Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, has been creating waves at the box office and among fans since its release on October 2 during the Dussehra weekend. The pan-India period drama, released in multiple languages, opened to a staggering ₹90 crore on its first day and has gone on to gross over ₹170 crore in India, with a worldwide total of nearly ₹225 crore in just three days.
During a recent show in Dindigul, a fan surprised the audience by appearing in a costume resembling the Panjurli deity, leaving everyone awestruck. Spectators expressed their gratitude to the “Divine Star”, Rishab Shetty, for creating such a spiritually resonant film. Earlier, a similar moment went viral when a Bangalore fan turned devotional during the first-day first-show (FDFS) screening. Fans across the country have been connecting deeply with the film’s cultural and devotional themes.
Set against the backdrop of the Kadamba dynasty, the film delves into ancient rituals and devotional traditions, prominently featuring the Buta Kola ceremony, which has captivated audiences with its spiritual essence.
Alongside Rishab, the film features Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles. The music by Ajanesh Loknath complements the devotional and rustic atmosphere, while Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography and Suresh Mallaiah’s editing further enhance the film’s visual storytelling.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, also written, directed, and led by Rishab Shetty, continuing the exploration of folklore, tradition, and devotion that has become a signature of the franchise.
