Kantara Chapter 1 finally hit theatres on October 2 amid Dussehra celebrations. Directed and led by Rishab Shetty, the film has opened to huge buzz. Fans and critics rushed to watch it and reactions soon flooded social media. While the feedback is mixed, most viewers feel the prequel expands the world of Kantara in a powerful way.
Kantara Chapter 1 Movie Review: Netizens Feel It Starts Slow But Finishes Strong
Viewers who caught the first shows praised the film for its scale and mythological touch. Many felt Rishab Shetty’s presence carried the story. However, several pointed out that the first half drags a little because of long story-building. The second half and climax received loud applause.
Fans highlighted the high production values, Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score and Rukmini Vasanth’s strong role. One fan felt the climax alone made the film worth watching. Another said the prequel starts slow but turns excellent in the second half. A few even called it a sure-shot blockbuster thanks to its thrilling finale.
According to viewers, the prequel may feel slow in the beginning, but it rewards patience with a gripping second half and a stunning climax.
Check out some reactions below
About The Film: Plot, Cast And More
The film is a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, which made more than Rs 400 crore worldwide. This time, the story goes back centuries to pre-colonial coastal Karnataka under the Kadamba dynasty.
Rishab Shetty plays Berme, a tribal warrior who faces both kings and mystical forces. The story explores the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual, which was at the heart of the first film. It mixes folklore, spirituality, and the human bond with nature.
The cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and Saptami Gowda. The film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films, the makers of KGF and Salaar.
Kantara Chapter 1 is one of the costliest Kannada films ever, made on a budget of Rs 125 crore. Rishab Shetty chose a profit-sharing deal instead of a fixed fee and even put in his own money, showing his trust in the project.
The runtime is 168 minutes, and the censor board cleared it with a UA certificate and only one cut. Filming took place between November 2023 and July 2025. The highlight is a massive war sequence shot on a 25-acre set in the Karnataka mountains, involving 500 fighters and 3,000 extras. It has been called one of the biggest battle scenes ever filmed in India.
