After the phenomenal success of Kantara (2022), director-actor Rishab Shetty is back with a powerful prequel — Kantara Chapter 1. Released in theatres last week, the film takes audiences back centuries to explore the spiritual and cultural roots of the legend that captivated millions.
Unlike the original film, which was set in a modern coastal village, Kantara Chapter 1 delves into the ancient origins of Daiva worship, ancestral conflicts, and divine retribution. With its breathtaking cinematography, mystical music, and layered performances, it’s already being hailed as one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious mythological sagas.
“Rishab Shetty doesn’t just tell stories; he creates a world that feels alive — wild, spiritual, and deeply rooted in Indian tradition,” says film critic M. Suganth.
Kantara Chapter 1 OTT Release: Expected Timeline and Platform
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Kantara Chapter 1 |
| Director & Lead Actor | Rishab Shetty |
| Production House | Hombale Films |
| Theatrical Release Date | October 2, 2025 |
| OTT Platform | Amazon Prime Video |
| Expected OTT Release Date | End of November 2025 |
| Languages | Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam |
| Genre | Mythological Action Drama |
According to early trade reports and industry sources, Kantara Chapter 1 will premiere on Amazon Prime Video by late November 2025, following the Multiplex Association of India’s eight-week rule that mandates a minimum theatrical run before digital release.
An Amazon Prime spokesperson hinted, “The film’s digital launch will coincide with a major global marketing campaign to reach audiences in over 190 countries.”
What Makes Kantara Chapter 1 Special
The prequel is not merely a follow-up — it’s an exploration of the roots of faith, devotion, and divine justice. It takes the mythos of Kantara to new depths, set against a more ancient and powerful backdrop.
Set during the Kadamba dynasty era, the story unfolds in the forests of Banavasi, where tribal traditions, sacred oaths, and deities shape the destiny of mankind. The visuals are larger, the conflicts are primal, and the stakes are spiritual.
“Every frame of Kantara Chapter 1 breathes fire and faith,” says noted trade analyst Ramesh Bala. “It’s a cinematic ritual that blends religion, rebellion, and raw human emotion.”
Kantara Chapter 1 – Storyline Overview
The story centers around Kaadubettu Shiva, a fierce forest dweller whose mysterious lineage and divine bond connect him to the Daiva — the guardian spirit of the land. As ancient kingdoms clash and humans challenge sacred traditions, Shiva must navigate a world torn between devotion and destruction.
| Plot Highlights | Description |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Prequel set centuries before Kantara (2022) |
| Setting | Ancient forests of Banavasi, under the Kadamba dynasty |
| Core Theme | Origins of Daiva worship, divine justice, and human pride |
| Main Character | Kaadubettu Shiva (played by Rishab Shetty) |
| Conflict | Clash between tribal faith and royal authority |
| Tone | Mystical, intense, and spiritually charged |
The film’s mythological realism, combined with earthy action sequences and ritualistic performances, immerses viewers in a world where belief is power and nature is sacred.
Kantara Chapter 1 Cast and Crew
| Cast Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Rishab Shetty | Kaadubettu Shiva – The protector bound by divine legacy |
| Rukmini Vasanth | Female lead, rooted in tradition and mysticism |
| Gulshan Devaiah | Kulasekhara – The antagonist from the royal clan |
| Jayaram Subramaniam | Elder leader of the tribe |
| B. Ajaneesh Loknath | Music Composer |
| Arvind S. Kashyap | Cinematographer |
| Vijay Kiragandur | Producer (Hombale Films) |
Each performance adds depth to the narrative — from Shetty’s raw portrayal of faith-driven ferocity to Devaiah’s regal menace.
“The entire team has outdone itself,” notes film journalist Baradwaj Rangan. “You can feel the soil, the spirit, and the sweat in every frame.”
Technical Brilliance: Music, Visuals & Myth
The soundscape by B. Ajaneesh Loknath once again plays a pivotal role — blending tribal percussion, haunting chants, and divine melodies that echo long after the credits roll.
Cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap paints the forest like a living being — mysterious, wrathful, and protective. The action choreography, especially in the ritual sequences, captures the raw physicality of devotion rarely seen in modern cinema.
Why the OTT Release Matters?
While Kantara Chapter 1 continues to draw huge theatrical crowds, its OTT debut on Amazon Prime Video will open the gates for a global audience. Fans who missed the big-screen experience can relive the story’s grandeur in 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos sound.
Moreover, the digital version is expected to include multi-language subtitles and an extended director’s commentary, giving deeper insight into the lore.
Expert Take: The Rise of Folk-Mythology Cinema
“Films like Kantara bridge ancient culture with modern storytelling,” says sociologist and film academic Dr. Nisha Menon. “They revive lost traditions and reconnect India’s youth with spiritual identity through the language of cinema.”
The success of Kantara Chapter 1 reinforces a growing trend — audiences are embracing regional cinema with universal emotions, proving that rooted stories can transcend boundaries.
FAQs – Kantara Chapter 1 OTT Release
When will Kantara Chapter 1 release on OTT?
The film is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video by the end of November 2025.
Which OTT platform has acquired the rights?
Amazon Prime Video holds the digital streaming rights for Kantara Chapter 1.
Is Kantara Chapter 1 a sequel or a prequel?
It’s a prequel set centuries before the events of Kantara (2022).
Who plays the lead role in Kantara Chapter 1?
Rishab Shetty stars as Kaadubettu Shiva, a character tied to the origins of Daiva worship.
What makes Kantara Chapter 1 unique?
It blends mythology, history, spirituality, and intense action — a rare cinematic experience grounded in folklore.
