.svg)
Kantara: Chapter 1
| Kantara: Chapter 1 | |
|---|---|
| File:Kantara- Chapter 1 poster.jpg Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Rishab Shetty |
| Produced by | Vijay Kiragandur Chaluve Gowda |
| Written by | Rishab Shetty |
| Starring |
|
| Music by | B. Ajaneesh Loknath |
| Cinematography | Arvind S Kashyap |
| Edited by | Suresh Mallaiah |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | see below |
Release date |
|
Running time | 169 minutes[1][2] |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
| Budget | 1.25 arab ₹ (125 crore)[3][4] |
| Box office | est. 3.25 arab ₹ (325 crore)[5] |
Kantara: Chapter 1, an epic period mythological action drama film in Kannada, is set for release in 2025. It is both written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films. The movie features Rishab Shetty alongside actors Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. This film serves as a prequel to the 2022 release, Kantara, and further explores the origins of the traditions and ancestral conflicts first introduced.
Taking place in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the narrative aims to delve into the ancient Bhuta Kola ritual's roots and the associated lore and history. Much like its predecessor, this prequel is said to blend elements of regional folklore, spirituality, and action, perpetuating the tale of humanity's bond with nature and the divine.
Filming commenced in November 2023, with the first look and teaser unveiled on 27 November 2023. Kaani Studio was responsible for the promotional poster design, while B. Ajaneesh Loknath handled the soundtrack and background score. The film premiered on 2 October 2025, coinciding with both Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, and is available in multiple formats including standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and EPIQ. Similar to its predecessor, the film has garnered favorable reviews from critics.
Currently, Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 stands as the third highest-grossing Kannada film in history and is the top Kannada film of 2025.
Cast[edit]
- Rishab Shetty as Berme
- Jayaram as King Rajashekara, Kulashekara and Kanakavathi's father
- Rukmini Vasanth as Princess Kanakavathi, Kulashekara's sister and Berme's love interest
- Gulshan Devaiah as Prince Kulashekara, Kanakavathi's brother
- Ramitha Shailendra as Rajamathe Rajalaxmi, Kulashekara and Kanakavathi's mother
- Pramod Shetty as Bhogendra, Kulashekara's minister
- Naveen D. Padil as Booba
- Rakesh Poojari as Peppe, Booba's son
- Prakash Thuminad as Chenna
- Deepak Rai Panaje as Sankappa
- Hariprashanth M G as King Vijayendra, Rajashekhara's father
- Mime Ramdas as Ramadasa
- Bala Rajwadi
- Sampath Ram
- Raghavendra S
- Ranjan Shetty
- Mithun Raj
- Prathima Nayak
- Gagan Murthy
- Goutham Raj
- Ayra Krishna as Kulashekara's wife
- Naveen Bondel
- Achyuth Kumar as Dalal, an arabic trader (guest appearance)
- Pragati Rishab Shetty (guest appearance)
References[edit]
- ↑ "Search Film: Kantara A Legend Chapter 1". Central Board of Film Certification. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ Seta, Fenil. "EXCLUSIVE: CBFC censors obscene hand gesture in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ "'Kantara 2': Has Rishab Shetty increased the budget for the prequel by over Rs. 100 crore? Here's what we know..." The Times of India.
- ↑ "'Kantara 2' to be made on a whopping budget; here are the full details". The Hans India. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
- ↑ "Kantara Chapter 1 Worldwide Box-Office Collection". Hindustan Times. 6 October 2025. Retrieved 6 October 2025.