The highly anticipated Kannada film Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, is set to release on October 2, 2025, and promises to be a cinematic spectacle that delves deeper into the mythological and spiritual roots of the Kantara universe. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner of Hombale Films, this prequel explores the origins of the divine guardianship and Bhuta Kola traditions introduced in the original Kantara (2022).
Director: Rishab Shetty
Producer: Vijay Kiragandur
Production House: Hombale Films
Music Composer: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
Cinematography: Arvind S. Kashyap
Action Choreography: National and international experts
Art Direction: Kaani Studio (publicity poster design)
Lead Cast
Rishab Shetty – Plays a powerful Naga Sadhu with superhuman abilities
Jayaram – Veteran actor in a pivotal role
Rakesh Poojari – Supporting character
Rukmini Vasanth – Female lead
Gulshan Devaiah – Key antagonist role
Setting and Storyline
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the film explores ancient folklore, divine land guardianship, and the spiritual essence of Bhuta Kola. The story is rich with regional mythology and promises intense action sequences, including a grand war scene filmed over 50 days with more than 500 fighters and a cast of nearly 3,000.
Technical Highlights
Shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka’s mountainous terrain
Will be released in IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box formats
Dubbed in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English
Digital rights acquired by Amazon Prime for ₹125 crore
Distribution handled by AA Films, Geetha Arts, and Prithviraj Productions across India and overseas
With Rishab Shetty’s intense preparation—including training in horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting—and a powerful ensemble cast, Kantara: Chapter 1 is poised to be a landmark in Indian cinema.