Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language fantasy action film[2] set during the reign of Kadambas of Banavasi[3] written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films.[4][5] It is a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara. The film stars Rishab Shetty and Jayaram in the lead roles.[6]
Filming began in November 2023. The first look and teaser was released on 27 November 2023. Rishab Shetty plays the role of a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers.[7][8] The publicity poster was designed by Kaani Studio.[9][10] B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score. The film will be released on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
The film was produced by Vijay Kiragandur through Hombale Films.[11] Shetty learned horse riding, Kalaripayattu and sword fighting for the role.[12]
The film features a grand war sequence choreographed by national and international experts. The sequence includes over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of nearly 3,000. Shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka's mountains, the war sequence took nearly 50 days to film.[12]
The film's soundtrack album and background score were composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who had composed for the prequel, Kantara.[citation needed]
Kantara: Chapter 1 is scheduled for a theatrical release on 2 October 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.[13][14]The film will also release the dubbed versions including Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, English and Malayalam.
The digital distribution rights of the film were acquired by Amazon Prime.[15][16]