Rishah is back with Shetty Kantara: Chapter 1, an entertaining mythological prequel, which is discovery to the origin of Bhuta Cola, tribal traditions and divine anger. Releasing on October 2, 2025, the film is ready to redefine Indian folk song cinema.
Kantara Chapter 1 : Return of a cultural event
After the grand sucess of Kantara in pan India release on 2022, Risabh Shetty is back with Kantara: Chapter 1 is a high-dot mythological action-drama that examines the origin of Bhuta Cola, forest gods and tribal legends. Set for release on October 2, 2025, it is set during the Kannada-language film Kadamba dynasty and promises a cinematic experience such as never before. Kantara: Chapter 1 is not just a film – it is a cinematic ritual. By expanding the Kanta the universe, its aim is to bring Kannada cinema to global recognition. Comparing Bahubali, Tambabd and KGF, is expected to make history with this mythological prequel.
Fierce changes of Rishab Shetty for Kantara Chapter 1: A divine warrior awakening
In chapter 1, Rishab Shetty turns into a Naga Sadhu-Vodha, a fierce protector tied to holy rituals. The first look poster shows him in a dramatic posture, in the mid-hwa, a fight in the hand with a ax, surrounded by shields, flames and tribal motifs. His look shouts intensity and mysticism.
To prepare for the role, Rishab underwent:
- 1 year of Kalaripayattu training
- Intensive horse riding and sword-fighting sessions
- Deep research into tribal spirituality and trance rituals
His dedication ensures an authentic portrayal of a man possessed by faith, power, and ancestral duty.
Social and cultural importance
Kantara is not a film; It is a spiritual and creed phenomenon that echoes deeply with the Indian audience as it brought true-to-life Bhuta cola, forest gods and tribal traditions on the big screen from the coastal region of Karnataka.In Chapter 1, Rishab Shetty digs even deeper into: Ancient roots of Daiva Aradhane (spirit worship) Man versus nature versus power as examined through a historical lens Sacred ties between tribes and the deities who protected them and their rituals, set in the Kadamba dynasty This film universe is established to preserve, celebrate, and dramatize folklore to bring lost legends back
Why Kantara Chapter 1 is more than a film
Kantara: Chapter 1 is ready to become a milestone in Indian cinema. Like Tumbabad or Bahubali, it mixes mythology with an emotional story, but with a different vested identity. It not only examines faith and folklore, but also celebrates the spiritual heritage of the tribal communities of India.
Major topics
- Spirituality vs Power
- Rituals and Identity
- The timeless battle between nature and greed
Fan Anticipation
After the unexpected grand success of Kantara (2022), fans across India—and globally—have been eagerly awaiting Kantara Chapter 1. Here’s why excitement is building:
- The first-look poster was shared by Rishab on his birthday, instantly trending across platforms
- Massive online fan theories are dissecting possible plot connections between the two films
- Kannada cinema lovers are calling it “India’s answer to rooted mythological fantasy”
- Audiences are thrilled to see Rishab Shetty’s transformation—from a conflicted villager in Part 1 to a divine warrior in the prequel
Mark the Date
Kantara Chapter 1
Releasing October 2, 2025 (Gandhi Jayanti)
A nationwide release in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam
Grand Production & Epic Scale
The film is helmed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films. With a budget and vision far bigger than the original, here’s what makes Kantara: Chapter 1 massive:
- 150+ shooting days
- A colossal war sequence with 3,000+ extras
- Filmed in rugged forests of Kundapura and Western Ghats
- Post-production across 12 international studios
Cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap and music composer B. Ajaneesh Loknath return to deliver a visual and auditory spectacle.
