The prequel to the 2022 Kannada film, Kantara: Chapter 1, released a few days ago to a rousing reception from both critics and audiences. The film was appreciated for its rooted storytelling, which was amply supported by visual brilliance.

Celebrities have been pouring their wishes to the makers. The latest celebrity to share his view of the film is veteran actor Anupam Kher. He, along with his family members, recorded a video saying that they were left speechless by the film and its making. Hombale Films, the company that backs the Rishab Shetty directorial, commented, "Our hearts are full. So glad you and your family loved Kantara: Chapter 1. Your kind words mean a lot to us." (sic)

Steeped in the culture of Tulunadu, Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the origins of Daiva worship and how the scheming royal dynasty of the fourth century, during the regime of the Kadambas, tries to usurp the Daivas and enslave the tribal community. Rishab Shetty headlines the film playing Berme, the guardian of the tribal community and the Kantara forest. Actors Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram play crucial roles in the movie. The rest of the star cast comprises Rakesh Poojari, Hariprashanth MG, Deepak Rai Panaje, Shaneel Gautham, and Naveen Bondel.

Kantara: Chapter 1, produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda of Hombale Films, has the returning crew members of cinematographer Arvind Kashyap and music composer B Ajaneesh Loknath, with editor Suresh Mallaiah replacing KM Prakash and Shobith Shetty.