Kantara Chapter 1 | Diwali Hindi | Rishab Shetty, Rukmini | Vijay Kiragandur | Hombale Films
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No subscribersKantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (transl. Mysterious forest: Chapter 1) is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language epic mythological action film[6][7][8] written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films. The film stars Rishab Shetty along with Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. A prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, the story delves deeper into the origins of the tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film.[9][10]
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film explores the ancient roots of the Buta Kola ritual and the lore and history explored in the first film released in 2022. Like its predecessor, the prequel blends regional folklore, spirituality, and action, continuing the saga of man's relationship with nature and the divine. It received criticism for its theme, as the film failed to address the question: “In the first place, who gave you the ownership?” when someone comes forward and says, “I’m donating these lands to you.”[11][12]
Filming began in November 2023. The first look and teaser was released on 27 November 2023.[13][14] The publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio.[15][16] B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score. The film was released on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra. Like its predecessor, the film received positive reviews from critics.
Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 is currently the second-highest grossing Kannada film of all time,[17] second-highest grossing Indian film of 2025,[18] highest grossing Kannada film of 2025[19] and also ranks among highest-grossing Indian films of all time.[20]