Kantara Chapter 1 OTT Release Date: When and Where to Watch Rishab Shetty’s Epic

Kantara Chapter 1 OTT release date has been confirmed, with Amazon Prime Video securing the digital streaming rights in a record-breaking ₹125 crore deal. The Rishab Shetty starrer, which hit theaters on October 2, 2025, is expected to arrive on the streaming platform by late October or early November, making it accessible to viewers who missed the theatrical experience.

Amazon Prime Video Locks Streaming Rights Deal

According to reports, Amazon Prime Video has finalized the deal with the makers of Kantara Chapter 1, regarding the takeover of the OTT streaming rights. The ₹125 crore deal makes it one of the highest-valued post-theatrical deals for a Kannada film, second only to KGF 2.

The online streaming will most likely commence within a month of its theatrical run, with the tentative date around October 30, 2025. However, an official confirmation from the makers is still awaited.

Different Release Timelines for Language Versions

The Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam versions of the mythological thriller are expected to be available sooner on the platform. The Hindi-dubbed version may have a later release, arriving a few weeks after the movie premieres on the OTT platform.

While an official confirmation is awaited, this aligns with Prime Video’s typical strategy of releasing big-ticket films within four weeks of their theatrical run. If Kantara Chapter 1 follows the industry trend of arriving on streaming platforms within six to eight weeks of theatrical release, the film is expected to arrive online by the end of November.

Rishab Shetty Returns as Director and Lead Actor

Kantara Chapter 1 was released on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami, in standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and EPIQ formats. The film is a prequel to the highly successful 2022 film Kantara, which became a sleeper hit and cultural phenomenon.

Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film traces the mystical origins of the Daivas Panjurli and Guliga, who play a central role in the Kantara folklore. Rishab Shetty transforms into a fierce Naga Sadhu, a warrior-mystic destined to become the bridge between mortals and the divine.

The film stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role as Berme, with Rukmini Vasanth playing a pivotal emotional character and Gulshan Devaiah delivering a commanding presence as the antagonist.

Set in Ancient Kadamba Dynasty Era

Kantara Chapter 1 is set centuries before the events of the first Kantara (2022) film. It serves as a prequel, exploring the origins of the divine spirit Panjurli Daiva and the beginnings of the legend that shaped the culture, faith, and forest of the region. The story takes place during the Kadamba dynasty era, circa 300-400 CE, in the ancient coastal belt of South India.

The film unfolds in the dense forests of coastal Karnataka, where a tribal community lives in harmony with nature. At its heart lies the story of Kaadubettu Shiva, whose hidden past and connection with sacred customs form the core of the narrative. The mystical wilderness, ancestral beliefs, and age-old rituals come together to create a gripping experience filled with mythology, drama, and high-octane action.

The basic theme of the film is the same as the previous part, and focuses on the conflict between the tribals of Kantara forest and a tyrannical king.

Box Office Phenomenon: Record-Breaking Opening

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 grossed an estimated ₹60 crore net in India on its first day of release, October 2, 2025. Early reports from trade analysts also suggest its worldwide opening-day gross was close to ₹90 crore, which is quite an impressive number.

This marks a 1400% higher opening than the first installment, which had a modest debut before growing into a sleeper hit. The original Kantara opened modestly with an estimated net collection of around ₹5-6 crore before becoming a massive success through word-of-mouth.

It delivered the second-largest opening for a Kannada film in the Hindi market, behind KGF: Chapter 2, indicating strong pan-Indian appeal. With Kantara Chapter 1 showing strong box-office potential since its debut, it is expected to surpass Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava and take the spot for the highest-grossing film in India in 2025. Chhaava had earned over ₹800 crore worldwide.

Production Scale and Technical Excellence

The film has been produced by Hombale Films and shot over 250 days with thousands of crew members, ensuring a grand cinematic experience. The production involved massive logistical efforts and created one of the most ambitious period films in Indian cinema.

Principal photography began in November 2023, with a formal pooja ceremony. In April 2024, a major portion was filmed in Rishab Shetty’s own village in Kundapura. A massive set was created by more than 600 carpenters for the same. Rishab Shetty learned horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting for his role.

