
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara took the indian box office by storm, rewriting Sandalwood history with its staggering Rs. 400 crore gross. The film's rich blend of folklore, divine elements, and earthy storytelling struck a deep chord with audiences across the country. Riding high on that massive success, the much-awaited prequel, Kantara Chapter 1, is currently in production and is already generating huge excitement. This installment dives deeper into the mythological roots hinted at in the original, promising a more expansive and spiritually charged narrative.
The latest industry buzz adds another intriguing layer to this saga—Hombale Films, under the leadership of producer Vijay Kiragandur, is reportedly planning to transform Kantara into a full-fledged cinematic universe. While Chapter 1 continues to feature Rishab Shetty at the forefront, both as lead actor and director, there are whispers that a third installment is being scripted for a 2026 release and may go ahead without Rishab in either capacity. Though still unconfirmed, this development has sparked widespread discussion among fans, curious to see how the franchise will evolve without its original creative force at the helm. An official confirmation is awaited to clarify these speculations.
Kantara Chapter 1 promises a visually rich and thematically powerful experience. Set during the era of the Kadamba Dynasty, the film casts Rishab Shetty as a mystical naga Sadhu imbued with supernatural powers. The narrative is expected to explore the origins of the divine conflict introduced in the first film, offering both epic scale and deep spiritual undertones. The ensemble cast includes Sapthami Gowda, Jayaram, Kishore, Jayasurya, and Jisshu Sengupta, adding weight and diversity to the story. Slated for a grand release on october 2, 2025—Gandhi Jayanti—the prequel aims to be not just a box-office juggernaut, but also a defining moment in indian mytho-fantasy cinema.