Kantara director-actor Rishab Shetty shared with Siddharth Kannan his struggles before success. He and friend Rakshit Shetty had to literally beg people to watch their films during their early, challenging days in cinema.
While the early numbers point towards another potential hit, the film’s long-term success will depend on whether it can maintain momentum beyond its opening surge.
Kantara: Chapter 1 stormed the box office with an opening of Rs 89 crores worldwide on day one, making it 2025’s biggest debut and fueling strong buzz about a potential Rs 1000 crore run.
The excitement around Kantara Chapter 1 continues to build as the film’s cast and crew share glimpses of their journey together. Recently, actor-director Rishab Shetty and actress Rukmini Vasanth were spotted traveling with the team on a private flight, a moment that has now gone viral on social media.
Director Shashank Khaitan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari opened with Rs 9.25 crore nett on October 2, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, but the family entertainer saw a modest start despite expectations.
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 sparks mixed Twitter reactions, with audiences praising its grand visuals and performances, yet criticizing weak storytelling, leaving the film both celebrated as a spectacle and dismissed as overhyped.
Hombale Films’ Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, secures a UA certificate with just one cut, ensuring wide audience appeal while retaining its artistic and cultural authenticity ahead of release.
Actor Varun Dhawan says his upcoming film 'Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari', which is set to clash with "Kantara: Chapter 1" at the box office, has strong potential to perform well, just like the Rishab Shetty-starrer.
Diljit Dosanjh records a soulful track for Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, with Ajaneesh Loknath’s music and Hombale Films’ production, ahead of its grand multilingual release on October 2.
When Kantara hit theatres in September 2022, it rose beyond being just a regional release. Directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, the Kannada film fused folklore, faith, and conflict into a cultural phenomenon that resonated across India.
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to unveil its much-awaited trailer on September 22, ahead of the film’s grand theatrical release on October 2. Read to know more
Kantara: Chapter 1 explore the theme of forest conservation and showcases how the forest serves as a habitat for many people and is protected by Panjurli, a demigod. The prequel will be released in worldwide theatres on October 2.
junior artist MF Kapil died on May 6 after drowning in the Souparnika River near Kollur, Karnataka. Hombale Films has recently clarified that the incident didn't happened while filming Kantara: Chapter 1.
Rishab Shetty has proved his mettle as a performer in Kantara, a look at all the new characters he will soon take up.
Rishab Shetty and Sapthami Gowda star in Kantara: Chapter 1 in the pivotal roles. The upcoming sequel is scheduled to be released on October 2, 2025.
Hombale Films' Kantara redefined Indian cinema, blending masterful storytelling, stellar performances, and rich folklore. The film’s highlight, the electrifying Bhoota Kola sequence, left audiences in awe, cementing its legendary status.
Stunt choreographer Todor Lazarov will return to perform more intense action sequence in the upcoming film, Kantara: Chapter 1. The film is scheduled to hit theatres in October.
Kantara, the 2022 blockbuster, is back with a prequel! Kantara: Chapter 1 promises an even grander spectacle. Rishab Shetty's new look and news of a massive war sequence have ignited fan excitement for this exploration of Indian culture.
Rishab Shetty's hit Kannada film Kantara is inspiring a special episode of the popular crime thriller show CID. The episode will highlight the film's cultural impact, particularly its focus on the Kola festival, celebrating Kantara's success and its deep connection to Indian traditions and popular culture.
Rishab Shetty will be seen in and as Chatrapati Sivaji Maharaj in 'The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj'.
Recent reports claiming a bus carrying junior artists from the set of “Kantara Chapter 1” had overturned, halting production, have been declared false. The production team of the much-anticipated prequel to “Kantara” addressed the rumors, clarifying that there were no injuries or hospitalizations and that filming is continuing as planned.
Rishab Shetty won the National Award for Best Actor, Kantara was honored with the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, and KGF: Chapter 2 received awards for Best Action Direction and Best Kannada Film.
As the fervor surrounding Kantara continues to surge, its influence extends into the festive celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi. This year, the magic of Kantara seamlessly blends with the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, as devotees across the country welcome Panjurli Daiva Ganapati idols into their celebrations. The film’s depiction of Panjurli Daiva has resonated so deeply that it has become an integral part of the festival.
Initially released as a sleeper hit, Kantara quickly garnered acclaim for its engaging story and authentic depiction of local traditions. Its success was notable, as it set records for the highest collections in its eighth week and beyond, surpassing major films like Baahubali 2.
Hombale Films' highly anticipated film, Kantara Chapter 1, is set to create waves with its forthcoming 4th shooting schedule, which is just around the corner. The excitement surrounding the film has been palpable ever since the release of its captivating first-look teaser, showing Rishab Shetty in an intense and thrilling new avatar. This teaser has only heightened the anticipation, setting the stage for what promises to be a cinematic spectacle.