Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, has once again captured the hearts of audiences in India and around the world. The prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara takes viewers deep into the roots of Indian folklore, blending powerful storytelling, spirituality, and breathtaking visuals. With its release across multiple languages and record-breaking box office performance, the film has proven that strong regional cinema can shine on the global stage.

A Powerful Return to the World of Kantara

The story of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 goes back centuries before the first film. It explores the origin of the divine legend that formed the core of Kantara (2022). Rishab Shetty, who also plays the lead role, takes the audience into an ancient era filled with myth, faith, and human struggle. The narrative connects the mystical bond between man and nature, showing how traditions, rituals, and beliefs shaped the spirit of the land.

The film combines folklore, action, and devotion in a way that feels both magical and realistic. Each frame captures the essence of Indian culture — forest life, tribal communities, and the eternal link between divinity and nature. The direction, cinematography, and background score together make it an immersive cinematic experience.

Audience Response and Ratings

The response from audiences and critics has been overwhelmingly positive.
On BookMyShow, the movie holds a strong rating of 9.4/10, showing how much fans have embraced it.

Critics have also shared their views:

• India Today: 4 / 5 stars — praised for storytelling and visuals.
• News18: 3.5 / 5 stars — called it a visual spectacle.
• The Indian Express: 3 / 5 stars — appreciated its ambition and mythological depth.
• NDTV: 3 / 5 stars — called it “sometimes confusing but always compelling.”
• Filmfare and Rediff: around 3.5 / 5 stars — highlighting its strong direction and music.

Audiences particularly loved the Bhoota Kola sequences, divine visuals, and Rishab Shetty’s intense performance. The film’s emotional depth, use of natural settings, and realistic approach remind many viewers of the magic of the original Kantara.

Multi-Language Release Across India

Chapter 1 was released as a pan-India film in multiple languages —
Kannada (original), Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.

This wide release helped it reach audiences in every corner of the country. The dubbed versions received positive reactions, with many appreciating how well the dialogues and emotions were translated.

Some international screenings also included English-subtitled versions, allowing the film to reach overseas audiences who were introduced to Indian regional cinema through the first Kantara.

Direction, Music & Visuals

Rishab Shetty once again proves his talent as both a director and actor. The film’s cinematography beautifully captures the forests, temples, and rituals, making the visuals look like paintings come to life.

The music and background score by Ajaneesh Loknath adds intensity to every scene — from war sequences to emotional moments. The chants, drums, and traditional instruments build an atmosphere of mystery and devotion.

The VFX and production design deserve special mention for making the ancient era believable and grand without losing authenticity.

Story and Themes

While the first Kantara focused on the relationship between man, land, and the divine spirit, Chapter 1 takes us back to show how it all began. The story reveals the origins of the Daiva (divine protector) and the early conflicts between rulers and tribes.

The film’s message is simple yet powerful — greed and disrespect for nature lead to downfall, while faith and balance preserve harmony.

It combines spirituality, action, and drama, making it more than just a film — it feels like a folkloric experience that celebrates India’s cultural roots.

Box Office Records and Global Performance

The film opened to record-breaking numbers from Day 1.

• Day 1: ₹85 – 90 crore worldwide gross.
• Day 3: ₹162.85 crore net in India (all languages).
• Day 5: ₹256.5 crore net India collection, ₹302 crore gross worldwide.

Within just five days, Kantara: Chapter 1 crossed the Rs 255.75 crore mark, becoming one of the fastest-growing Indian films of 2025.

It has outperformed several major Bollywood releases and is now the highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025 so far.

The movie’s success overseas is also notable. In North America, its premiere shows collected over half a million USD, a strong start for a regional-language film.

Trade analysts expect it to join the list of top-grossing Indian films of 2025, possibly crossing ₹400–450 crore worldwide by the end of its theatrical run.

Cultural and International Impact

Kantara has gone beyond being just a film — it has become a cultural phenomenon.
The new chapter continues that legacy. Audiences across India and abroad are praising how it promotes traditional Indian beliefs while maintaining cinematic excellence.

Its international recognition has put Kannada cinema firmly on the global map. Just like KGF, RRR, and Baahubali, this film shows that regional stories can achieve universal appeal when told with honesty and passion.

The success of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is also inspiring filmmakers from other regions to explore their own local folklore and mythology in creative ways.

Performances That Stand Out

Rishab Shetty delivers a powerful and emotional performance, perfectly balancing strength and spirituality. His dedication to the role and understanding of the story’s soul make the character unforgettable.

Supporting actors like Rukmini Vasanth, Saptami Gowda, and Pramod Shetty add depth to the film with their natural acting. Every character feels authentic and rooted in tradition.

Overall Review Summary

In short, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a must-watch for anyone who loves films with emotion, depth, and culture. It connects faith, humanity, and nature in a way that few movies can.