Rishab Shetty Risks It All for Kantara: Chapter 1 Prequel

Kantara: Chapter 1, the highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is gearing up for its worldwide release on October 2, 2025. The film, produced by Hombale Films, promises to carry forward the legacy of the original, which was hailed as the biggest sleeper hit with record-breaking box office numbers.

One of the standout aspects of Kantara: Chapter 1 is the dedication of its lead actor, Rishab Shetty, who is performing all his own stunts without the use of any body doubles. According to the action-stunt choreographer Arjun Raj, Shetty has trained extensively in Kalaripayattu, sword fighting, and horse riding, and his distinct body language and sheer willpower have made it impossible for any dupe to replicate his performance.

The film's creative team, which includes music director B. Ajaneesh Loknath, cinematographer Arvind Kashyap, and production designer Vinesh Banglan, has been working tirelessly to bring the story to life. One of the most talked-about sequences is an extensive war scene, meticulously curated with national and international specialists. This sequence involves over 500 skilled fighters and 3,000 extras, shot over 45-50 days across a sprawling 25-acre rugged terrain town, making it one of the largest sequences in Indian cinema history.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to captivate audiences across regions, with its release planned in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English. The film's commitment to authenticity and its blend of intense action, folklore-inspired storytelling, and cinematic excellence are expected to raise the bar for Indian cinema, promising an immersive experience that celebrates faith, courage, and the art of filmmaking.