Kantara: Chapter 1

For the earlier-released sequel from 2022, see Kantara: Chapter 2.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language mythological action thriller film written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films. A prequel to the 2022 film Kantara: Chapter 2, the story delves deeper into the origins of the divine tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film.^[2][3]

Kantara: Chapter 1
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Rishab Shetty
Written by	Rishab Shetty
Produced by	Vijay Kiragandur Chaluve Gowda
Starring	Rishab Shetty Jayaram
Cinematography	Arvind S. Kashyap
Music by	B. Ajaneesh Loknath
Production company	Hombale Films
Release date	2 October 2025 (2025-10-02)
Country	India
Language	Kannada
Budget	₹125 crore[1]

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, it blends 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.

Cast

• Rishab Shetty as Shiva and Kantara
• Jayaram
• Rakesh Poojari

Production

The film was produced by Vijay Kiragandur through Hombale Films.^[11] Shetty learned horse riding, Kalaripayattu and sword fighting for the role.^[12]

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]

Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack album and background score were composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who had composed for the prequel, Kantara.^{[citation needed]}

Release

Theatrical

Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled for a theatrical release on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.^[16][17]The film will also release the dubbed versions including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali and Malayalam.

Home media

The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime.^[18][19]