Kantara: Chapter 1, written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, had a grand premiere on October 1 at Orion Mall, Bengaluru. The evening turned into a celebration as the cast, crew, and their families joined the screening. A video featuring Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth from the event quickly went viral and amplified the excitement.
The film officially opened in theatres on Vijayadashami, a day considered auspicious across India. Many fans felt that the release carried the blessings of Goddess Chamundi, adding a layer of devotion to the film celebration.
From its very first shows, the prequel has shown signs of becoming a massive hit. Early reports suggest strong box office numbers, with most theatres across India running sold out shows on Day 1. Audience reactions have been glowing, with many sharing enthusiastic reviews online.
The film’s premiere was not limited to one city. Special screenings were held in thousands of locations across the world. By noon on October 2, more than 7,000 people had already rated the film, giving it an impressive 9.6 score. Some viewers have even declared that Kantara: Chapter 1 surpasses Baahubali in cultural significance and cinematic impact.
Audiences can experience the film in multiple formats including 2D, ICE, IMAX 2D, 4DX and Dolby Cinema. It has been released in seven languages: Kannada, Hindi, English, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Bengali. In Bengaluru, it is currently running in Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.
Produced by Hombale Films, the prequel builds on the legacy of the 2022 cult sensation Kantara. If the first film captured hearts with its raw blend of folklore, myth and primal emotion, Chapter 1 digs deeper into the roots of the saga. Rishab Shetty, a National Award winner for his performance in the original, once again shines both in front of and behind the camera.
For cine-goers, Kantara: Chapter 1 is an experience that connects with faith, myth and the spirit of the land. Its release on Vijayadashami has made it even more special, marking both a cinematic triumph and a cultural celebration for Kannada cinema.