The much-anticipated prequel Kantara Chapter 1, written and directed by Rishab Shetty, released in theatres on Thursday, coinciding with Dussehra celebrations. Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising the film’s visuals, performances, and immersive storytelling.
Kantara Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which had grossed over ₹400 crore at the box office. Set centuries before the events of the original, the film delves deeper into the mythological and cultural world depicted in Kantara, exploring the origins of the mysteries from the first film. The cast includes Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah.
Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) after watching early shows to share their excitement. Many praised Rishab Shetty’s performance, calling the climax sequence “goosebump-inducing.” One fan wrote, “#KantaraChapter1 – RishabShetty TopNotch Perf, esp Climax 20Mins. Rukmini gets a solid role. The backbone of the film is Ajaneesh’s BGM. Great production values. Worth a watch.” Another commented, “#KantaraChapter1: SURESHOT BLOCKBUSTER… A never seen crazy 30 minutes of extended climax block.” 
Producer Naga Vamsi also praised the film on social media, writing, “@shetty_rishab jii… YOU ARE A PHENOMENON!!” Several viewers were impressed by the immersive cinematic experience, highlighting the careful crafting of every scene. “Kantara Chapter 1 is cinema at its finest… every element crafted to perfection. @shetty_rishab truly knows what people come to theatres for – an experience. Absolute banger,” shared one fan.
Social media posts emphasized the film’s spiritual depth and visual appeal, calling it “grander, deeper, and more powerful than Kantara: A Legend.” Many also predicted accolades for Rishab Shetty, with some saying, “Another National Award loading… Rishab Shetty does it again… lots of goosebump moments in the whole film.”
The prequel faced competition at the box office, releasing on the same day as Varun Dhawan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, yet early reviews suggest that Kantara Chapter 1 is captivating audiences with its blend of folklore, faith, and raw human emotion. Fans recommended watching it in theatres for the full experience, appreciating the Kannada voices and cinematic presentation.
