Kantara Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, is set to release on October 2, 2025, as a Dussehra gift to audiences worldwide. The film is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which earned over ₹350 crores worldwide on a budget of ₹16 crores. Despite the huge success of the first film, the prequel's advance bookings have been not encouraging, with worldwide sales reportedly under ₹20 crores.
The film's paid premieres, scheduled for October 1, have been cancelled due to low occupancy, and the makers have decided to screen the film with morning shows on October 2 instead. Industry sources attribute the low bookings to limited promotions, with only one song released and a trailer that didn't generate significant buzz.
Despite this, trade analysts believe the film can still do well after release, driven by positive word of mouth and the popularity of the Kantara brand. The film's success will depend on its ability to attract audiences and boost box office collections once it hits theaters. Kantara Chapter 1 boasts an impressive cast, including Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah.
The film explores the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in the first film, set in pre colonial coastal Karnataka during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. With a production budget of ₹125 crores and digital rights acquired by Amazon Prime for the same amount, the film has a lot riding on its success. Let's hope that Kantara Chapter 1 will live up to its expectations and become a pan India blockbuster like it's predecessor.