Rishabh Shetty, the acclaimed filmmaker and superstar behind the blockbuster "Kantara," recently shared an emotional account of his journey to success during an event in Mumbai ahead of the release of "Kantara: Chapter 1," scheduled for October 2, 2025. The film has generated significant excitement as audiences eagerly await the continuation of this culturally rich saga.
Reflecting on his early days, Shetty recalled arriving in Mumbai in 2008, working as an office boy and even driving a producer’s car at a production house in Andheri West. “While eating vada pav on the street by that production house, I never imagined I would achieve this level of success with just one film,” he said, expressing profound gratitude for the blessings and love he has received over the years.
“Kantara” broke box office records and was praised for its authentic portrayal of Karnataka’s folklore. It became a cultural phenomenon not only in its original Kannada version but also across India and other language markets. Its blend of tradition, mysticism, and gripping storytelling captivated audiences, establishing a new benchmark for regional cinema.
The prequel, "Kantara: Chapter 1," continues the story set in the Kadamba era, showcasing lush forest landscapes, ancient rituals, and the eternal clash between nature and humans. The film stars Shetty alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and Rakesh Pujari, with a screenplay co-written by Shetty and others. The music, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, retains the haunting and evocative tone of the original.
Due to a tragic recent stampede in Tamil Nadu, the team decided to cancel their planned promotional event there, emphasizing respect and solidarity with the victims. The makers expressed condolences to the affected families and assured fans of a future event once the situation stabilizes.
As "Kantara: Chapter 1" nears its release, it stands as a testament to Shetty's hard work, resilience, and dedication to storytelling rooted deeply in local culture, promising audiences a cinematic experience rich with emotion, tradition, and spectacle.
