In a major strategic move that is set to amplify the film’s pan-Indian appeal, Hombale Films has announced a star-studded trailer launch for its highly-anticipated prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1. The Hindi trailer will be unveiled by Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, while Tamil star Sivakarthikeyan and Malayalam icon Prithviraj Sukumaran will launch the trailers in their respective languages. The official launch is scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 12:45 PM IST.
The collaboration with these leading figures from different film industries highlights Hombale Films’ ambitious vision to position the film as a true pan-Indian epic. With the theatrical release set for a worldwide premiere on October 2, 2025, the trailer launch is expected to send the film’s hype into a new dimension.
The decision to have some of India’s biggest stars launch the trailer in their respective languages is a masterstroke in film marketing. For the Hindi-speaking audience, Hrithik Roshan’s association with the film is a significant endorsement. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as Hrithik is already confirmed to be working on a separate pan-Indian project with Hombale Films, the banner behind the KGF franchise. His support for Kantara: Chapter 1 not only shows a growing synergy between various film industries but also signals the film’s massive scale and potential to resonate with a diverse audience.
Similarly, the involvement of Prithviraj Sukumaran is no surprise, given his production company, Prithviraj Productions, was instrumental in distributing the original Kantara in Kerala, where it became a huge success. His support for the prequel underscores his belief in the project’s ability to captivate audiences once again. The presence of Sivakarthikeyan, a beloved star in the Tamil industry, further cements the film’s regional appeal and its ambition to reach every corner of the country.
Directed by and starring the multi-talented Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time. The original film’s success was a testament to the power of a deeply rooted, authentic story and spectacular filmmaking.
The prequel is set to delve into the origins of the rituals and folklore that defined the first film. Reports suggest the story is set in 300 CE during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, exploring the legacy of the deities Panjurli and Guliga. The film is being made on a much grander scale, with a massive budget of ₹125 crore. Rishab Shetty is set to portray a fierce Naga Sadhu, a character who is expected to become the foundation of the cinematic universe that the makers are building. The film is also being released in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, catering to a wide range of viewers.
Produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 is being touted as the production house’s most ambitious project to date. The makers have reportedly invested heavily in the film’s production, including a sprawling battle sequence that was shot over 45-50 days with over 500 skilled fighters and 3,000 people. This level of dedication and scale promises a cinematic experience that will be both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
The trailer launch, with its star-studded lineup, is not just a marketing event; it’s a statement of intent. It highlights the confidence of the filmmakers in their product and their belief that the story of Kantara has the power to transcend linguistic barriers and connect with audiences worldwide. With the film’s worldwide release just around the corner on October 2nd, the unveiling of the trailer will be the first major step in what is sure to be an unforgettable cinematic journey.
