The film that has taken both South Indian and Hindi cinema by storm is titled "Kantara Chapter 1." Directed by Rishabh Shetty, this Kannada film, initially released in 2022, gained massive popularity and box office success after its Hindi release. The movie has grossed over Rs 400 crore worldwide and is set to cross Rs 300 crore within India alone.

The confusion over the film’s name arises from different pronunciations. In South India, the word is often pronounced with a soft "th" sound, leading some to say "Kan-tha-ra," while in the North, it is pronounced with a clear "t" sound, as "Kantara." However, the makers officially spell and pronounce it as "Kantara," which means “mysterious forest.” The storyline centers on folk tales involving divine protectors Guliga and Punjarli Dev guarding their village.

Social media recently saw debates and trolling over actress Janhvi Kapoor’s pronunciation of the film’s name, reflecting regional differences in pronunciation but confirming the official title remains "Kantara."

Rishabh Shetty has shared that his family was deeply involved in the film’s production—his wife served as the costume designer, and his children were educated in the village where the film was shot. The dedication and detailed efforts behind the scenes have been a key part of "Kantara’s" success, with Shetty continuing to discuss the hard work poured into every aspect of the film.

In summary, despite pronunciation variations, the correct and official name of Rishabh Shetty’s blockbuster is "Kantara," recognized both in Kannada and Hindi releases alike.