Kantara
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| Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Rishab Shetty |
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| Produced by | Vijay Kiragandur |
| Story by | Rishab Shetty |
| Starring | Rishab Shetty Achyuth Kumar Kishore Sapthami Gowda |
| Music by | B. Ajaneesh Loknath |
| Cinematography | Arvind S. Kashyap |
| Edited by | K. M. Prakash Pratheek Shetty |
| Production company | Hombale Films |
| Distributed by | Hombale Films |
| Release date | 30 September 2022 |
| Running time | 150 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
| Budget | ₹16 crore |
| Box office | ₹450 crore (approx.) |
Kantara is a 2022 Indian Kannada-language action thriller film written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, the film stars Rishab Shetty, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, and Sapthami Gowda. The film blends folklore, Bhoota Kola tradition, and action drama, receiving critical acclaim for its storytelling, cinematography, and music.
Plot
The story is set in a coastal Karnataka village where Bhoota Kola (a traditional folk performance) is central to the beliefs of the people. Shiva (Rishab Shetty), a young man, initially resists his ancestral duty to perform Bhoota Kola. As land disputes arise between villagers and forest officials, Shiva is forced to confront his destiny, embracing his cultural roots in a divine and dramatic climax.
Cast
- Rishab Shetty as Shiva / Kaadubettu Shiva
- Sapthami Gowda as Leela
- Kishore as Muralidhar, Forest Officer
- Achyuth Kumar as Devendra Suttur
- Pramod Shetty as Sudhakara
Production
The film was announced by Hombale Films with Rishab Shetty as director and lead actor. Filming took place in coastal Karnataka, with extensive use of natural landscapes to capture the essence of folklore traditions. Arvind S. Kashyap handled cinematography, while B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the score.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack and background score, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, played a vital role in the film’s impact. Songs like "Varaha Roopam" became immensely popular.
Release
Kantara was released on 30 September 2022 in Kannada, later dubbed into Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam due to high demand.
Marketing
The film gained popularity through word of mouth, social media buzz, and its strong cultural theme connecting with audiences across India.
Reception
Kantara received widespread acclaim for its unique storytelling, performances, and cultural representation. Critics praised Rishab Shetty’s acting and direction.
Critical response
Reviewers highlighted the film’s blend of folklore and action. Many critics called it one of the finest Kannada films of the decade.
Box office
The film was made on a modest budget of ₹16 crore and grossed over ₹450 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time.