The excitement around Kantara: Chapter 1 is all set to reach a new high as advance bookings open tomorrow, September 26, 2025, at exactly 12:29 PM. Backed by Hombale Films and produced by Vijay Kiragandur, the film marks the return of Rishab Shetty as both director and lead actor. Ever since the project was announced, the prequel has generated immense anticipation, and with bookings officially going live, fans are ready to claim their seats for one of the year’s biggest cinematic events.
The production house has left no stone unturned in making this a large-scale spectacle. The trailer, unveiled on September 22, gave audiences a glimpse of the mythic universe and hinted at the scale of drama and action awaiting them.
The release itself is ambitious in scope. On October 2, this rooted film will have a grand worldwide premiere across more than 7,000 screens, releasing in seven languages. To build early momentum, paid premieres are scheduled on October 1 in over 2,500 theatres. Distributors have been lined up across the country and overseas, with AA Films handling the Hindi regions, Prithviraj Productions in Kerala, Mythri Movie Makers and Geetha Arts taking charge in Andhra and Telangana, and other major banners joining hands in Tamil Nadu and beyond, ensuring the film reaches every major market.
In Karnataka, the film has already been part of a wider conversation following the High Court’s interim stay on the state government’s order capping movie ticket prices at ₹200, a move that could allow theatres more flexibility in pricing for this release. Meanwhile, advance bookings in the United States have already registered strong numbers.
Rishab Shetty returns as the central character, Berme, while Rukmini Vasanth plays Kanakavathi, and Gulshan Devaiah portrays Kulashekara. Jayaram appears in a significant role, with Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, and Hariprashanth M G also part of the ensemble. The film’s cinematography is by Arvind Kashyap, music by Ajaneesh Loknath, and editing by Suresh Mallaiah.