If you thought Kantara was intense, mystical, and spiritually raw, get ready—because Kantara Chapter 1 is about to take things to a whole new level. Rishab Shetty is diving even deeper into the heart of Karnataka’s ancient culture and forgotten deities, and honestly, we’re here for it.
The much-anticipated prequel to Kantara has officially wrapped filming and is all set for an October 2025 release. And let’s just say—the buzz? Absolutely justified.
From National Award to National Obsession
Remember when Kantara hit the screens and took the country by storm with its haunting mix of folklore, forest drama, and divine possession? It didn’t just entertain—it made people look up the real legends behind Panjurli Daiva. Fast forward to today, and Kantara Chapter 1 is ready to uncover the origin stories of those same deities. Think spiritual prequel meets mythological thriller. Goosebumps already? Same.
What’s This One About?
According to early reports, this chapter focuses on two powerful deities from the Tulu Nadu region—Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva. For the uninitiated, Panjurli is considered a benevolent boar-like spirit, the kind that protects. On the other hand, Guliga? That’s the fierce one. Feared, unpredictable, and worshipped with utmost reverence, Guliga represents the darker side of this divine duo.
The film taps into the Bhuta Kola tradition—a ritual that merges dance, trance, storytelling, and divine possession, native to coastal Karnataka. You know it’s going to be cinematic gold when real tradition meets raw storytelling.
A source close to the film spilled to Bollywood Hungama, “While Kantara gave an insight into Panjurli Daiva, the prequel will give the audience a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience with the inclusion of both Panjurli and Guliga Daiva.”
So basically, we’re getting the entire mythos, not just the teaser we got last time.
Rishab Shetty Levels Up—Big Time
And here’s a juicy update: Rishab Shetty isn’t just acting and directing—he’s also pocketing a massive paycheck. Reportedly, he scored a 25% pay hike from the last film and is walking away with a stunning ₹100 crore for Kantara Chapter 1. That’s not just blockbuster money—that’s divine intervention level success.
Also, like any smart modern-day artist, he’s taken a profit-sharing deal. Which means if this movie blows up (and it probably will), Rishab’s earnings will too. Can’t blame him—when you bring such authenticity to the screen, the reward should match.
Meet the Cast and the People Behind the Magic
Hombale Films, the same production house that gave us Kantara and KGF, is backing this one too. And we trust them with epic storytelling at this point. While Rishab is clearly the face and force behind the film, the cast remains mostly under wraps. But given the vibe and scale, expect some strong performances and possibly a few surprise names.
Visually and tonally, it’s going to be even grander. From what we’ve seen in the leaked stills and early posters, the scale of this film looks massive—majestic forests, mythological symbolism, and a tone that screams intensity.
Why This Matters More Than Just Another Film
What Kantara Chapter 1 is doing is not just telling a story—it’s preserving a piece of Karnataka’s cultural and spiritual identity. The Daiva traditions are usually known only to those living in or around Tulu Nadu. But now, Rishab Shetty is putting them on the big screen, backed by haunting visuals, raw storytelling, and zero Bollywood gloss.
It’s rare to find cinema that’s deeply rooted in the land, yet accessible enough to connect with a global audience. And that’s exactly what Kantara Chapter 1 is set to do. Just like its predecessor, it’s going to make audiences curious, emotional, and maybe even spiritual.
