Much-awaited Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 Kannada blockbuster Kantara, was released on October 1 in some of its key markets and worldwide on October 2, 2025. Based around about 300 years prior to the story of the original film, the chapter goes deep into the history of the folklore, concentrating on Bhuta Kola rituals, land rights themes, religious fervor, and man versus divinity.
Once again written and acted by, and directed by, Rishab Shetty, the movie includes Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah in central roles. Shetty’s intense performance, the tense climax of the movie, breathtaking visuals, and engaging background score have garnered universal acclaim. Technically, Kantara Chapter 1 is a class apart with excellent VFX, soul-stirring cinematography, and an emotionally charged score that goes well with its spiritual and cultural tale.
Though the movie did get some critical remarks on its pacing, particularly in the first half, the majority of the reviewers and viewers both share the sentiment that the latter half and last act offer a satisfying and moving cinematic experience. The balance of the movie to mix action, mythology, and local tradition is still something that appeals to audiences, much like its predecessor.
Pre-bookings for Kantara Chapter 1 were record-breaking with more than 80,000 tickets per hour sold ahead of release day. The movie released to almost full houses in Karnataka and did very well in Telugu-speaking areas. Pre-release estimates indicate the movie may make anywhere from ₹50 crore to ₹70 crore net in India on opening day, one of the best openings of 2025.
With robust word-of-mouth and dazzling technical performance, Kantara Chapter 1 is well-set to sustain its blockbuster run in theaters, becoming a classic of Indian mythological and folklore films.
