Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' release date confirmed by Hombale Films
Hombale Films, the makers of Rishab Shetty's upcoming Kantara: Chapter 1, has confirmed that the prequel to the Kannada blockbuster is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2025.
Sharing the date, with a new poster featuring Rishab Shetty, who is celebrating his birthday on July 7, Hombale Films wrote on their social media handles: "Where legends are born and the roar of the wild echoes… #Kantara – A prequel to the masterpiece that moved millions.Wishing the trailblazing force behind the legend, Rishab Shetty, a divine and glorious birthday. The much-awaited prequel to the divine cinematic phenomenon… #KantaraChapter1 roars into cinemas worldwide on October 2nd, 2025."
Earlier, in April, the team had quashed rumours of a delay by posting the release date with an amusing reel featuring the screenshot of a user's comment to post the release confirmation. The comment says, "Bro, is Kantara: Chapter 1 postponing its release date?" followed by the team's response, "No" in multiple Indian languages.
The reel was captioned, "No doubts. No delays. The legendary saga, #KantaraChapter1 unfolds on October 2nd, 2025."
A Kannada-language period fantasy action adventure, Kantara: Chapter 1 is said to feature Rishab in a different look. A few months ago, the actor shared a picture of himself undergoing an intense training in Kerala's martial arts kalarippayattu in preparation for the role. Additionally, the team had teased a grand war sequence in the film.
The first film, which fetched a National award for Rishab's performance and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 70th National Film Awards, grossed over Rs 400+ cr on a budget of Rs 16 cr.
As to the story, the makers have not revealed any details yet. Speculations hint at the origins of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga, the fearsome deities that played a part in the original Kantara, directed by Rishab who is also directing the prequel.
The team commenced production on the prequel in November 2023, a year after the release of the first. B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who composed the soundtrack and background score of the original, is returning for Kantara: Chapter 1 too, along with cinematographer Aravind Kashyap.
The streaming rights have been acquired by Amazon Prime Video. The streamer's cryptic logline for the film reads, “There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. Such a calamity caused by a petty king ignites a rage in the heart of God’s chosen tribal leader.”
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