The highly anticipated Kannada film Kantara: A Legend—Chapter 1 is one step closer to its release after a major plot synopsis was revealed by the US ticketing app Fandango, much to the delight of fans. The film, which is a prequel to the 2022 global blockbuster Kantara, promises to delve into the very origins of the folk mythology that captivated audiences worldwide.
Written, directed, and starring Rishab Shetty, the film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2025. The Fandango synopsis has provided the most detailed look yet at the plot, which has been closely guarded by the filmmakers. According to the ticketing site, the film is set in 300 CE during the Kadamba dynasty and explores the mystical forests of Banavasi, where the “roots of the Daiva tradition are forged.”
The synopsis further reveals that Shetty will portray a “fierce Naga Sadhu,” a “warrior-mystic destined to become the bridge between mortals and the divine.” This character is at the heart of a narrative that will see “ancient rituals, supernatural forces, and tribal struggles collide.” The film’s runtime is listed at 2 hours and 45 minutes, with music composed by B Ajaneesh Loknath, who was also the composer for the first film.
The original Kantara was a cinematic phenomenon, earning over ₹407 crore worldwide and receiving critical acclaim for its unique blend of culture, folklore, and drama. The prequel, produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, is one of the most awaited releases of the year, with fans eager to learn more about the lore behind the “Bhuta Kola” ritual that was central to the first film’s success. The film will also star Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and Rakesh Poojari.