The wait is finally over! The trailer of Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-awaited prequel to Rishab Shetty’s 2022 blockbuster Kantara, has been released by Hombale Films. The movie will hit theatres on October 2, 2025, and promises a grand story filled with folklore, mythology, and powerful action.
The trailer gives viewers a glimpse into the origins of Kantara’s legend, taking us back to around 300 CE during the Kadamba dynasty. Rishab Shetty appears in a completely new avatar as a fierce Naga Sadhu, exploring the deep spiritual and cultural traditions of Bhuta Kola, Panjurli Daiva, and Guliga Daiva. With stunning visuals, haunting music, and strong mystical elements, the film sets the stage for a rich backstory to the world audiences loved in Kantara (2022).
Directed, written, and led by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 is produced by Hombale Films, with Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda backing the project. The music is composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, while Arvind S. Kashyap handles the cinematography. The cast also includes Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and Rakesh Poojari, alongside Shetty.
With a reported budget of ₹125 crore, the prequel is mounted on a much bigger scale than the original, featuring larger sets, breathtaking visuals, and international release formats like IMAX, 4DX, and D-BOX.
The film will release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami—a prime holiday slot expected to boost its box office performance. Like the original, the movie will be released in multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, showcasing Hombale Films’ pan-India vision.
Unlike most sequels, this is a prequel that dives deep into the roots of coastal Karnataka’s mythology. The team has worked extensively on authentic production design, traditional practices, and cultural detailing to ensure the story feels true to its origins while still being engaging for a wider audience.
Speaking about the film earlier, Rishab Shetty said the goal is not just to entertain but also to preserve and showcase India’s indigenous traditions on the big screen.
After the phenomenal success of Kantara in 2022-which became a pan-India sensation-expectations are sky-high. With its mystical theme, stunning visuals, and Shetty’s powerful performance, Kantara: Chapter 1 is already being touted as one of the biggest Indian films of 2025.
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