Kantara Chapter 1: THIS is when Rishab Shetty-led prequel can be expected in theatres

One of the most widely anticipated films, not just in Sandalwood, but across the country, is National Award-winning actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1. Following the release and immense success of Kantara in 2022, it took Rishab several months to confirm that his next film would be another installment in this universe. The film had opened up the possibility of a prequel or sequel, but Rishab chose the former, and that too an origin story.

Kantara Chapter 1: Rishab Shetty drops exciting new image 

Although the exact plot details of Kantara: Chapter 1 remain unknown, the speculation, based on the first look, is that Rishab will tell the origin saga of Panjurli, who has been referenced in his 2022 film. The actor-filmmaker spent considerable time in pre-production, researching the subject, before locking his script and going on floors. Rishab and his team then took off to Kundapur, where the film is being shot in a closely guarded set.

When to expect Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres

On October 8, when Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films, the producer of Kantara and KGF, spoke to the media after receiving national awards for both films, he was asked about the status of Kantara Chapter 1. According to Vijay, Kantara Chapter 1 is expected to be in theatres in August 2025. While he did not announce a date, the makers could be looking at a holiday release for Independence Day, August 15, considering that August 16 is also a holiday for Janmashtami. August 15, 2025, also adds up to 5, which is an auspicious number in numerology.

Kantara Chapter 1 first look - Five highlights of the new smashing teaser dropped by Rishab Shetty and co. 

The other option could be an August 26-27 release for Gowri-Ganesha habba. But this would mean a mid-week release, which, may not be best suited for the film’s release. Considering that Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic is no longer in the running for a 2025 release, Kantara Chapter 1 is the only big-ticket film to look forward to for Kannada audiences at the moment.