In a little under 4 weeks, actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty will bring the much-awaited Kantara Chapter 1 to theatres. Unlike the 2022 original Kantara, which had a teaser out in April and then a trailer in early September, this time around, the makers seem to be in no hurry to give audiences a sneak peek.
It’s a given that audiences will throng theatres to see the prequel, especially since the buzz is that Rishab is presenting an origin story for Panjurli Daiva.
Kantara Chapter 1 all set for October 2
So, the makers have instead poured all their attention into ensuring the film’s October 2 theatrical release is smooth not only within the country, but outside as well. In the last few days, they have been announcing the strategic alliances they have made to present the film to audiences across the world. Producers Hombale Films will distribute the film in Karnataka, while actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran continues to be their trusted partner in Kerala.
The Hindi belt is the responsibility of Anil Thadani’s AA Films, while Telugu rights have, reportedly gone to Allu Aravind’s Geetha Arts. Overseas distribution will be handled by Phars Films. As of now, only the details for the Tamil Nadu region are pending, but that is also expected to be in place shortly.
Kantara Chapter 1, which stars Rishab, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, among others, has music by Ajaneesh B Loknath yet again, while Arvind Kashyap handles cinematography. The story is expected to delve into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in Kantara. The film is expected to explore the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore surrounding divine land guardianship, set during the reign of Kadambas of Banavasi.
The film will release in Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi. Post its theatrical run, Kantara Chapter 1 will head to Amazon Prime Video.
FAQs
Q. Are Kantara and Kantara: Chapter 1 the same?
A. No, they are separate films in the same franchise, both written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Kantara released in 2022, while Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to hit theatres on October 2, 2025. Chapter 1 is the prequel of the original film and is supposedly an exploration of the origin of the Panjurli Daiva, among others.
Q. Whose avatar is Panjurli Daiva?
A. Panjurli Daiva is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu in his Varaha incarnation. Panjurli, according to folklore, was a wild boar, who was slain by Lord Shiva and then revived to become a divine protector.