The highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster "Kantara," "Kantara: Chapter 1," is generating considerable buzz, with its theatrical release slated for October 2, 2025. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the film delves deeper into the mythological origins and ancestral conflicts hinted at in the first installment.
Rishab Shetty's Remuneration: A Profit-Sharing Approach
Contrary to reports of a hefty ₹100 crore fee, Rishab Shetty has opted for a profit-sharing agreement for "Kantara: Chapter 1". Sources close to the project reveal that Shetty has not taken any upfront payment for his work as director and lead actor. Instead, he will share in the film's profits, demonstrating his confidence in the project's success. Some reports also suggest that he has invested his own money into the film. For the original "Kantara," Shetty was reportedly paid around ₹4 crore.
Budget and Production Details
"Kantara: Chapter 1" boasts a significantly larger budget of ₹125 crore compared to the original film's modest ₹16 crore. This substantial increase reflects the prequel's ambitious scale and production value. Amazon Prime Video has acquired the digital distribution rights for a reported ₹125 crore. The satellite rights are with Zee Network, reportedly for ₹80 crore.
Filming commenced in November 2023. Shetty underwent training in horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting to prepare for his role as a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers. The film features a grand war sequence, choreographed by national and international experts, involving over 500 skilled fighters and a total cast of approximately 3,000. This sequence was filmed on a 25-acre set in Karnataka over nearly 50 days. Filming wrapped up on July 7, 2025.
Story and Setting
"Kantara: Chapter 1" is set in pre-colonial Karnataka, during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty from Banavasi. The story explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore and history that were introduced in "Kantara". It will also shed light on the origin of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva, revered figures in the Bhuta tradition of worship. The film will focus on the conflict between the tribals of Kantara forest and a tyrannical king. Set in 300 CE, the film takes audiences into the mystical forests of Banavasi, where divine spirits awaken and the roots of the Daiva tradition are forged. Rishab Shetty transforms into a fierce Naga Sadhu, a warrior-mystic destined to become the bridge between mortals and the divine.
Cast and Crew
Rishab Shetty not only writes and directs but also stars in the film as the lead. The cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah in pivotal roles. B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who composed the music for "Kantara," returns as the music director for the prequel. Arvind Kashyap is the cinematographer, and Suresh Mallaiah is the editor.
Release and Expectations
"Kantara: Chapter 1" is scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, in Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English. The film will be available in standard and IMAX formats. Advance bookings have already begun in some regions, with strong initial figures. Prithviraj Sukumaran is presenting the film in Kerala. Amazon Prime Video will stream the film from October 30, just four weeks after its theatrical debut.
Other Cast Fees
While Rishab Shetty is foregoing a traditional salary, other cast members are receiving substantial fees:
- Sapthami Gowda: ₹2 crore
- Gulshan Devaiah: ₹1 crore
- Jayaram: ₹1 crore
Rishab Shetty's Upcoming Projects
Besides "Kantara: Chapter 1," Rishab Shetty has several other projects in the pipeline:
- A historical drama directed by Ashwin Gangaraju
- "Jai Hanuman," a sequel to "Hanu-Man," directed by Prashanth Varma
- "The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," directed by Sandeep Singh
