Actor Jr NTR was all in praise of the team behind Kantara: Chapter 1, which released in theatres on Thursday and is currently garnering appreciation from all across all quarters for its filmmaking, performances, storytelling, craft and visual extravaganza.
Jr NTR took to his X handle and congratulated the team for the success of the film. He also praised director and lead actor of the film Rishab Shetty for "pulling off the unthinkable" and "excelling both as a mindblowing actor and a brilliant director." "My best wishes to the entire cast and crew, along with Hombale Films, for fearlessly backing Rishab sir’s vision, he added in his note.
Jr NTR has been a constant support for Rishab and the team of Kantara: Chapter 1. He was also present during the Telugu pre-release event of the film where he praised Rishab Shetty's vision and determination for the project.
Hombale Films, which backed both the original film and its prequel, expressed their gratitude for Jr NTR's words of appreciation. "Your support means the world to us!" they said.
Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 Rishab Shetty directorial, Kantara, also features the director in the lead role as Kaadubettu Shiva. Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram are new additions to the cast, who are seen in prominent roles. Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Hariprashanth M G, Shaneel Gautham and Naveen Bondel round out the cast of the film.
Kantara: Chapter 1, set during the Kadamba dynasty in pre-colonial Karnataka, follows the Bhuta Kola ritual, which became deeply rooted in the culture, laying the groundwork for the emergence of Kaadubettu Shiva.
Our CE review of the film read, "Rishab builds this world with care. The Kadamba-era backdrop, with busy ports, spice markets, and trade routes influenced by Arab and Portuguese cultures, is more than decorative history; it feels lived-in. Rituals unfold, battles rage in mud and blood, and even trade carries significance. Every drumbeat, chariot wheel, and coin connects to something larger."
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. It was widely praised worldwide for showcasing the Bhuta Kola ritual, blending mythology, folklore and spirituality, and the implications of man vs nature conflict.
On the technical team, Kantara: Chapter 1 features music composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, editing by Suresh Mallaiah and camera work by Arvind Kashyap. Rishab Shetty's wife Pragathi Shetty has worked as the costume designer for the film.