Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 is set to be screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 5, marking a prestigious moment for the film and its team. This special screening comes amidst the film's record-breaking box office run and widespread critical acclaim.
Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, delves into the origins of the traditions and folklore that captivated audiences in the first film. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, the story explores the clash between Berme, a warrior played by Rishab Shetty, and Kulasekhara, the ambitious son of a Kadamba ruler. The film highlights the tensions between the hamlet of Kantara and the neighboring kingdom, focusing on the struggle for resources and the deep-rooted traditions of the region.
The film has already crossed ₹140 crore at the domestic box office within three days of its release. The Hindi version of the film alone has reportedly brought in ₹31 crore within two days. Its success is attributed to its powerful storytelling, strong performances, and stunning visual effects.
Rishab Shetty, who serves as both director and lead actor, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming response to the film. At the trailer launch, he acknowledged the challenges faced during production but emphasized the faith, hard work, and divine support that sustained the team. He described Kantara as a blend of fact and folklore, drawn from the oral traditions of his hometown, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
The cast of Kantara Chapter 1 includes Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah, each delivering powerful performances that contribute to the film's immersive experience. Rukmini Vasanth, who plays Kanakavathi in the film, shared her emotional connection to the project, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a significant cinematic endeavor.
Industry figures have also lauded Kantara Chapter 1, with many praising its cinematic brilliance and its impact on Indian cinema. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma took to X to express his admiration for the film.
The film's release has been met with massive fanfare, with fans celebrating the movie like a festival. A viral video showed a fan re-enacting a popular scene from Kantara Chapter 1 outside a Bengaluru theatre, drawing a large crowd. The film has been released in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English.
Kantara Chapter 1 is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films. The film's music is composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath, with Arvind Kashyap handling the cinematography. The costume design is by Pragathi Shetty.
