‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ Wraps Shoot, Rishab Shetty Calls It A ‘Divine Force’ In New Making Video
"Kantara: Chapter 1" filming is complete, Hombale Films announced, releasing a behind-the-scenes video showcasing the film's scale and dedication.
The makers of the much-anticipated film Kantara: Chapter 1 have officially announced the completion of its shoot. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara promises to be a culturally rich cinematic experience.
Marking the wrap, production house Hombale Films released a special behind-the-scenes video that offers a fascinating peek into the intense journey of making the film.
Kantara Chapter 1 Filming Wrapped
Sharing the news on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Hombale Films wrote: "Wrap Up… The Journey Begins. Presenting #WorldOfKantara ~ A Glimpse into the making. #KantaraChapter1 has been a divine journey, deeply rooted in our culture, brought to life with unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and incredible team spirit. Can’t wait to see you all in theatres on October 2nd, as this legendary tale unfolds on big screens worldwide."
The glimpse showcases the massive scale and devotion that went into crafting Kantara: Chapter 1 over a period of three years.
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Rishab Shetty Calls It ‘A Divine Force’
In the video, Rishab Shetty shares his emotional connection with the project and speaks about the vision behind the film.
"I have a dream. To tell the story of my land to the whole world. Our village. Our people. Our beliefs. When I chose to pursue that dream, thousands stood with me. Three years of hard work. Two hundred and fifty days of shoot. No matter the challenges I have faced, the faith never let go of me."
"My entire team, my producers, they were my backbone. Everyday, as I looked out to the thousands who had gathered to work, one thought kept coming back to me. This is not just a film. This is a divine force. Welcome to the world of Kantara," Shetty says in the video.
He ends with the poignant reminder that although the film has been wrapped, “this is also the beginning.”
A Blockbuster Legacy
The original Kantara was a pan-India sensation, garnering both massive box office success and critical acclaim. Featuring Rishab Shetty in a dual role alongside Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, and Achyuth Kumar, the story explored a conflict between a Kambala champion and a principled forest officer.
Legends from across the Indian film industry, including Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, showered the film with praise. Rajinikanth personally called the team to appreciate what he described as a “masterpiece.”
In response, Shetty had expressed heartfelt gratitude: "Dear Rajinikanth sir! You are the biggest Superstar in India and I have been your fan since childhood. Your appreciation is my dream come true. You inspire me to do more local stories and inspire our audiences everywhere. Thank you sir."
What to Expect from Chapter 1
Kantara: Chapter 1 is set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi and features Rishab Shetty in a striking new avatar—a Naga Sadhu with superhuman abilities. Also starring Jayaram, the film is written and directed by Shetty himself and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner.
Filming began in November 2023, and the makers released the first look and teaser on November 27. The film is set to release worldwide on October 2, 2025, aligning with Gandhi Jayanti.
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