Rishabh Shetty’s highly anticipated “Kantara: Chapter 1” trailer has hit the internet, generating both excitement and debate among fans. The prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara is set to release worldwide on October 2, 2025, in multiple languages including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Tulu, and English.
Trailer Launch and Star-Studded Promotions
The trailer, unveiled on September 22 at 12:45 PM, was released in multiple languages by stars from their respective film industries. Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan launched the Hindi trailer, Prabhas introduced the Telugu version, Sivakarthikeyan shared the Tamil trailer, and Prithviraj unveiled the Malayalam version. This multi-industry launch highlighted the film’s pan-Indian appeal and grandeur.
Directed and written by Rishabh Shetty, the trailer introduces the story of his character’s son trying to uncover the mystery behind his father’s disappearance, while also exploring the rich folklore and history of Kantara. The visuals feature royal courts, intense action sequences, and high-quality VFX that hint at the film’s epic scale.
Music, Action, and Anticipation
Fans have expressed immense excitement over the trailer’s music and visual effects. Comments on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from “God-Level Madness” to “Divine Blockbuster,” praising Rishabh Shetty’s storytelling and creative vision. The prequel appears to focus on Shetty’s character rising as a fierce warrior to protect villagers under the tyranny of a brutal king, hinting at his role as a divine protector foretold in legend.
Music composer Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematographer Arvind Kashyap have returned for the prequel, while Pragathi Rishab Shetty has designed the costumes. Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has joined the project for a special song, adding further excitement for fans.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
While many viewers praised the trailer’s grandeur and production quality, reactions were mixed. Some fans felt it didn’t live up to the magic of the original Kantara. Comments included:
“Compared to Kantara, #KantaraChapter1 Trailer looks dull. Expectations were high, but this doesn’t live up to the magic.”
“Average trailer tbh. Scale is massive & visuals look rich, but the cut lacks the wow factor.”
“Feels like a forced prequel rather than a worthy continuation.”
Several viewers also debated the handling of folklore. One fan noted, “Bermer is an ancient deity, but the trailer doesn’t explore the legend properly. Making Bermer a fictional character without referring to Tulu tribal Sandhi-Pardhanas feels off.”
Storyline and Cultural Roots
The original Kantara delved into the traditions of Bhuta Kola and Panjurli, a boar spirit worshipped in coastal Karnataka. The prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, promises to explore further folklore, including deities Panjurli and Guliga, and the ancestral conflicts surrounding them. The film also sheds light on the Kadamba legacy in the region, with historical and mythological undertones.
Production Challenges and Promotions
The film’s production faced unexpected challenges. Several crew members, including actors Rakesh Poojary and Kalabhavan Niju, passed away during or shortly after shooting. Additionally, a boat accident on a reservoir during filming left the cast and crew shaken, though all escaped unharmed. Despite these setbacks, the team adopted a low-key promotional strategy, releasing only a first-look video before the trailer.
To build hype, over 2,500 theatres will screen paid premiere shows on October 1, a day before the official release. The makers are relying heavily on word-of-mouth publicity, hoping to replicate the phenomenal success of the 2022 film.
Cast and Crew
The prequel stars Rishabh Shetty, Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, and Jayaram. The first part had brought Shetty his maiden National Award, and fans are eager to see the continuation of his journey.
Release Date: October 2, 2025
Languages: Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Tulu, English
Director/Writer: Rishabh Shetty
Music: Ajaneesh Loknath
Cinematography: Arvind Kashyap
Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to continue the legacy of its predecessor, blending folklore, mythology, and action into a cinematic spectacle for audiences across India and the world.
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