Kantara Prequel Earns Over $60 Million, Sparks Praise from Industry Legend

As of October 10th, 2025, the Kannada-language film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' has emerged as a major commercial success, surpassing ₹451 crore ($60 million) in worldwide box office collections during its first week of release. The film, written and directed by Rishab Shetty, who also stars in the lead role, serves as a prequel to the 2022 release 'Kantara'.

The film's impressive performance has prompted a response from veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, who publicly praised Shetty's work. Varma described the film as a "movement of disruption" in Indian cinema, and said that all filmmakers in the country should feel "ashamed." Shetty, in an interview, expressed humility and gratitude for Varma's comments, acknowledging the influential role that established directors like him have played in inspiring the younger generation of filmmakers.

Shetty emphasized that he sees himself as a "kid" in the film industry, while Varma is a "legend" who has made iconic movies. The actor-director stated that he has grown up watching Varma's work, and for the veteran filmmaker to praise 'Kantara: Chapter 1' is a "huge thing" that he can "hardly accept."

The film also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in supporting roles, and explores the journey of the character Berme, who stands up against oppression, setting the thematic tone for the Kantara franchise.