Hombale Films, the makers of Rishab Shetty's upcoming Kantara: Chapter 1, has put an end to rumours about release delays. The prequel to the Kannada blockbuster is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2025.
The team shared an amusing reel featuring the screenshot of a user's comment to post the release confirmation. The comment says, "Bro, is Kantara: Chapter 1 postponing its release date?" followed by the team's response, "No" in multiple Indian languages.
The reel was captioned, "No doubts. No delays. The legendary saga, #KantaraChapter1 unfolds on October 2nd, 2025."
A Kannada-language period fantasy action adventure, Kantara: Chapter 1 is said to feature Rishab in a different look. A first-look poster of the film showed the actor in a warrior get-up. A few months ago, the actor shared a picture of himself undergoing an intense training in Kerala's martial arts kalarippayattu in preparation for the role. Additionally, the team had teased a grand war sequence in the film.
The first film, which fetched a National award for Rishab's performance and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 70th National Film Awards, grossed over Rs 400+ cr on a budget of Rs 16 cr.
As to the story, the makers have not revealed any details yet. Speculations hint at the origins of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga, the fearsome deities that played a part in the original Kantara, directed by Rishab who is also directing the prequel.
The team commenced production on the prequel in November 2023, a year after the release of the first. B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who composed the soundtrack and background score of the original, is returning for Kantara: Chapter 1 too, along with cinematographer Aravind Kashyap.
The streaming rights have been acquired by Amazon Prime Video. The streamer's cryptic logline for the film reads, “There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. Such a calamity caused by a petty king ignites a rage in the heart of God’s chosen tribal leader.”