Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language mythologicalaction drama film written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films. A prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, the story delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film.[2][3]
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film is expected to explore the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore surrounding divine land guardianship. Like its predecessor, the sequel would reportedly blend regional folklore, spirituality, and action, continuing the saga of man's relationship with nature and the divine.[4] set during the reign of Kadambas of Banavasi[5][6]
Filming began in November 2023. The first look and teaser was released on 27 November 2023. Rishab Shetty plays the role of a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers.[7][8] The publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio.[9][10]B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score. The film will be released on 2 October 2025.
The film features a grand war sequence choreographed by national and international experts. The sequence includes over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of nearly 3,000. Shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka's mountains, the war sequence took nearly 50 days to film.[12]
The shooting was finished on 7 July 2025.[13][14][15]
Post production
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Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled for a release in theatres on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami.[16][17]The film will also release the dubbed versions including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, English, Bengali and Malayalam.
Distribution
The producers Hombale Films will distribute the film in Karnataka.[18] In Kerala, actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran’s company Prithviraj Productions has acquired the theatrical rights, continuing their collaboration from Kantara (2022).[19] In North India, AA Films will handle distribution, while in the Telugu-speaking states, rights were reportedly acquired by Geetha Arts.[20] For overseas markets, distribution is managed by Phars Films.[21]
Home media
The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime.[22][23]
Reception
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