Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT starring Rishab Shetty will premiere on Prime Video on October 31, 2025. The film has earned ₹800 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT Release All Set for OTT Premiere on Prime Video
After an extraordinary theatrical run that captivated audiences across India and beyond, Kantara: Chapter 1 is ready to make its grand OTT debut. The Rishab Shetty-starrer, produced by Hombale Films, will begin streaming on Prime Video from October 31, 2025. The film will be available in its original Kannada language, along with dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, ensuring a wider reach among audiences across regions.
The release marks yet another milestone for Rishab Shetty and Hombale Films, who previously delivered the acclaimed blockbuster Kantara (2022). The prequel takes viewers back to the origins of the mysterious and spiritual world that made the first film a cultural phenomenon.
Rishab Shetty on Bringing the Origins of Kantara to Life
Sharing his thoughts on the Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT release, Rishab Shetty expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the audience. In a press statement, he said:
“When I began working on this prequel, I wanted to return to the origins of this world—to the roots that inspired it all. Every ritual, emotion, and moment in the film draws from lived culture and real traditions. The love it received in theatres is a reflection of how deeply our folklore resonates with audiences.”
Rishab’s words perfectly capture the soul of Kantara: Chapter 1 — a story deeply rooted in South India’s ancient rituals, spiritual devotion, and the connection between humans and nature.
Storyline: The Origins of Daiva Worship
Kantara: Chapter 1 transports viewers to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty, unraveling the mystical origins of Daiva worship in the region of Tulunadu.
Rishab Shetty plays Berme, the divine protector of the Kantara forest and its tribal communities. The story dives deep into how Daiva (guardian spirit) worship began, exploring themes of faith, duty, and divine justice.
The film captures a time when humanity lived in harmony with nature, and every element of life was intertwined with spiritual beliefs. The narrative beautifully connects folklore with real traditions, offering a cinematic experience that’s visually breathtaking and emotionally profound.
Star Cast and Performances
The movie features a stellar ensemble cast:
Rishab Shetty as Berme, the protector of Kantara forest
Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, a strong and graceful female lead
Gulshan Devaiah as King Kulasekhara, a complex and layered royal figure
Jayaram in a significant and impactful role
Rishab Shetty, who not only directed and wrote the film but also played the lead role, has been praised for his brilliant storytelling and dedication to authentic cultural representation.
Rukmini Vasanth delivers a memorable performance as Kanakavathi, blending strength and sensitivity in her portrayal. Gulshan Devaiah’s commanding presence as the king adds depth to the story, while Jayaram’s supporting role brings emotional resonance to key scenes.
Direction, Writing, and Cinematic Brilliance
Directed and written by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 continues the director’s signature style — a perfect mix of folklore, spirituality, and realism.
The cinematography captures the breathtaking beauty of the Western Ghats, while the background score, steeped in traditional sounds, heightens the emotional intensity of the narrative. The use of authentic rituals and cultural elements gives the film a rare depth, making it not just a movie but a cultural document of India’s living traditions.
Box Office Performance: Record-Breaking Success
Kantara: Chapter 1 has rewritten box office history. Made on a budget of ₹125 crore, the film has earned over ₹800 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of its box office journey:
| Duration | Collection (₹ Crore) |
|---|---|
| First Week | 337.40 |
| Second Week | 147.85 |
| Third Week | 78.85 |
| Total (Domestic) | 465.25 (nett) |
| Worldwide Gross | 800+ |
The film’s extraordinary success dethroned “Chhaava”, which previously held the top spot with ₹807 crore. However, Kantara: Chapter 1 quickly surged ahead, becoming the undisputed box office king of 2025.
While Chhaava had a strong start, it couldn’t sustain the momentum as Kantara: Chapter 1 witnessed massive word-of-mouth appreciation and repeat viewership.
Running Time, Release Details & Technical Info
Release Date: 2 October 2025
Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT Release Date: 31 October 2025
Running Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (≈ 170 minutes)
Language: Kannada
Dubbed In: Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam
Production House: Hombale Films
Director & Writer: Rishab Shetty
Budget: ₹125 Crore
Worldwide Box Office: ₹789.9 Crore (approx. ₹800 crore)
Audience Reception
Theatres across India witnessed packed shows for weeks. Fans and critics alike praised the film for its authentic portrayal of culture, powerful storytelling, and spiritual intensity.
The emotional connection to folklore and the grandeur of traditional rituals made the movie a phenomenon. Viewers appreciated how Kantara: Chapter 1 explored India’s indigenous belief systems without compromising entertainment value.
Social media buzzed with praise for Rishab Shetty’s performance and direction, with many calling him a “visionary filmmaker who brought Indian folklore to global attention.”
Comparison with “Chhaava”
Initially, Chhaava enjoyed the title of the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025 with ₹807 crore. But the reign was short-lived. Within weeks, Kantara: Chapter 1 surpassed it with a final tally of ₹800 crore-plus.
The difference in trajectory was stark — Chhaava saw strong opening collections but flattened in the following weeks, while Kantara: Chapter 1 grew stronger week after week through organic audience love and cultural resonance.
Why You Should Watch Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT
For those who missed the theatrical run or want to revisit the world of Kantara, the OTT release offers the perfect opportunity. The Prime Video version will include multi-language options and enhanced visuals, ensuring a cinematic experience at home.
Watching it again on OTT allows viewers to appreciate the finer details — the rituals, chants, emotional nuances, and cinematography that make Kantara: Chapter 1 a timeless masterpiece.
FAQs About Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT Release
1. When will Kantara: Chapter 1 release on OTT?
Kantara: Chapter 1 will premiere on Prime Video on October 31, 2025.
2. In which languages will Kantara: Chapter 1 be available on OTT?
The movie will be available in Kannada (original) and dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
3. What is the total box office collection of Kantara: Chapter 1?
The film has earned ₹800 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025.
4. What is the story of Kantara: Chapter 1?
The movie explores the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu during the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty, focusing on the divine protector Berme and his spiritual duty to safeguard his people.
5. Who are the main cast members?
The film stars Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in pivotal roles.
6. Is Kantara: Chapter 1 a sequel or prequel?
It is a prequel to Kantara (2022), exploring the ancestral roots of the legend.
7. Who directed and wrote the film?
Both direction and writing are by Rishab Shetty.
8. What was the budget of Kantara: Chapter 1?
The film was made on a budget of ₹125 crore.
9. Where can I watch Kantara: Chapter 1 online?
You can stream it exclusively on Prime Video starting October 31, 2025.
Conclusion
Kantara: Chapter 1 is not just a movie — it’s a spiritual and cultural experience. Rishab Shetty’s dedication to showcasing India’s ancient traditions, combined with Hombale Films’ stunning production, has made it a cinematic triumph.
As it arrives on OTT, audiences across the world can once again immerse themselves in the mystical world of Kantara — where folklore, faith, and humanity come together in a powerful celebration of Indian heritage.
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