The much-awaited trailer of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 has dropped, and it has already set the internet on fire. The prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara promises to take viewers on an even more intense, spiritual, and emotional journey. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film digs deeper into the Daiva Kola/Bhuta Kola traditions of coastal Karnataka, blending mythology, history, and human struggle in a way rarely seen on Indian screens.
The trailer was unveiled by some of India’s biggest stars, including Hrithik Roshan, Prabhas, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Sivakarthikeyan, reflecting just how monumental this film’s release is for Indian cinema.
A Glimpse Into the Trailer
The trailer begins with a young boy questioning the mysterious disappearance of his father during a sacred Daiva Kola ritual deep within the forest. From there, the story unravels into a tale of ancestral warriors, divine possession, and the fight against oppression.
- Rishab Shetty embodies a fierce warrior whose destiny is intertwined with spiritual forces. His transformation during the Daiva possession is one of the trailer’s most electrifying moments.
- Gulshan Devaiah makes his mark as a ruthless prince, a character who embodies arrogance and tyranny.
- Rukmini Vasanth adds grace and depth as a princess caught in a love story that threatens the carefully maintained balance of power.
The visuals are breathtaking—majestic forests, dramatic rituals, and raw battle sequences all showcase the authenticity and grandeur that made Kantara a global sensation. The sound design and background score further amplify the mystical and earthy tone of the narrative.
Fans React to the Folklore Saga
The response to the trailer has been nothing short of explosive. Fans are hailing it as a “masterpiece in the making” and praising Rishab Shetty for bringing regional folklore into the mainstream.
- “Amazing trailer, goosebumps all over!”
- “Kantara gave us a National Award, Kantara Chapter 1 deserves an Oscar.”
- “Another ₹1000 crore movie loading from Sandalwood—jai Kantara, jai Karnataka!”
The global audience that connected with Kantara’s deeply spiritual storytelling now has high expectations for this chapter, which promises to go even deeper into the origins of the legend.
The Cultural and Cinematic Impact
Kantara (2022) wasn’t just a film—it became a cultural phenomenon, bringing global attention to Karnataka’s traditions. By exploring Daiva Kola, a ritual of spirit worship practiced in Tulu Nadu, the film blurred the line between cinema and folklore.
Chapter 1 takes this vision further, acting as a mythical origin story that explains the legacy and spiritual roots hinted at in the first film. With Rishab Shetty once again wearing multiple hats as actor and director, expectations are sky-high for a story that not only entertains but also educates audiences about India’s rich cultural heritage.
About Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1
Produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films, the movie reunites the winning team that made Kantara an international success. Music composer B Ajaneesh Loknath, whose haunting background score was a highlight of the original, returns to elevate the prequel’s atmosphere.
The film is scheduled for a worldwide release on October 2, 2025, in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, ensuring a pan-India as well as global audience reach.
Why This Film Matters
Kantara Chapter 1 is more than just a prequel—it’s a testament to how regional cinema is reshaping Indian storytelling. By rooting the narrative in folklore while presenting it with cinematic grandeur, Rishab Shetty has once again positioned Kannada cinema at the forefront of Indian film innovation.
For fans of epic sagas, spiritual tales, and raw, authentic cinema, this film is shaping up to be one of the biggest releases of 2025.