Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a Kannada-language period action epic directed by Rishab Shetty, who also plays the lead role. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. It is set centuries before the events of the original film and expands the mythology surrounding the sacred forest, the daivas and the people who protect the land.
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The film was released theatrically on October 2, 2025, across multiple Indian languages. It has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes and was released with a U/A certification.
Kantara: Chapter 1 Cast
The movie features a large ensemble cast led by Rishab Shetty. The principal cast includes:
- Rishab Shetty as Berme / Mayakara
- Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi
- Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara
- Jayaram as King Rajashekara
- Pramod Shetty as Bhogendra
- Prakash Thuminad as Chenna
- Deepak Rai Panaje as Sankappa
- Rakesh Poojary as Peppe
- Diljit Dosanjh in a promotional-song appearance
Rishab Shetty also directed and co-wrote the film. The screenplay was developed by Rishab Shetty, Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Guru.
Kantara: Chapter 1 Story
The story is set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, more than a thousand years before the events of the original Kantara. The narrative revolves around the fictional kingdom of Bangra and the mysterious forest of Kantara, which is protected by divine forces and sacred traditions.
King Vijayendra ventures into the forest while attempting to gain control over its land and resources. His encounter with the supernatural forces of the forest ends tragically. After witnessing his father’s death, his son Rajashekara seals the kingdom’s borders and prohibits people from entering the forest.
Years later, Rajashekara’s son Kulashekara becomes king and takes a different approach. His actions bring the kingdom into conflict with the forest’s inhabitants and the forces protecting Kantara.
At the centre of the story is Berme, played by Rishab Shetty. Raised among the villagers, Berme eventually crosses the boundary between the forest and the kingdom. He encounters Kanakavathi, played by Rukmini Vasanth, and their relationship becomes intertwined with the larger conflict involving faith, power, greed and the sacred land.
The film combines mythology, folklore, action, spirituality and period drama, while continuing the distinctive world established by Kantara.
Kantara: Chapter 1 Songs
The music and background score were composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who also worked on the original Kantara. The Kannada soundtrack contains seven tracks.
The major songs include:
- Kantara Chapter – 1 Trailer Theme
- Brahmakalasha
- Rebel Song
- Madana Mana Mohini
- Agriculture Song
- Karma Song
- Varaha Roopam
The Hindi soundtrack includes a Hindi version of “Rebel Song” performed by Diljit Dosanjh, while Varaha Roopam returns as one of the recognisable musical elements associated with the Kantara universe.
Ajaneesh Loknath’s music combines traditional and folk influences with classical elements and sounds associated with the film’s ancient setting. The soundtrack was designed to complement the movie’s themes of mythology, nature and spirituality.
Kantara: Chapter 1 OTT Platform
After its theatrical run, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 became available on Amazon Prime Video in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam. Prime Video’s official promotional material confirms the film’s availability on the platform.
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Kantara: Chapter 1 in 2026
By 2026, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 had become an important addition to the Kantara franchise. The film expanded the mythology introduced in the original movie while giving Rishab Shetty an opportunity to explore an entirely different period and set of characters.
Its combination of Indian folklore, large-scale action, spiritual themes, elaborate production design and traditional music has helped establish Kantara: Chapter 1 as one of the major Indian period films of the franchise.
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