Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to Rishab Shetty's 2022 film, Kantara, has opened in theatres. Also starring Rishab as the protagonist, Kadabettu Shiva, the film's lead cast also includes Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram.

So far, netizens and X users have been praising the film, calling it one of the best films of the year. While some have praised the narrative style and storytelling, others have complemented the performances, while also giving credit to the visual extravaganza of the film.

An X user named Nithin M Kamath detailed how the three-year wait for the film was worth it. He wrote, "Nothing more to say, just go experience it and feel blessed. The payoff is worth every second of the 3 year wait. #Kantarachapter1 – this land’s cinema, this land’s stories for the world. Quality, content, and making, absolutely top notch."

A Hindi cinema handle named Always Bollywood revealed that the film gives the audience goosebumps. Their post read, "Rishab Shetty does it again. #KantaraChapter1 doesn’t just entertain, it awakens something deeper within you.. Pure goosebumps! A cinematic blend of folklore, faith & raw human spirit... Those final 10 minutes of climax redefine what cinema can do , visually breathtaking, emotionally overwhelming. A must & should watch movie.."

Bhargavi, an X user highlighted the difference between the two halves of the film, particularly praising the romance portions. She wrote, "#KantaraChapter1 is a veritable mélange, lighthearted banter and romance in the first half, only to metamorphose into a crescendo of exhilarating intensity in the climax. A spectacle eminently deserving of the big screen!"

Praising the VFX and the climax, X user Venkatramanan wrote, "What worked big time in #KantaraChapter1. GOOSEBUMPS LOADED LAST 30MINS EXTENDED CLIMAX. TOP NOTCH MAKING. EXCELLENT VFX. Kind of complicated line, entirely banked on climax moments. Choose big screens with great sound & projection for superb experience."

Nithin GM, another X user, called Kantara: Chapter 1 "an experience" and Rishab Shetty a "master storyteller". He wrote, "What an experience! Rishab Shetty once again proves he’s a master storyteller. #KantaraChapter1 is more than a film—it’s a soul-stirring journey into folklore, faith & human emotions. That climax? Unforgettable. Visually surreal, emotionally shattering. Goosebumps guaranteed. An unmissable big-screen spectacle!"

The original Kantara, became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time. At the 70th National Film Awards, Rishab Shetty won the Best Actor Award and the film received the Best Popular Film Award. With Kantara: Chapter 1 receiving overwhelming praise, some fans have also recommended another national award for Rishab Shetty and the film.