Hombale Films, the esteemed production house behind the blockbuster Kantara, has announced that the highly-anticipated trailer for its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, will be released on September 22, 2025, at 12:45 PM. This major update has sent waves of excitement across the country, as fans eagerly await a glimpse into the origin story of the film that became a cultural phenomenon.
The announcement comes just ahead of the film’s confirmed worldwide release on October 2, 2025, a date that is expected to witness a cinematic spectacle of epic proportions. The film, which is a prequel to the 2022 superhit, sees the return of director-actor Rishab Shetty, who is set to once again mesmerize audiences in a completely new avatar.
Kantara: Chapter 1 has been a subject of intense speculation and immense hype ever since it was announced. The prequel is set to explore the origins of the mythical rituals and the ancestral struggles that were at the heart of the first film. The trailer is expected to provide a glimpse into the mystical world of the Kadamba dynasty in 300 CE, showcasing the story of the deities Panjurli and Guliga, whose legacy has been carried on through generations.
Rishab Shetty, who is both directing and starring in the film, has reportedly dedicated himself to the project with an unwavering commitment to authenticity and scale. The film’s producers, Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda, have backed his vision with a massive budget of ₹125 crore, ensuring that the prequel’s production values are even grander than its predecessor. Early reports have highlighted an extensive war sequence that was shot over a period of 45-50 days, involving over 3,000 people and 500 skilled fighters, making it one of the largest battle sequences in recent Indian cinema history.
The genius of Rishab Shetty lies not just in his captivating performance but in his visionary direction. The first Kantara film was a masterful blend of folklore, tradition, and adrenaline-pumping action. With Kantara: Chapter 1, he is aiming to delve deeper into the roots of this cinematic universe. The director has reportedly taken a deep dive into the Tulu folklore of coastal Karnataka to create a story that is both authentic and engaging.
The film’s pre-release buzz is already reaching a fever pitch. Reports of the film’s advance bookings in the USA have shown a solid start, even without a single trailer or major marketing material. The excitement is particularly high for Rishab Shetty’s new look as a ‘Naga Sadhu,’ a character who serves as a bridge between the mortal and the divine world. The film is also a pan-Indian project, set for a simultaneous release in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, a strategy that helped the original film become a global sensation.
The original Kantara was a box office phenomenon that garnered widespread critical acclaim and became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide and captured the imagination of audiences with its unique storyline and powerful climax.
With Kantara: Chapter 1, the team is set to build on that incredible legacy. The return of the original music director, B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who gave the film its soul with his mesmerizing score, is also a major reason for the high expectations. The synergy between the director’s vision, the producer’s backing, and the technical team’s expertise promises a film that will not only meet but exceed the benchmark set by the original. As the countdown to September 22nd begins, fans across the globe are ready to witness the rise of a new legend.
