The countdown has officially begun. Advance bookings for Kantara Chapter 1, the mythological prequel to Rishab Shetty’s cult hit Kantara, will open across Karnataka on September 26 at exactly 12:29 PM, Hombale Films confirmed in a midnight post that sent fans into a frenzy.
The film, steeped in the spiritual lore of coastal Karnataka, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. With its unique blend of ritual, rebellion, and regional mysticism, Kantara Chapter 1 promises to deepen the cinematic universe that captivated audiences in 2022.
Booking Details
- Advance Booking Opens: September 26, 2025 at 12:29 PM IST
- Platforms: BookMyShow, Paytm, and major multiplex chains including PVR, INOX, Cinepolis
- Languages: Kannada (primary), with dubbed versions in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi to follow
- Expected Release Date: October 15, 2025 (tentative)
Fan Sentiment
The unusual booking time — 12:29 PM — is believed to be astrologically chosen, aligning with the film’s spiritual themes. Fans across Karnataka, especially in Udupi, Mangaluru, and Shivamogga, are expected to flood early morning shows, echoing the fervor of the original release.
ಮೊದಲ ಅಧ್ಯಾಯದ ಆರಂಭ.
— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) September 25, 2025
The saga begins here… Enter the world of #KantaraChapter1 ????
Advance bookings across Karnataka open on September 26th at 12:29 PM.
In cinemas #KantaraChapter1onOct2 ✨#Kantara @hombalefilms @KantaraFilm @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @ChaluveG @rukminitweets… pic.twitter.com/wKcQuiSold
Social media has already lit up with hashtags like #KantaraChapter1 and #PanjurliReturns, with fan clubs organizing mass bookings and temple visits to mark the occasion.
Cultural Significance
Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 explores the origin of Panjurli Daiva and the ancestral legacy that shaped the events of the first film. It’s not just a movie — it’s a cultural moment, blending folklore, faith, and cinematic spectacle.