Rishab Shetty masters kalaripayattu for Kantara Chapter 1, channelling his inner warrior

Rishab Shetty’s National Award win for Kantara has set the bar high for the upcoming prequel, and anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. The director, along with fans and enthusiasts still basking in the acclaim, has swiftly moved on to the next phase of the eagerly awaited prequel Kantara Chapter 1. And the only first-look poster, released earlier by the makers, showcasing Rishab like an imposing warrior, has fueled the excitement further.

Rishab revealed at a recent Mumbai event about the intense preparations he’s been undergoing for the Kantara prequel. His rigorous training includes mastering both horse riding and Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art. He has been at it for a year now. A recently obtained photo shows Rishab not merely practicing but truly mastering Kalaripayattu, with his dedication evident in every precise movement and focused gaze, signaling his complete dedication to his character.

Kantara Chapter 1, which is currently in production, is set to explore the origins of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga, the revered deities from the original Kantara. This idea has sparked widespread curiosity, as fans are eager to uncover the deeper mythological and historical layers that the film aims to explore. With Rishab Shetty's unparalleled commitment as actor-director and the film’s intriguing premise, the anticipation is obvious.

Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner, Kantara Chapter 1 is setting new benchmarks in Indian filmmaking with its massive 200 x 200 foot indoor set in Kundapura. The makers aim to highlight Karnataka’s scenic coastal region as a burgeoning filmmaking hub, fostering local talent and infrastructure.

Along with Rishab Shetty, a few actors from the original Kantara will reprise their roles, though the full cast for Kantara Chapter 1 is yet to be officially announced. Composer Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematographer Aravind Kashyap, who previously collaborated on Kantara, are also part of the team for the prequel.