Bangalore, December 21, 2025 - Hombale Films is celebrating the 7th anniversary of the release of "K.G.F: Chapter 1," the film that not only redefined Kannada cinema but also set a new benchmark for pan-Indian films. Directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Yash in the lead role, "K.G.F: Chapter 1" was released on December 21, 2018, and quickly became a global phenomenon.
"K.G.F: Chapter 1" follows the story of Rocky, an ambitious gangster who infiltrates the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) as a spy, tasked with assassinating Garuda, the ruthless owner of the mines. The film portrays Rocky's journey as he fights to overthrow tyranny and liberate the enslaved workers of KGF.
The film's gritty portrayal of the Kolar Gold Fields, combined with intense action sequences and emotional depth, struck a chord with audiences across the globe. Yash's portrayal of Rocky became iconic, and his powerful performance cemented his position as a pan-India star. The film's dialogues, characters, and themes became an integral part of popular culture, with Rocky emerging as a symbol of defiance and ambition.
"K.G.F: Chapter 1" was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹250 crore worldwide, a monumental feat for a Kannada film at the time. Its success wasn't just limited to financial achievements but extended to its cultural impact. The film's success proved that Indian cinema, regardless of language, has the potential to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. It paved the way for Kannada cinema to gain global recognition.
Hombale Films acknowledged the contributions of the artists, technicians, and crew whose tireless efforts brought the world of "K.G.F" to the big screen. The production house also expressed gratitude to audiences worldwide for making "K.G.F" a legendary milestone in cinematic history.
The film's success also initiated a cultural shift, encouraging the industry to think beyond regional silos and aim for a unified cinematic identity. Following the footsteps of "K.G.F: Chapter 1," many high-budget, multilingual films like "RRR" and "Pushpa" gained pan-Indian appeal.
The legacy of "K.G.F" continues with Hombale Films announcing the next chapters of both "K.G.F" and "Salaar", which will be directed by Prashanth Neel. These highly anticipated sequels are poised to continue the legacy of their iconic predecessors. Before that, Neel is working on a film with Jr. NTR, which is set to release in 2026.
In addition to these projects, Hombale Films is also producing "Kantara: Chapter 1" and "Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam".
Furthermore, Hombale Films has announced an ambitious animated franchise, the Mahavatar Cinematic Universe, in collaboration with Kleem Productions. This project will span over a decade and feature a slate of animated films based on the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The franchise will start with "Mahavatar Narsimha" in July 2025 and culminate with "Mahavatar Kalki Part 2" in 2037. The Mahavatar Cinematic Universe will also expand across multiple platforms, including comics, video games, and graphic novels.
Founded in 2012 by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda, Hombale Films has consistently delivered critically and commercially successful films. The company is committed to creating compelling content that resonates with a worldwide audience while staying connected to its Kannada roots.
