Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, one of the highest-grossing films of 2025, will premiere on Prime Video on October 31. The film, which had a successful theatrical run starting October 2, will be available in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, reaching audiences worldwide. The release details for the Hindi version have yet to be announced.
Produced by Vijay Kiragandur’s Hombale Films, this mythological action drama serves as a prequel to the acclaimed 2022 film Kantara. With a strong cast led by Rishab Shetty, along with Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram, the movie has achieved impressive success, earning ₹818 crore globally within just 25 days. It has broken previous records set by other Indian blockbusters and draws viewers from Karnataka and beyond.
Set during the Kadamba dynasty, Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the mythic origins of the Panjurli Daiva and Guliga legends, which are deities celebrated for protection and justice. The story unfolds during a chaotic time when greed and power threaten nature, awakening divine forces aimed at restoring balance. The film examines the lasting connection between humans, nature, and faith.
Rishab Shetty, who directed, wrote, and starred in the film, envisioned it as a return to the roots of the world he built in Kantara (2022). Every ritual, feeling, and visual detail is carefully based on the traditions of coastal Karnataka. The prequel not only enhances the original story but also provides viewers with deep insight into the spiritual and cultural background that shaped the tale.
The film has received praise for its engaging storytelling, beautiful visuals, and technical skill. The music by Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by Arvind S Kashyap, production design by Banglan and Dharani Gange Putra, editor Suresh Mallaiah, costume designer Pragathi Shetty, and stunt choreographer Arjun Raj and Todor Lazarov add to the experience, combining authenticity with cinematic beauty.
Interestingly, the English version of Kantara: Chapter 1 will also open in theaters worldwide on the same day as its digital release. From its origins in Karnataka’s sacred forests to a global streaming platform, the film continues to grow its legacy, presenting an epic story woven from devotion, nature, and fate.
