Kannada superstar Yash, known for his role in the "KGF" series, has lauded Rishab Shetty's "Kantara: Chapter 1," calling it a "new benchmark for Kannada and Indian Cinema". The film, a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster "Kantara," was released on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra, in multiple formats including standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema and EPIQ.
Yash shared his review on Instagram, praising Rishab Shetty's conviction, resilience, and devotion evident in every frame. He commended Shetty as the writer, director, and actor, stating that his vision translates into a truly immersive experience on screen. Yash also congratulated Vijay Kiragandur and Hombale Films for their vision and unwavering support for ambitious projects that continually raise the industry's bar. He also applauded the performances of Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah, calling them "brilliant, powerhouse performances". Yash further acknowledged the crew, including B. Ajaneesh Loknath for his music and Arvind Kashyap for his cinematography, and the entire cast and crew for crafting "absolutely phenomenal cinema!".
"Kantara: Chapter 1" delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the film explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual. The narrative begins by establishing the deep connection of the protagonist, Berme (played by Rishab Shetty), to his ancestral home within the Kantara Forest. As an adult, Berme ventures outside the forest to Bagra Port, but the excursion turns disastrous, leading to his capture by Kulasekhar. Berme escapes with the help of an ally named Peppe. The story escalates into a confrontation where Kulasekhar launches a ruthless massacre against the inhabitants of the Kantara Forest. Berme confronts Kulasekhar and kills him, leading to a massive battle during which Berme uncovers the truth behind the mysterious Kanakavathi's Story.
The film has received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its visual grandeur, gripping climax, standout VFX, and stellar performances. Kashvi Raj Singh of News 18 rated it 3.5/5 stars, noting it as a visual treat and commending Rishab Shetty's attempt at amalgamating Indian folklore with mainstream cinema. Sruthi Ganapathy Raman of The Hollywood Reporter India stated that the prequel offers more spectacle and visual beauty, even if it comes at the cost of lesser depth in writing.
"Kantara: Chapter 1" has also achieved commercial success, with a box office collection of ₹37.24 crore in India on its first day. The film has been declared a blockbuster based on its opening day earnings.
Other celebrities have also praised the film. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga called "Kantara: Chapter 1" a "cinematic thunderstorm" and a "true masterpiece," praising Rishab Shetty's one-man show. Prabhas called the film the biggest blockbuster of the year.
The movie is 2 hours and 47 minutes long and is available in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
