Rishab Shetty’s Kantara a Legend Chapter- 1 began with a successful premiere shows on October 1 and was released worldwide on October 2. It has received an incredible response at the box office. The film opened with record-breaking numbers across India, captivating audiences with its stunning visuals, strong storytelling, and excellent performances.

Members of the film fraternity, including Jr. NTR, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Gopichandh Malineni, Prabhas, and more have appreciated the film on their X handles.

The premiere shows created an electrifying atmosphere, with full houses and loud applause, setting the stage for one of the year’s biggest films. The movie's success has spread across states, as it is available in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Hindi, marking it as a pan-India hit.

During this historic moment, Rishab Shetty took time to reflect on his modest beginnings. In 2016, when he made his directing debut with Ricky, starring Rakshit Shetty and Hariprriya, he struggled to secure even one evening show in Mangaluru. He shared a heartfelt note on social media, remembering that journey and how 9 years of his career have passed by: “From struggling to get one evening show in 2016 to 5000+ houseful shows in 2025. This journey is nothing but your love, support, and God’s grace. Forever grateful to every single person who made this possible.”

He expressed the same feelings in Kannada, recognising the love and support that helped him through the years.

The cast and technicians of Kantara: Chapter 1, produced by Vijay Kiragandur's Hombale Films, have also contributed significantly to its great success. Starring Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram alongside Rishab Shetty, the performances have added depth to the story, receiving praise from critics and audiences. The makers have appreciated cinematographer, Arvind Kashyap's work, Ajaneesh Loknath's music, and art work by Dharani Gangeputra and Vinesh Banglan.