When Kantara released in 2022, it wasn’t just another film. It was a cultural phenomenon that reintroduced the mystical world of Daiva Kola and the symbiotic bond between man, nature, and divinity. Now, filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty is taking audiences further back in time with Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel that promises to dive deep into the roots of this legend.
Unlike the original, which was set in the 1990s, this chapter transports us centuries back—into a world of kings, rituals, war, and a divine legacy that shaped generations.
The Story – Back to the Origins
The film is set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, during the era of the Kadamba dynasty. At its core, the story unravels how the rituals of Daiva Kola began and how divine guardianship was first invoked to protect land and people.
From the trailer, we see a tyrant king, Kulashekara (Gulshan Devaiah), ruling with oppression. The people suffer under his iron grip, until destiny unfolds through a chosen one—played by Rishab Shetty—who embodies both man and spirit. His transformation, seemingly guided by divine possession, marks the beginning of the spiritual tradition we glimpsed in the original Kantara.
Adding emotional depth, the film introduces Princess Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth), who finds herself caught between loyalty to her kingdom and love for the hero. This mix of romance, resistance, and ritual lays the foundation for a story that is as mythical as it is human.
The Scale of the Film
Rishab Shetty is known for blending realism with folklore, but this time he has gone bigger. With a budget of ₹125 crore, Kantara: Chapter 1 is among the most ambitious Kannada films ever made.
- A massive war sequence was shot with 500 fighters and over 3,000 extras on a 25-acre set.
- The film is being released in IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box formats, ensuring audiences don’t just watch but experience the legend.
- Expect grand visuals, traditional rituals recreated with authenticity, and a haunting background score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, whose music in the first film still resonates with fans.
Cast and Characters
- Rishab Shetty – Lead role, portraying the ancestor of Shiva (from Kantara 2022).
- Gulshan Devaiah – As King Kulashekara, the ruthless monarch.
- Rukmini Vasanth – Princess Kanakavathi, torn between love and duty.
- Jayaram, Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad – Supporting roles that add strength to the narrative.
The casting shows a balance of seasoned actors and fresh talent, grounding the film in both emotional and cultural richness.
Release and Distribution
Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to release on 2nd October 2025, perfectly timed with Dussehra and Gandhi Jayanti. It will release not only in Kannada, but also in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, making it a true pan-Indian spectacle.
OTT rights are already in huge demand, with reports suggesting deals worth over ₹125 crore—a clear sign of the hype surrounding this film.
The Spiritual Connection
More than action or romance, Kantara has always been about something deeper: faith, folklore, and the eternal link between man and nature. The prequel aims to reveal why the land became sacred, how Daiva Kola was first performed, and why generations felt bound to serve the spirit of the forest.
For viewers unfamiliar with South Indian traditions, Kantara: Chapter 1 will act as a cultural doorway into the Bhuta Kola ritual, where man becomes a messenger of the divine.
Challenges and Controversies
The journey hasn’t been smooth. During filming, there were unfortunate incidents, including the death of a junior artist near the Souparnika River, which raised safety concerns. Despite this, the makers ensured that the vision of the film stayed intact.
Also, handling a project of this scale meant delays and heavy expectations. But Rishab Shetty, with the backing of Hombale Films, seems determined to deliver a cinematic experience that honors folklore and appeals to global audiences.
Why Kantara: Chapter 1 Matters
In a time when cinema often chases formulas, Kantara stands apart because it is rooted in local traditions yet speaks to universal themes—faith, power, resistance, and the eternal fight between oppression and justice.
The prequel doesn’t just promise spectacle; it promises answers. Who were the first guardians? How did the divine pact with man begin? Why did Shiva’s family carry the burden of service to the Daiva? These are the questions that will be explored.
Kantara: Chapter 1 isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural revival. It takes us back to the soil, to stories whispered by elders, and to the belief that there is something beyond the human eye guiding us.
As the release date nears, the excitement is palpable. If the first film left audiences stunned, the prequel seems ready to redefine not only Kannada cinema but Indian storytelling itself.
Mark your calendars for 2nd October 2025. The legend is about to begin again.