‘Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1’ Trailer Released, Delving Deeper Into Folklore

Bengaluru, Sept 22, 2025 The much-anticipated trailer for Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, was released on Monday, offering fans a glimpse into the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. The film also features Gulshan Devaiah and Rukmini Vasanth in pivotal roles and promises a deeper exploration of the folklore hinted at in the original movie. The trailer begins with a young Shiva questioning the mysterious disappearance of his father during a Daiva Kola/Bhuta Kola ritual deep in the forest. As the story unfolds, he learns about his ancestors’ struggles against oppression, highlighting their resilience and divine guidance in times of crisis. The narrative introduces Gulshan Devaiah as a stern and cruel prince, while Rukmini Vasanth plays a princess whose romance with Shiva’s ancestor threatens the prince’s dominance. The sequence culminates with Rishab Shetty’s character seemingly possessed by the Daiva Kola for the first time, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict. The release of the trailer has generated excitement across social media, with fans praising the visuals, performances, and the connection to Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. One fan wrote, “Amazing trailer,” while another shared, “I have goosebumps.” Many expressed hopes that the film would replicate or surpass the success of its predecessor, with some envisioning box office collections exceeding ₹1,000 crore. Others hailed Rishab Shetty’s work as award-worthy, speculating about national and international accolades for the film. Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the Hombale Films banner. B Ajaneesh Loknath, who composed music for the original film, returns to score the soundtrack. The movie is slated for a worldwide release on October 2 and will be available in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English. The prequel promises to maintain the thematic essence of the original, with a focus on the Daiva Kola/Bhuta Kola tradition—a ritual performance deeply rooted in local folklore. By tracing the story of Shiva’s ancestors, the film aims to shed light on the legend and cultural narratives that were briefly referenced in the 2022 hit. Rishab Shetty, who plays the lead role, also directed and wrote the film, ensuring creative continuity and a strong connection to the world of the original Kantara. The trailer hints at high-intensity action sequences, emotional depth, and rich storytelling, which have become hallmarks of Shetty’s filmmaking style. Fans have been particularly enthusiastic about the blend of myth, tradition, and cinematic spectacle, with social media flooded with reactions praising both the narrative and the production quality. The excitement surrounding the trailer suggests strong anticipation for the film’s release, positioning Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 as one of the most awaited projects from Sandalwood this year. As the October release approaches, the trailer has successfully reignited interest in the Kantara universe, offering audiences a compelling mix of cultural heritage, folklore, and gripping drama.