In February 2025, a grand war sequence was filmed which was choreographed by national and international experts. The sequence included over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of nearly 3,000 people. It was shot on a 25-acre set in Karnataka’s mountains, and the sequence took nearly 50 days to film completely.

In May 2025, the film’s last schedule was filmed 20 kilometers away from Kundapur. The entire filming was wrapped by July 2025.

Music and Soundtrack by B. Ajaneesh Loknath

The film’s soundtrack album and background score was composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who had composed for the prequel, Kantara. The first single titled “Brahmakalasha” was released on September 28, 2025. The second single titled “Rebel Song” was released on October 1, 2025. The song’s Hindi version was sung by Diljit Dosanjh.

Critical Acclaim and Celebrity Endorsements

The film received positive reviews from all quarters. Celebrities like Prabhas, Jr NTR, Producer Nag Vamsi, Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, and others have lauded the film and Rishab Shetty’s performance.

Early reviews have praised Rishab Shetty’s dual contribution as both director and actor. His portrayal of Berme has been described as intense and immersive, while his direction has been applauded for its scale and vision. Viewers also appreciated Rukmini Vasanth’s emotional performance and Gulshan Devaiah’s commanding presence.

Critics have highlighted the film’s visual grandeur, spiritual depth, and rooted storytelling, with many recommending watching it in its original Kannada version to fully experience the cultural authenticity.

Pre-Release Events and Promotional Campaign

Following the release of the trailer, a press meet was held in Bengaluru. On September 28, 2025, a pre-release event was held in Hyderabad where N.T. Rama Rao Jr. was invited as chief guest. On September 30, 2025, another pre-release event was set to take place in Chennai, however it was cancelled by the makers following the 2025 Karur crowd crush.

The film’s first look teaser was released on November 27, 2023. Another first-look poster was released on July 7, 2025, following the wrap of the film.

Distribution and Theatrical Release Strategy

Apart from the original Kannada language, Kantara Chapter 1 was released in dubbed versions of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The producers Hombale Films distributed the film in Karnataka. In Kerala, actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran’s company Prithviraj Productions acquired the theatrical rights, continuing their collaboration from Kantara (2022).

The film had premiere shows held on October 1 across Karnataka, followed by screenings overseas. The strategic release during Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami holiday weekend helped maximize the opening box office collections.

What Makes the OTT Release Significant

With a powerful storyline rooted in folklore, stellar performances, and record-breaking box office numbers, Kantara Chapter 1 has proven itself as a true pan-Indian spectacle. Its digital release on Amazon Prime Video in October 2025 will make it accessible to a global audience, further cementing Rishab Shetty’s place as one of India’s most visionary filmmakers.

The OTT release is particularly significant for several reasons:

Global Accessibility: Viewers from countries where the theatrical release was limited will be able to experience the film.

Multiple Language Options: The streaming platform will offer all language versions, allowing audiences to choose their preferred dubbing or watch the original Kannada version with subtitles.

Repeat Viewing: Fans who watched the film in theaters can revisit the intricate details, mythological references, and visual grandeur at their convenience.

New Audience Discovery: Those who missed the theatrical window due to scheduling conflicts or geographic limitations can finally watch the critically acclaimed prequel.

The Road Ahead for Kantara Franchise

The success of Kantara Chapter 1 sets the stage for potential future installments. The film’s ending has reportedly left room for Kantara 3, continuing the mythological saga that Rishab Shetty has crafted with such dedication and cultural authenticity.

The franchise has established itself as a unique voice in Indian cinema, combining folklore, spirituality, action, and regional authenticity in a way that resonates with both local and national audiences. The OTT release will only expand this reach, introducing the Kantara universe to viewers who prefer home viewing or discovered the first film through streaming platforms.

For now, audiences can look forward to experiencing or re-experiencing this cinematic marvel from the comfort of their homes once it premieres on Amazon Prime Video. The exact date announcement is expected soon, but based on industry patterns, viewers should keep their Prime subscriptions active and watch for official announcements in the coming weeks.

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