Rishab Shetty’s highly anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to his 2022 blockbuster Kantara, hit theatres on October 2 and has quickly become the talk of the industry. With an impressive opening and widespread acclaim, the film has set a new benchmark in Indian cinema.
The prequel, produced by Hombale Films, delves into the origins of the Kantara lore and is set in the 4th century. Featuring a grander scale, intense spiritual themes, and meticulous craftsmanship, the film has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Within its first day, the film raked in a staggering ₹60 crore nett at the box office, a phenomenal start against its reported budget of ₹125 crore.
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his admiration for the film, writing, “KANTAAAARRRAAA is FANTAAAASTICCCC… All filmmakers in India should feel ASHAMED after seeing the UNIMAGINABLE EFFORT @Shetty_Rishab and his team put into the BGM, sound design, cinematography, production design, and VFX. The content is a bonus — their effort alone deserves a blockbuster.”
KANTAAAARRRAAA is FANTAAAASTICCCC .. All FILM MAKERS in INDIA should feel ASHAMED after seeing the UNIMAGINABLE EFFORT @Shetty_Rishab and his team put in the BGM, SOUND DESIGN, CINEMATOGRAPHY , PRODUCTION DESIGN and VFX ..Forgetting the CONTENT which is a BONUS , their EFFORT…
— Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) October 3, 2025
KGF star Yash also praised the film, calling it “the new benchmark for Kannada and Indian cinema.” Applauding Shetty’s vision and dedication, Yash added, “Your conviction, resilience, and sheer devotion are evident in every frame. Together, you have crafted phenomenal cinema.”
Kantara Chapter 1: The New Benchmark for Kannada and Indian Cinema. @shetty_rishab , your conviction, resilience, and sheer devotion are evident in every frame. As the writer, director, and actor, your vision translates into a truly immersive experience on screen.
— Yash (@TheNameIsYash) October 3, 2025
Heartfelt…
Riteish Deshmukh said. “Watching #KantaraChapter1 in IMAX – was truly a larger than life Indian movie viewing experience. @shetty_rishab you are just phenomenal in everything you do, be it as an actor, a writer and a director, your performance is one that will inspire generations- what I watched was nothing short of magic- top notch vfx, action, ace cinematography, thrilling BGM, sound design, production design – @rukminitweets
what an incredible actor you are – more power to you!! @gulshandevaiah
your evilness was intoxicatingly brilliant. Congratulations to producers @hombalefilms for making path breaking cinema and the entire team for this blockbuster success.
Watching #KantaraChapter1 in IMAX – was truly a larger than life Indian movie viewing experience. @shetty_rishab you are just phenomenal in everything you do, be it as an actor, a writer and a director, your performance is one that will inspire generations- what I watched was… pic.twitter.com/dhbXJVLxEB
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) October 6, 2025
The film stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. Rukmini described Shetty’s direction as “meticulous” and called the scale of the story “unimaginable,” noting the authenticity achieved in depicting the ancient setting.
Also Read: Kantara Chapter 1: Rishab Shetty’s Iconic Dialogues That Will Give You Chills
Kantara: Chapter 1 has not only delivered on its cinematic promise but has reaffirmed Rishab Shetty’s place among India’s most visionary filmmakers, blending mythology, spirituality, and cinematic brilliance in a way few others have achieved.
