Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Rishab Shetty has done it again. After delivering one of the most culturally significant Indian films in 2022, the actor-director returns with Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel that not only matches but in many ways surpasses its predecessor. This mythological action drama, released on October 2, 2025, is a stunning blend of folklore, breathtaking visuals, and powerful storytelling that creates an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Table of Contents
Kantara Chapter 1: A Divine Journey Back in Time
Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty (around 300 CE), Kantara Chapter 1 delves deep into the ancient origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual. The film transports viewers to the mystical forests of Banavasi, where divine spirits awaken and ancestral traditions are forged.
Plot Overview
| Character | Actor | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Berme | Rishab Shetty | Warrior leader of Kantara tribe |
| Kanakavathi | Rukmini Vasanth | Princess overseeing treasury |
| Kulasekhara | Gulshan Devaiah | New king of Bangara |
| King Vijayendra | Jayaram | Former king of Bangara |
The narrative follows Berme, a resolute warrior and leader of the Kantara tribe, as he works tirelessly to uplift his people while facing conflict with the Bangara kingdom. As we’ve covered in our Indian folklore cinema analysis, this authentic representation of regional traditions marks a significant shift in how mythology is portrayed in contemporary cinema.
Stellar Performances That Command Attention
Rishab Shetty: A National Award-Worthy Performance
Rishab Shetty doesn’t just act—he lives, breathes, and owns the character of Berme. His portrayal during divine possession sequences showcases the depth of his exceptional acting abilities, proving once again why he earned the National Film Award for the first installment. His dual role as actor and director demonstrates mastery rarely seen in modern cinema, as detailed in our actor-director spotlight series.
Supporting Cast Excellence
- Rukmini Vasanth delivers a top-notch performance as Kanakavathi, avoiding the typical love interest trap and gaining prominence as the film progresses
- Gulshan Devaiah is fantastic as the antagonist Kulasekhara, bringing depth to his negative character
- Jayaram remains first-rate in his portrayal of King Vijayendra
Technical Brilliance at Every Frame
B Ajaneesh Loknath’s Spellbinding Score
The background score stands as one of the film’s biggest pillars, elevating every moment and guaranteeing goosebumps. Loknath’s composition seamlessly blends traditional folk music with epic orchestration, creating an immersive audio landscape that enhances the spiritual connect.
Arvind S Kashyap’s Exceptional Cinematography
The cinematography captures not just the grandeur of landscapes but also the finest nuances of every emotion. Every frame feels carefully crafted, from the raw intensity of action sequences to the divine moments of spiritual transcendence. This visual excellence aligns with trends we’ve explored in our cinematography innovation in Indian cinema coverage.
VFX and Action Sequences
The VFX work, particularly featuring animals and mythological elements, is spellbinding and rivals international standards. The action sequences—especially the pre-interval and post-interval blocks—deserve special mention for their choreography, intensity, and raw power.
Pacing and Narrative Structure
First Half: Building the Foundation
The opening hour establishes characters and world-building at a measured pace, mixing humor with visual spectacle. While some viewers might find it slow, this foundation proves essential for the explosive second half.
Second Half: Unleashing Fury
The second half leans heavily into action with sequences that feel intense and carefully staged. The penultimate moments, much like the first film, are electrifying and spellbinding—an experience that lingers long after the end credits roll.
Box Office Performance
Strong Opening Day Collections
With an estimated Day 1 collection of ₹29 crores across all languages, Kantara Chapter 1 has delivered the biggest opening for Sandalwood in 2025. The film clocked the 6th highest pre-sales of 2025 at the Indian box office with ₹19.44 crore gross in advance bookings.
| Language | Opening Performance |
|---|---|
| Kannada | Leading with ₹20 crore expected |
| Hindi | Strong performance in metros |
| Telugu | Solid response in Telugu states |
| Tamil & Malayalam | Healthy collections |
Made with a budget of approximately ₹125 crore, the film needs to cross ₹250-300 crore worldwide to break even. Given the exceptional word-of-mouth and positive reviews, analysts predict it could challenge for a ₹1,000 crore finish, as we’ve analyzed in our 2025 box office predictions.
Cultural Significance and Impact
Kantara Chapter 1 represents more than entertainment—it’s a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. The film’s authentic portrayal of Bhuta Kola and Tulunadu folklore demonstrates Rishab Shetty’s commitment to preserving and showcasing regional traditions on a grand scale, continuing conversations we’ve highlighted in our regional cinema revolution coverage.
Minor Drawbacks
No film is perfect, and Kantara Chapter 1 has minor flaws:
- Occasional pacing issues in the first hour
- Some scenes feel overstuffed with information
- Language barriers might affect non-Kannada speakers initially
However, these minor issues pale in comparison to the film’s overall magnificence.
Final Verdict
Kantara: Chapter 1 is undoubtedly one of the finest films of 2025. Rishab Shetty has proven himself as one of the finest storytellers of our times, delivering a stunning spectacle that blends mythology, folklore, breathtaking visuals, and powerful storytelling into an unforgettable experience.
The film’s layered narrative, deep emotions, and strong spiritual connection make it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates quality cinema. From the raw opening sequence to the majestic divine moments, Kantara Chapter 1 transports you into a world that is simultaneously ancient and timeless.
Should You Watch It? Absolutely! This is a theatrical experience that demands to be witnessed on the big screen. Whether you’re a fan of the original or new to the Kantara universe, this prequel delivers on every promise and more.
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