'Kantara: Chapter 1' Actress Rukmini Vasanth Talks Grounded Female Portrayal

In an exclusive interview, actress Rukmini Vasanth opens up about her experience portraying the character of Princess Kanakavathi in the critically acclaimed film 'Kantara: Chapter 1'. Released on October 2, 2025, the movie has already grossed over ₹300 crore worldwide, surpassing the box office success of 'KGF: Chapter 2' in Karnataka.

Vasanth explains that to truly embody the character, she needed to deeply understand the cultural context of the region. This involved extensive research and immersion in the local traditions during the film's shoot in the villages. Additionally, she underwent rigorous sword-training and horse-riding lessons to prepare for the action sequences.

The actress praises the film's director, Rishab Shetty, and the writers for crafting a well-rounded, emotionally-grounded female character. "It's a great character to play since now I can hold a sword and ride a horse," Vasanth says, reflecting on the empowering nature of the role.

'Kantara: Chapter 1' delves deeper into the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual, which was central to the narrative of the first part. Positioned as both a sequel and a prequel, the film promises to expand the cultural universe of the franchise while maintaining its rooted authenticity.