"The moment has arrived. The divine forest whispers."
The release date for the much-anticipated prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, was recently announced.
Kantara: Chapter 1, which Rishab Shetty has penned, directed, and stars in, will be released worldwide on October 2, 2025.
The announcement was made via a striking poster shared on Instagram, featuring Rishab in a fierce pose.
The star was portrayed gripping an axe in one hand and a trident in the other.
With his shirtless look, flowing hair, and rugged beard, he embodied an aura of strength and mystique.
The accompanying caption read:
“The moment has arrived. The divine forest whispers. Kantara: Chapter 1 releasing worldwide on October 2, 2025.”
The film is a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara and in March 2024, the makers hinted at its development.
They shared that it would delve into events first introduced in the acclaimed original film.
“On this auspicious occasion of Ugadi and New Year, we are delighted to announce that the writing for the second part of #Kantara has begun.
“We can’t wait to bring you another captivating story that showcases our relationship with nature. Stay tuned for more updates.”
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 will be released in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Hindi, and English.
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Set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, Kantara was a gripping tale rooted in tradition and conflict.
The story follows a Kambala champion, portrayed by Rishab Shetty, as he confronts a forest officer.
The film’s stellar cast includes Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty, and Prakash Thuminad, contributing to its rich narrative.
Rishab Shetty’s performance in the first instalment earned him the prestigious ‘Best Actor’ award at the 70th National Film Awards.
The film was also recognised as the ‘Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment’.
Reflecting on his National Award win, Rishab expressed immense joy and gratitude.
He credited the success of Kantara to his extraordinary team and the unwavering support from audiences.
The actor dedicated his award to the Kannada audience and the late Puneeth Rajkumar:
“This achievement is a blessing from the Daivas, and I remain eternally grateful for their guidance.”
For Kantara: Chapter 1, fans can expect another captivating story that explores the connection between tradition, nature, and humanity.
The excitement continues to grow for what promises to be a remarkable cinematic experience.








