The 2022 Kannada film Kantara, directed and led by Rishab Shetty, was not just a regional hit—it became a pan-India sensation. With its unique storyline, powerful performances, and a deep portrayal of the traditional Bhoota Kola ritual, the film captured audiences across India and even overseas.
Made on a modest budget of ₹16 crore, the film went on to collect over ₹400 crore worldwide. The Hindi dubbed version alone earned ₹84.77 crore, which shows just how far the film’s impact reached.
Kantara Chapter 1 Makers Finally Break Silence On Delay Rumours — Release Timeline Locked!https://t.co/onutJVCK8D#kantara #rishabshetty @shetty_rishab
— Box Office Worldwide (@BOWorldwide) May 23, 2025Kantara Chapter 1 is a Prequel, Not a Sequel
After the massive success of Kantara, fans were expecting a sequel. However, the makers have clarified that the upcoming film, titled Kantara Chapter 1, is actually a prequel. This new chapter will explore the origins of the legend and dive deeper into the lore introduced in the original film.
New Cast and Bigger Scale
The prequel will once again be directed by Rishab Shetty, who played a key role in the first film’s success. This time, the cast includes well-known names like Jayaram, Kishore, Jai Surya, and Jisshu Sengupta. With such a strong lineup, the expectations for the film are sky-high.
The movie is being produced by Hombale Films, the production house behind blockbuster hits like KGF and Salaar. This gives fans more reason to be excited, as the studio is known for delivering visually stunning and impactful films.
Kantara Chapter 1 Release Date Confirmed
After much speculation and delays, Hombale Films has officially announced that Kantara Chapter 1 will hit theatres on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The production had been in development for a while, and though some delays were reported, the team has now confirmed the release timeline.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐃 🔥
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒 🕉️#KantaraChapter1 Worldwide Grand Release on 𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.#KantaraChapter1onOct2 #Kantara @shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @hombalefilms @HombaleGroup @ChaluveG… pic.twitter.com/OYE3VU68AX
— Kantara – A Legend (@KantaraFilm) November 17, 2024What to Expect
Fans can look forward to a story that delves deeper into the mythological and cultural roots that made the first film so gripping. With a new cast, larger budget, and experienced production team, Kantara Chapter 1 promises to be bigger, grander, and more intense than its predecessor.
Conclusion
Kantara Chapter 1 is not just another movie—it’s a cinematic event. With its release set for October 2, 2025, fans should mark their calendars. The film is expected to bring another round of cultural richness, thrilling action, and strong storytelling to the big screen. If the original Kantara impressed you, this prequel is something you won’t want to miss.
