Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language fantasy action film, directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner of Hombale Films. Scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, the film serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. It explores the origins of Kaadubettu Shiva, a pivotal character from the original film, set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty in ancient Karnataka.
Plot Overview
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 delves into the untamed wilderness and forgotten lore surrounding Kaadubettu Shiva’s past. The narrative unfolds in the ancient forests of coastal Karnataka, where Shiva, portrayed by Rishab Shetty, embarks on a journey that intertwines with the mystical and the divine. The film’s teaser showcases Shiva running through a dark forest, entering a circle of fire, and gazing at the full moon, accompanied by a narrator’s voice hinting at visions that illuminate the past and future.
Cast & Crew
- Director & Writer: Rishab Shetty
- Lead Cast:
- Rishab Shetty as Kaadubettu Shiva
- Jayaram
- Kishore
- Jayasurya
- Jisshu Sengupta
- Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- Cinematography: Arvind S. Kashyap
- Production Studio: Hombale Films
Production Highlights
The film boasts a grand war sequence choreographed by national and international experts, featuring over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of nearly 3,000. This sequence was shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka’s mountains, taking nearly 50 days to film . Rishab Shetty underwent rigorous training in horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting to authentically portray his character.
Release & Distribution
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2025. Following its theatrical run, the film will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and English.
Expectations
Given the immense success of its predecessor, Kantara, which became the second highest-grossing Kannada film of all time, expectations for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 are high. The film’s blend of mythology, action, and cultural storytelling, coupled with Rishab Shetty’s compelling direction, positions it as a highly anticipated release in Indian cinema.
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