The cinematic universe created by Kantara (2022) is about to expand. Rishab Shetty returns, not only as lead actor but as writer and director, with Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel exploring the roots of the mythological traditions introduced in the first film. The film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films.
Release & Trailer
- The theatrical release date is confirmed as 2 October 2025.
- The trailer was released on 22 September 2025 at 12:45 PM (India time).
- It will be released in multiple languages and formats, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English. Also planned for special formats like IMAX, 4DX, D-Box.
Plot & Setting
- Kantara: Chapter 1 goes back in time, exploring the origin of the ritual traditions (Bhuta Kola / Daiva Kola) featured in Kantara (2022).
- The story is set around 300 CE, during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, in Banavasi, in what is now Karnataka. Ancient forests, divine spirits, ritualistic practices are part of the narrative framework.
- Rishab Shetty plays a Naga Sadhu—a warrior-mystic who bridges mortals and the divine.
Cast & Crew
- Director / Writer / Lead Actor: Rishab Shetty
- Supporting Cast (confirmed):
- Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi
- Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara
- Jayaram, Rakesh Poojari among others.
- Music & Score: B. Ajaneesh Loknath returns as composer.
- Cinematography, Editing, etc.: Arvind Kashyap is cinematographer. Editing by Suresh Mallaiah.
Production & Technical Scale
- Filming has wrapped (or at least is in final stages) as of mid-2025.
- The release is timed to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra / Vijayadashami, making 2 October a key date in the festive calendar.
Why Kantara: Chapter 1 Matters
The original Kantara was a watershed for Kannada cinema — a film deeply rooted in folklore, ritual, environment, and myth, which also struck a chord with audiences nationwide and overseas. Chapter 1 promises more than spectacle: it is an origin story. It aims to deepen the mythology, show the spiritual clash, the interplay of human belief and nature, and possibly uncover why rituals matter so much in the culture the film depicts. The storytelling stakes are high. So is the expectation.
Final Word
As of today, these details are genuine: the film Kantara: Chapter 1 is confirmed for October 2, 2025, trailer released September 22; Rishab Shetty leads, writes, directs; story set around 300 CE under the Kadamba dynasty; explores the origin of ritual-folklore; multi-language, special format release. Everything else beyond these points remains tentative.
