Rishab Shetty's Village Rallies to Craft 'Kantara: Chapter 1' Prequel

In just a few days, on October 2, 2025, Rishab Shetty will bring back the captivating 'Kantara' universe with the release of its prequel, 'Kantara: Chapter 1'. The National Award-winning actor-director has been working tirelessly with his entire village in Karnataka to craft this cinematic exploration of the 4th-5th century Bhuta Kola culture.

Shetty has shared that the filmmaking process for 'Kantara: Chapter 1' was a true community effort, with everyone in his village of Kundapura's Kerari getting involved. He described it as a "film village, if not a film city," where the whole town became a studio. From artists and technicians to professors and cultural dancers, Shetty's team worked closely with the local community to ensure an authentic and immersive portrayal of the story's historical roots.

The extensive research that went into the prequel was crucial, as Shetty delved into a time period with little reference material available. The team had to meticulously reconstruct the production, costumes, and character behaviors to transport audiences back to the 4th-5th century. Shetty's wife, Pragathi, even contributed as a costume designer, further strengthening the film's attention to detail.

With the success of the first 'Kantara' film, the expectations for the prequel are sky-high. However, Shetty remains focused on delivering a captivating story that does justice to the rich cultural heritage it represents. He views the overwhelming response as a responsibility to put in even more effort and hard work, ensuring 'Kantara: Chapter 1' lives up to the hype and enthralls audiences once again.