After delivering a pan-India blockbuster with Kantara in 2022, Rishab Shetty returns as the writer, director, and lead actor in the prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1. The trailer was released with huge buzz, and Prabhas launched the Telugu version online.
The three-minute trailer begins with Shiva’s son standing in the forest where his father once vanished. It then shifts to a story set years earlier, where villagers live under the control of a powerful king. The trailer explores themes like good vs evil, divine forces, and folklore.
Can Rishab Shetty Impress Again With Kantara Chapter 1?
The hero rises as a leader for the people and falls in love with Princess Kanakavathi. Intense action scenes show the king’s cruelty and the hero’s rebellion against it.
The divine aspect of the story is only hinted at, with brief visuals like fire taking the form of a goddess. We’ll have to wait for the film’s release to see how it connects to Lord Shiva and Panjurli.
Visually and technically, the trailer is impressive. It pulls viewers into its world from the very first frame. If the film maintains this energy, it’s likely to become another box office hit.
Kantara: Chapter 1 releases on October 2, 2025, in multiple Indian languages and will also be available in IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box formats. The film stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Rakesh Poojari, and Gulshan Devaiah. It is produced by Hombale Films, with music composed by Ajaneesh Loknath.
