Hyderabad Metro Second Phase : Cabinet Approves DPR |

The Kannada blockbuster Kantara (2022) needs no special introduction. Without any major expectations, the film turned into a sensational hit, winning massive applause not just in Kannada but also in its Telugu-dubbed version. It went on to earn more than ₹400 crore worldwide, becoming a cult classic.

Following this phenomenal success, the makers decided to create a prequel titled Kantara: Chapter 1. Directed once again by Rishab Shetty himself, the film explores the events that took place before the original story. The shoot has already been completed, and the movie is set for a grand worldwide release on October 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the team has kick-started its pre-release business.

Given the extraordinary response to the first part, expectations for Chapter 1 are sky-high even before the trailer has been unveiled. This massive craze has translated into record-breaking pre-release business. Surprisingly, the film’s Telugu rights alone were sold for an unprecedented ₹100 crore — a feat usually reserved for big star-hero films.

Breaking it down, the Nizam rights fetched ₹40 crore, Andhra rights were sold for ₹45 crore, and the Ceeded region rights closed at ₹15 crore. What makes this deal even more remarkable is that Kantara is not a straight Telugu film but a dubbed release. The sheer confidence in the franchise’s brand value and Rishab Shetty’s impact has stunned industry circles.

The film stars Rishab Shetty in the lead role, with Rukmini Vasanth as the female lead and Gulshan Devaiah in a key role. Produced on a massive scale by Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 is already one of the most awaited films of 2025. Now, all eyes are on how far it can go at the box office and whether it will recreate or surpass the magic of the first part.