Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language action-folklore film written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, the film is a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. The film is highly anticipated and promises to explore the mythological roots and folklore traditions of Karnataka.

Kantara: Chapter 1

File:Kantara Chapter 1 teaser poster.jpg

Theatrical Teaser Poster
Directed by Rishab Shetty
Produced by Vijay Kiragandur
Story by Rishab Shetty
Starring Rishab Shetty
Jayaram
Kishore
Jayasurya
Jisshu Sengupta
Music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath
Cinematography Arvind S. Kashyap
Edited by Pratheek Shetty
Production company Hombale Films
Distributed by Hombale Films
Release date 2 October 2025
Running time unknown
Country India
Language Kannada (also to release in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, English)
Budget unknown
Box office unknown


Plot

The plot details are not fully revealed yet. What is known is that Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel set in coastal Karnataka during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. It will explore the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual, divine guardianship of land, and mythological lore that precedes the events of Kantara (2022).

Cast

  • Rishab Shetty
  • Jayaram
  • Kishore
  • Jayasurya
  • Jisshu Sengupta

Production

  • Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films.
  • Shetty has reportedly trained in martial arts / weapon handling.
  • The film features large scale war sequences, extensive cast/fighters and grand set pieces.
  • Cinematography by Arvind S. Kashyap; music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack and background score are being composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. Specific song titles have not been fully released yet.

Release

The film is scheduled to be released on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. It will release in multiple languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Bengali, and English.

Marketing

  • Teaser and first‐look promos have been released, giving glimpses of the prequel’s tone and mythological setting.
  • The marketing emphasizes folklore, divine forest, ancient legends, spiritual themes.

Reception

Since the film is not released yet, detailed reception is not available.

Critical response

Not available; reviews will come after release.

Box office

Not available; box office performance will be reported post-release.

External links

References