'Kantara: Chapter 1 was like a second film school for us all,' says cinematographer Arvind Kashyap - Exclusive

Arvind Kashyap talks about making Kantara Chapter 1 with Rishab Shetty

Arvind Kashyap, the man behind the breathtaking visuals of Kantara, returns for Kantara: Chapter 1 — reuniting with Rishab Shetty in what he reveals is their fifth collaboration as a DOP-director duo.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Arvind talked about working with Rishab Shetty on the prequel.

While many assumed that Kantara (2022) marked their second outing together, Arvind clarified:
“This is my fifth time”

When asked whether this new chapter posed different creative challenges compared to the original, Arvind offered honest insights into the filmmaking process, highlighting the sheer scale and complexity of the latest installment:

“We started off with the same mindset. But we had to prepare much more because of the scale of the movie and the world. But while shooting, we faced enormous challenges like, unlike the first part, whether the logistics, everything was against us. So, we had to crack it all and come out of it within the time limit we had.”

Far from a repeat experience, Kantara: Chapter 1 became an opportunity for deep learning and growth for the entire crew. Arvind candidly described the process as transformative — a true learning curve that reshaped everyone involved:

“So all of us, you know, we learned so many things and this was like a secondary film school for almost all of us. So there are so many things from this movie which we'll carry with us throughout our journey. So how we entered and how we came out are like two different kinds of people, all of us.”

Cinematographer Arvind even revealed that Gulshan and Jayaram’s passion on set extended beyond their own scenes:

“Even after their (Gulshan and Jayaram) part is done... he doesn't go. Especially Gulshan He is always there. They just keep exploring.”

Also Read: Kantara becomes a global cultural phenomenon as Panjurli Muga mask finds place in American museum

In its first week of release, Kantara Chapter 1, starring Rishab Shetty, broke box office records by earning over Rs 300 crore, surpassing the Rs 500 crore milestone in global box office receipts to date.

All prior records set by Indian films in 2025 were broken with a massive surge of Rs 100 crore in the second weekend.

The film has crossed Rs 600 crore globally.