Hombale Films’s upcoming prequel Kantara: Chapter 1 will be released in Spanish and English, apart from multiple Indian languages, following demand from international audiences. The film, scheduled to hit theatres on October 2, will be available in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English.
The decision comes after the unexpected global success of Kantara (2022), directed by Rishab Shetty, which grew from a regional release into a worldwide phenomenon. The film won Shetty a National Award for Best Actor and earned acclaim for its rooted storytelling and portrayal of folklore.
Upon its release, Kantara was praised for blending action, myth, and cultural tradition in a way that resonated across boundaries. Critics highlighted its raw visual style and gripping climax, while audiences lauded its rootedness in local folklore. The film not only became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time but also enjoyed an extended run in theatres across India and abroad, with many considering it a landmark in pan-Indian cinema.
According to the makers, Kantara found resonance not only with the Indian diaspora but also among audiences in Latin America, including Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, and Venezuela. The film was also well-received in countries with a strong culture of world cinema appreciation, prompting the producers to dub the prequel into international languages.
Chapter 1 is being positioned as one of Hombale’s most ambitious projects. A large-scale war sequence was filmed over 45–50 days on a 25-acre set, involving over 500 trained fighters and 3,000 extras. The film’s creative team includes music director B. Ajaneesh Loknath, cinematographer Arvind Kashyap, and production designer Vinesh Banglan.
With Spanish and English versions planned alongside its Indian releases, Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to expand its reach to new territories while continuing to draw on themes of folklore and faith that defined the original.
