There are very few movies that immerse you completely in it, making it impossible to shake off their impact even after leaving the theatre. Well, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is surely one such masterpiece. This mythological action drama by director (also the writer) Rishab Shetty, who is also the lead actor in the movie, is a stunning prequel to his 2022 film Kantara. The movie is a complete package with exceptional acting, larger-than-life visuals, compelling narrative, unexpected twists, amazing music, and an explosive climax, making it a big-screen worthy movie that should be experienced in the theatres ASAP!
Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 Cast, Running Time, and More
Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 is a movie that is set in the pre-colonial era of coastal Karnataka. In 2022, when Rishab Shetty’s Kantara was released, it took the country by storm with Tulunadu’s culture, unimaginable storytelling, and breathtaking climax. Three years later, Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 explores the ancient roots of the same folk tale, tracing the origins of Bhoota Kola ritual, Panjurli, Gulliga Daiva, and Kaadbettu Shiva.
The movie has a powerful star cast with actors like Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, and Rishab Shetty himself. It has a runtime of 2 hours and 49 minutes and is released in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam in theatres across the globe on October 2, 2025.
What Is The Movie, Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, All About?
Its story unfolds around the Bangra dynasty’s King Vijendra, who eyes the sacred region of the Kantara jungle. However, his greed leads to his destruction by the powerful Daiva. Vijendra’s son, Rajshekhar (Jayaram), carries the same mindset as his father’s but forbids anyone from entering Kantara, waiting for the right time. But his son, Kulshekhar (Gulshan Devaiah), disobeys him and enters the jungle, where Berme (Rishab Shetty) blocks his entry.
The king’s daughter, Princess Kanakavati, tries to be the pacifier here, but the king and his son’s ruthless behaviour continues. This leads to a heated conflict between the king and Berme, filled with unexpected twists and turns. It shows how Daiva, Panjurli, and the divine spirits come together to rescue Dharma. While the first half feels slightly stretched due to the time taken for character and story building, the climax in the second half is so intense that it brings the audience to the edge of their seats. Rishabh Shetty’s performance takes the movie to another level, captivating everyone in the theatre.
Why Should One Watch This Movie?
If you have watched the 2022 movie Kantara, you surely would love to witness Kantara A Legend Chapter-1 delivering way more than what it promised in the movie’s trailer. The movie has a thousand reasons for one to go and watch, from curiosity about the Tuluva’s Daiva and Bhoota Kola rituals and larger-than-life visuals with proportionate use of VFX, to a jaw-dropping climax and amazing performance by all the actors. Towards the end, the movie is sure to bring your hands instinctively together to bow down to Rishab Shetty as an actor and director for the impact he creates on the screen.
Summing Up
Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 is surely a must-watch for the cinematic experience it brings to you on the big screen. Make sure you watch the movie ASAP before people kill all the magic of its plot twist and climax by posting reels about them on social media. (You can avoid watching reels that even begin with the movie’s name to save your experience from being ruined.) Lastly, as a proud Tuluva and Indian myself, all I can say to Rishab Shetty sir and his team is, “TAKE A BOW!” because he has surely created something that was never created before and can never be even touched in the future ever!
FAQ
(no spoilers ahead! Just some information that might enhance your understanding of the movie.)
Where was Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 shot?
The movie was shot in Kundapura, Keshavanatheshwara Temple in Moodgallu, Mani Dam in Hosanagara, and Sakhleshpura.
Who are Panjurli and Gulliga in Kantara?
Panjurli and Gulliga are said to be a part of God’s divine power. While Panjurli (a boar spirit)is said to carry the responsibility of protecting the devotees, Guliga’s responsibility is to enforce justice.
Will there be a sequel to this movie?
Yes, at the end of the movie, the screen fades to the title of Kantara: Chapter 2.
What is the Bhoota Kola in Karnataka ritual?
In coastal Karnataka, Bhoota Kola is a traditional spirit worship ritual where dancers personify as local daivas and spirits with makeup, costumes, and performances in order to seek guidance and blessings of the deities and spirits.
When Does Bhoota Kola Happen?
Typically, from January to May.
Where can one witness Bhoota Kola?
It is not a tourist event hence it has no fixed calendar date and located advertised on social media. On your visit to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, you can ask the local communities to take you for these events as these are local community events.
