Rishab Shetty's ambitious return with Kantara: Chapter 1 has finally stormed theaters worldwide today, October 2, 2025, promising to delve deeper into the folklore roots of the 2022 blockbuster that captivated India. Directed, written, and starring Shetty himself, this prequel transports viewers back to the Kadamba dynasty era, exploring the origins of the fierce Kaadubettu Shiva amid untamed wilderness and ancient lore. Released in multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, it's already pulling in crowds on Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami, with early reports showing a robust ₹33 crore gross by 4 p.m. in India alone.
Indeed, the film's grand scale is hard to ignore. Shetty's portrayal of the mythical warrior, alongside Jayaram and Rukmini Vasanth, brings a raw intensity that echoes the original's spiritual fervor. Fans on social media are raving about the Hollywood-level VFX and pulse-pounding action sequences, calling it a "theater-worthy spectacle" that gives chills with its rooted depiction of Indian culture. One viewer tweeted it's "next-level cinema," predicting another National Award for Shetty. However, not everyone's convinced. Critics and some audiences point to a weak storyline that meanders in the first half, feeling more like setup than substance, with the narrative struggling to match the hype built over years.
Moreover, the production's ₹125 crore budget shines through in the immersive sets and folklore-infused battles, but it also raises eyebrows—did the sequel, or rather prequel, bite off more than it could chew? Early premiere reactions highlight stunning CG and cultural depth, yet others dismiss it as overhyped, with the second half's magic not quite redeeming a sluggish pace. Box office projections suggest it could challenge records set by films like Pushpa 2, especially in the South, where Hombale Films and regional distributors are banking on the franchise's loyal base.
Still, as the dust settles on opening day, one wonders if this chapter truly elevates the legend or merely extends its shadow.