Kantara: Chapter 1
264ms
Prepare to be transported. Kantara: Chapter 1, an epic Indian Kannada-language period mythological action drama, is coming. Written and directed by the visionary Rishab Shetty, and brought to life by Vijay Kiragandur and Hombale Films, this is not just a film, it's a deep dive into the soul of a legend.
As a prequel to the phenomenal 2022 hit, Kantara, this story unfurls the very origins of its captivating mythological traditions and the ancestral conflicts that ignited the first film. Set in the vibrant, pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, Kantara: Chapter 1 promises to unearth the ancient roots of the sacred Bhuta Kola ritual, weaving together the rich mythological lore and history that first enthralled us. Expect a powerful blend of regional folklore, profound spirituality, and pulse-pounding action, continuing the timeless saga of humanity's profound connection with nature and the divine, all set against the backdrop of the majestic reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi.
Filming commenced in November 2023, with the first glimpse and teaser igniting anticipation on November 27, 2023. Rishab Shetty himself embodies a Naga Sadhu, a figure of immense spiritual power and superhuman abilities. The striking publicity poster, a work of art by Kaani Studio, hints at the grandeur to come, while the soul-stirring soundtrack and background score are masterfully composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. Mark your calendars: Kantara: Chapter 1 arrives on October 2, 2025, in both standard and breathtaking IMAX formats.
The cast is a constellation of talent: Rishab Shetty as Berme, Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, the esteemed Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara, alongside Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, and Hariprashanth M G.
Behind the scenes, Vijay Kiragandur and Hombale Films have spared no effort. Rishab Shetty underwent rigorous training, mastering horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting to embody his role with unparalleled authenticity. Prepare for a war sequence of epic proportions, meticulously choreographed by national and international experts, featuring over 500 skilled fighters and a cast of nearly 3,000. This monumental scene, filmed over 50 days on a sprawling 25-acre set nestled in Karnataka's mountains, is a testament to the film's ambition. Shooting concluded on July 7, 2025.
The unforgettable soundtrack and background score are once again the brilliant creation of B. Ajaneesh Loknath, the musical genius behind the prequel.
Get ready for a theatrical release on October 2, 2025, a date that coincides with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami, promising a cinematic celebration. The film will also be available in a spectrum of dubbed versions, including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English.
Hombale Films will be distributing the film across Karnataka, while in Kerala, the renowned Prithviraj Productions continues their successful collaboration. North India will witness the film through AA Films, and the Telugu-speaking states will experience it via Geetha Arts. For global audiences, Phars Films takes the reins of overseas distribution. And for those who prefer to experience it from the comfort of their homes, Amazon Prime has acquired the digital distribution rights for an staggering ₹125 crore.
Kantara: Chapter 1. The legend begins.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language period mythological action drama film written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur 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.
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 sequel would reportedly blend regional folklore, spirituality, and action, continuing the saga of man's relationship with nature and the divine, set during the reign of Kadambas of Banavasi
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. The publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio. B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score. The film will be released on 2 October 2025 in standard and IMAX formats.
== Cast ==
Rishab Shetty as Berme
Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi
Jayaram
Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara
Pramod Shetty
Rakesh Poojari
Prakash Thuminad
Deepak Rai Panaje
Hariprashanth M G
== Production ==
The film was produced by Vijay Kiragandur through Hombale Films. Shetty learned horse riding, Kalaripayattu and sword fighting for the role.
The film features a grand war sequence choreographed by national and international experts. The sequence includes over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of nearly 3,000. Shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka's mountains, the war sequence took nearly 50 days to film.
The shooting was finished on 7 July 2025.
== Soundtrack ==
The film's soundtrack album and background score were composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who had composed for the prequel, Kantara.
== Release ==
=== Theatrical ===
Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled for a release in theatres on 2 October 2025 in standard and IMAX formats, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami. The film will also release the dubbed versions including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali and English languages.
=== Distribution ===
The producers Hombale Films will distribute the film in Karnataka. In Kerala, actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran’s company Prithviraj Productions acquired the theatrical rights, continuing their collaboration from Kantara (2022). In North India, AA Films handled the distribution, while in the Telugu-speaking states, distribution rights were acquired by Geetha Arts. For overseas markets, distribution was managed by Phars Films.
=== Home media ===
The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime For ₹125 crore.
== References ==
== External links ==
Kantara: Chapter 1 on Twitter
Kantara: Chapter 1 at IMDb
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