Kannada superstar Yash has lauded Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1, calling it "The New Benchmark for Kannada and Indian Cinema". Yash's praise comes as the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has opened to big numbers at the box office.
Yash took to social media to express his appreciation for the film, highlighting Rishab Shetty's dedication as a writer, director, and actor. "@shetty_rishab , your conviction, resilience, and sheer devotion are evident in every frame. As the writer, director, and actor, your vision translates into a truly immersive experience on screen," Yash wrote. He also congratulated Vijay Kiragandur and Hombale Films for their vision and unwavering support for ambitious projects. Yash commended the performances of Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah, describing them as "brilliant, powerhouse performances". He further acknowledged the work of the technical crew, including B. Ajaneesh Loknath for his music and Arvind Kashyap for his cinematography.
Kantara Chapter 1, which was released in theaters on October 2, 2025, has received a great response from critics and fans. The film is a prequel to Kantara, exploring the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore explored in the first film. The prequel delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film.
Rishab Shetty responded to Yash's praise with gratitude, acknowledging Yash's journey and vision as an inspiration. "[Y]our achievements today fills me with pride. Thank you for always standing by me and supporting my work," Shetty commented.
The film's release has not been without its challenges. Kantara Chapter 1 faced a controversy after Rishab Shetty spoke only Kannada at a Hyderabad promotional event, disappointing some Telugu fans. Shetty clarified that he is a proud Kannadiga and loves the Kannada language immensely, but affirmed his respect for all Indian languages and his efforts to learn and speak local languages. A pre-release event in Chennai was also cancelled due to an "unfortunate incident".
Despite these challenges, Kantara Chapter 1 has opened to a massive box office response, earning an estimated ₹75 crore gross in India on its opening day. Rishab Shetty expressed his gratitude for the film's strong opening, recalling his earlier struggles to get even one show for his film. "From struggling to get one evening show in 2016 to 5000+ houseful shows in 2025. This journey is nothing but your love, support, and God's grace," Shetty wrote.
Fans have reacted positively to the film, praising its visuals, music, and representation of Sanatan values. Many have highlighted the Viswaroopam darshan scene, inspired by the Bhagwat Gita.
Kantara Chapter 1 stars Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. The film is produced by Hombale Films, the same production house behind KGF: Chapter 2.
