The much-awaited trailer of Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 has finally been unveiled, and it promises to take Indian cinema to a whole new level. Headlined by Rishab Shetty, who also directs the film, this epic prequel is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films.
The movie is set to release worldwide on October 2, 2025, in both 2D and IMAX formats, reaching audiences across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English languages. The makers have positioned the film as one of the biggest pan-India releases of the year.
Star Cast and Crew
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Lead Actor & Director: Rishab Shetty
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Producer: Vijay Kiragandur (Hombale Films)
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Co-stars: Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah
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Music Composer: B. Ajneesh Loknath
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Cinematography: Arvind Kashyap
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Costume Design: Pragathi Rishab Shetty
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Special Appearance: Diljit Dosanjh in a unique folk-inspired song
Trailer Launch Across India
The trailer launch itself was a pan-India event, adding to the buzz:
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Hrithik Roshan unveiled the Hindi version
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Prabhas launched the Telugu version
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Prithviraj Sukumaran presented the Malayalam trailer
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Sivakarthikeyan released the Tamil version
This star-studded unveiling highlights the film’s wide appeal and its ambition to reach audiences across every corner of India.
Plot and Storyline
Kantara Chapter 1 takes viewers back to pre-colonial Karnataka, exploring the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the ancestral conflicts that shaped the world of the first movie.
The story begins with a young boy named Shiva, haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father during a Daiva Kola ritual in the forest. His quest for answers reveals the untold saga of his ancestors—fearless warriors who rose against tyranny with the help of divine forces.
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Gulshan Devaiah shines as a ruthless and oppressive prince.
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Rukmini Vasanth plays a compassionate princess who dares to challenge the ruler’s power when she falls in love with Shiva’s ancestor.
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In a powerful climax, Rishab Shetty’s character is shown possessed during the Bhuta Kola, marking his transformation into a divine protector destined to safeguard the villagers.
Themes and Mystique
The film delves deep into themes of faith, folklore, bravery, love, and spirituality. It also emphasizes the eternal conflict between tyranny and divine justice, making the narrative both mythical and universal.
The Bhuta Kola ritual—a sacred tradition from coastal Karnataka—remains at the heart of the story. Known as a spiritual bridge between man and the divine, its portrayal adds authenticity, mystery, and cultural depth to the film.
Unlike conventional action dramas, Kantara Chapter 1 presents a unique blend of mythology and cinematic grandeur, with the makers deliberately leaving certain secrets unrevealed in the trailer to maintain suspense.
Legacy of the First Film
The original Kantara (2022) was a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its portrayal of man’s relationship with nature and the Bhuta Kola tradition. The film received massive critical and commercial acclaim, and Rishab Shetty bagged his first National Award for his unforgettable performance.
With the return of the same creative team—Ajneesh Loknath for music and Arvind Kashyap for cinematography—the prequel is expected to be even more immersive, larger-than-life, and visually breathtaking.
Why Kantara Chapter 1 is Special
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It is one of the rare Indian films releasing in IMAX, showcasing its scale.
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The film bridges mythology and folklore with modern cinematic storytelling.
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International anticipation is also high, given the global popularity of the first part.
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The inclusion of Diljit Dosanjh’s special song adds a pan-India cultural touch.
✨ With its spiritual depth, powerful performances, stunning visuals, and a larger-than-life narrative, Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 is already being hailed as the most anticipated Indian film of 2025.
Author-Rekha Choudhary
“Hi, I’m Rekha Choudhary — a content writer and yoga instructor. Welcome to my news website, Desh News Hub
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