Rishab Shetty has once again set social media buzzing after sharing behind-the-scenes photos from the very first workshop of Kantara Chapter 1. The much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has been eagerly awaited by fans, and the newly released images offer an emotional first glimpse into the film’s creative journey.
Taking to Instagram, Shetty posted a series of candid moments from the workshop and accompanied them with a deeply personal note. Describing the significance of the session, he wrote that it was the moment he “passed on the soul of our story,” when characters that once existed only on paper began to truly come alive through his actors. He emphasized that the workshop was far more than a rehearsal—it marked the beginning of breathing emotion into imagination. Concluding his post, Shetty expressed his love and gratitude toward the entire “Kantara tribe.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section with excitement and questions. Many eagerly asked about the release date, with comments like “Kantara chapter 2 kab aayega?” and “Next movie kab aayega sir?” reflecting the immense anticipation surrounding the project.
Kantara Chapter 1 is mounted on a grand scale and backed by Hombale Films, the banner behind several recent pan-Indian blockbusters. Helmed by Shetty himself, the film features an impressive cast including Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram and Rukmini Vasanth in pivotal roles.
Set in 4th-century coastal Karnataka, the film follows the story of Berme, a fierce tribal warrior who rises to defend his people and their sacred forest from the expanding Kadamba kingdom, led by Prince Kulashekara. As a prequel, Kantara Chapter 1 delves into the origins of the divine spirits Guliga and Panjurli—the Daivas that play a central role in the region’s spiritual and cultural lore—adding depth to the mythological world introduced in the original film.
The scale of excitement is matched by the franchise’s box-office legacy. The original Kantara recorded extraordinary numbers, collecting approximately ₹337.4 crore in its first week and ₹147.85 crore in its second week across all languages in India, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Regarding its digital debut, industry chatter suggests Kantara Chapter 1 could arrive on OTT around October 30. However, given its theatrical success and strong audience pull, the release window may be extended to allow the film a longer run in cinemas.
With its emotional core, mythological depth and grand vision, Kantara Chapter 1 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian films in recent times.
