Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 stormed into theaters worldwide on October 2, 2025, picking up right where the 2022 blockbuster left off—or rather, diving deeper into its prequel roots. This time, the story unearths the origins of Kaadubettu Shiva amid the Kadamba dynasty's wild landscapes, blending folklore, action, and that signature spiritual edge. With a hefty budget hovering around ₹125 crore, expectations were sky-high, especially after the original's massive haul of over ₹450 crore globally.
Indeed, the film's visuals hit hard right from the start. Fans on social media are raving about the Hollywood-level VFX and those spine-tingling action sequences that make the screen pulse with energy. One viewer called it "divine madness," praising Shetty's raw intensity as Shiva and Rukmini Vasanth's grounded portrayal opposite him. The UAE censor board even slapped on a glowing rating, terming it a rooted celebration of Indian culture. By 4 p.m. on release day, it had already pocketed ₹33 crore, signaling strong openings in Karnataka and beyond, distributed across Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and more.
However, not everyone's buying the hype wholesale. Critics point to a weaker storyline that sometimes meanders through the epic scale, feeling more like spectacle than substance. Twitter threads buzz with split opinions—some hail it as another National Award contender for Shetty, while others dismiss it as overrated, with clumsy pacing dragging down the mythic lore. The premiere cancellations in some spots added to the pre-release jitters, though refunds flew out fast. Moreover, the film's push into IMAX and 4DX formats aims to immerse viewers, but does the added flash mask narrative gaps?
Still, the energy around Kantara's expanding universe feels electric, pulling in crowds despite the mixed chatter. As the Dussehra festivities wrap, one wonders if this chapter truly elevates the legend or just echoes its predecessor.