Kantara: Chapter 1 is an upcoming Indian Kannada language mythological action thriller directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films. It is a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, delving into the origins of the divine tradition, ancestral conflict, and Tulu folklore introduced in the original.
Set against the backdrop of pre-colonial coastal Karnataka during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the film explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and mythological land guardianship. Rishab Shetty repeats his lead role, playing a Naga Sadhu with superhuman abilities. The story promises to deliver deep into regional spirituality, folklore, and mankind’s bond with nature.
Key information of Kantara: Chapter 1
- Directed by: Rishab Shetty
- Produced by: Hombale Films (Vijay Kiragandur)
- Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- Cinematography: Arvind S Kashyap
- Cast: Rishab Shetty (as Shiva/Kantara), Jayaram, Rakesh Poojari
- Languages: Kannada (original), dubbed into Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English.
- Notable production scale: A 250-day shoot, with thousands of crew members, a war sequence involving 500 fighters, and a cast of nearly 3,000.
- Release date: October 2, 2025, with a worldwide theatrical release followed by streaming on Amazon Prime.
The film distinguishes itself with mythological storytelling, rich visuals, and original music, aiming to build a pan-Indian cultural legacy. Rishab Shetty reportedly underwent intensive training in horse riding, Kalaripayattu, and sword fighting for authenticity. The first look and teaser were released on November 27, 2023.
Kantara: Chapter 1 deeply connects to the origins of Tulu folklore and rituals by serving as a mythological prequel that explores the foundational narratives of the region’s ancient spiritual practices, especially the tradition of Bhuta Kola. The film travels back to pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, specifically the era of the Kadamba dynasty (circa 300–540 CE), to examine how the worship of key deities Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva became central to Tulu Nadu’s cultural identity.
Key connections between Kantara: Chapter 1 and Tulu folklore:
- Bhuta Kola Rituals: The film Kantara: Chapter 1 unpacks the roots of Bhuta Kola, an elaborate ritual performance unique to the Tulu-speaking region of Karnataka. In Bhuta Kola, local deities (daivas), such as Panjurli (the boar spirit and guardian of the land) and Guliga (his fierce companion), are propitiated through song, dance, possession, and judicial mediation. This ritual not only invokes the divine but also acts as a mechanism for social justice, with the daiva considered an impartial arbitrator above social hierarchies.
- Divine Land Guardianship: Central to Tulu folklore is the belief that land and nature are to be respected and protected by divine forces. Kantara: Chapter 1 is positioned to explore the origin story of the pact between human settlers and these deities, illustrating how concepts of guardianship, land rights, and ancestral memory emerged within local legends.
- Mythical Origin of Deities: The narrative explores the backstory of the Panjurli Daiva, the circumstances that led to his emergence as a protector, and his ongoing interplay with human society. This includes the sacred covenant reportedly struck between local rulers and the deities, ensuring land protection for the villagers so long as the divine order is respected.
- Preservation of Cultural Memory: By dramatizing these legendary events, the film serves not just as entertainment, but as a medium to preserve and spotlight Tulu oral traditions, the performative aspects of folklore rituals, and the spiritual philosophies that underpin them.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is designed to be both an origin story for the characters and mythos of the Kantara universe, as well as a cinematic exploration of how Tulu rituals and symbolism forged the spiritual and societal landscape of the region.
Kantara (2022) is available to Watch on Netflix and Prime Video.
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