Years after ‘Kantara’ took Indian cinema by storm, the much-awaited prequel ‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ has finally unveiled its trailer on September 22. Headlined and directed by Rishab Shetty, the film teases a gripping narrative steeped in folklore, faith, and high-voltage drama, and is set to release on October 2.
This Dussehra, cinema lovers are in for a much-awaited spectacle. Coming as a prequel to the blockbuster film, Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated project is all set to hit theatres on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and the festive season. The recently released trailer has already set the stage, showcasing a rich blend of folklore, mysticism, and cultural essence.
Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty himself, the film delves into the roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual, which was the soul of the original Kantara. Positioned uniquely as both a sequel and a prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1 expands the cultural universe of the franchise while staying firmly rooted in authenticity.
This cinematic experience is set to be a proud moment for Indian audiences, promising an unforgettable journey of culture, tradition, and raw cinematic power.
The trailer of Kantara: Chapter 1 has been released in multiple languages, launched by some of India’s biggest stars. For the Telugu version, it was presented by Prabhas; for Hindi, Hrithik Roshan; for Tamil, Sivakarthikeyan; and for Malayalam, Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Watch the trailer here:
Kantara: Chapter 1 brings together a stellar creative team, led by Rishab Shetty himself. B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who delivered the memorable music for the original film, returns as the composer for both the soundtrack and background score. Cinematography is handled by Arvind Kashyap, while production designer Vinesh Banglan brings his creative vision to life. With such a talented team on board, the film promises to offer audiences a fresh and innovative cinematic experience.
The film’s ensemble cast includes Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, and Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara. With Arvind Kashyap handling cinematography and Vinesh Banglan managing production design, the film’s creative team promises a rich and immersive cinematic experience.
Hyderabad: Since its announcement following the release of the original Kantara in November 2024, Kantara: Chapter 1 has remained one of the most anticipated films. The Kannada feature, now being developed into a franchise, has captured the imagination of audiences nationwide. With less than two weeks to its release, the makers had carefully held back promotional material—but today, the wait finally ended with the release of the trailer.
The trailer, launched in multiple languages including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam, instantly went viral across the internet, marking a true pan-Indian event. Nearly three minutes long, it promises grand storytelling and cinematic spectacle.
The trailer opens with Shiva’s son arriving at the spot where his father merged with the forest, dissolving into a circle of fire. It hints at a classic good-versus-evil conflict, showcasing the struggle between the oppressed and their oppressors. It also offers a cautionary tale about the destructive power of greed. Weaving together human relationships, nature, folklore, and the divine, the trailer provides a glimpse into the rich, immersive world that the film explores.
F&Q
Kantara: Chapter 1 release date ?
Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled to release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and the festive season in India.
Kantara a legend chapter 1 cast?
The main cast of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 includes:
Gulshan Devaiah – as Kulashekara
Rishab Shetty – Lead role
Jayaram – Key supporting role
Rukmini Vasanth – as Kanakavathi
Kantara a legend chapter 1 budget ?
The production budget of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is reported to be ₹125 crore (approximately $15 million), making it the most expensive Kannada film
Rishab Shetty
The world of Kantara
Steeped in the rich folklore of coastal Karnataka, Kantara explored a village safeguarded by a local deity and its conflict with the forestry authorities. The prequel goes even further back in time, uncovering the origins of the bond between the deity and a troubled king, as well as an ancient vow designed to protect both the land and its people.
Drawing from the folklore of coastal Karnataka, Kantara depicted a village shielded by a local deity and its struggle against the forestry department. The upcoming prequel delves deeper into history, revealing how this alliance between the deity and a troubled monarch began, along with an age-old promise to safeguard the land and its inhabitants.
Rooted in coastal Karnataka’s folklore, Kantara narrated the tale of a village defended by a local deity and its confrontation with the forestry authorities. The prequel travels further into the past, exploring the origins of the pact between the deity and a tormented king, and an ancient pledge to protect both the land and its people.