

Notes

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  1. ^ Shiva is the protagonist from the film's sequel, Kantara.
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