Kantara Chapter 1 First Reviews: Rishab Shetty’s Mythological Prequel Draws Mixed Reactions

Kantara Chapter 1, starring and directed by Rishab Shetty, has finally reached theatres on October 2, 2025. Early viewers and critics are sharing their first impressions, and the film is receiving a mix of praise and criticism.

The prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara dives deeper into folklore, rituals, and the spiritual roots of coastal Karnataka. While some critics are calling it an intense cinematic experience, others say it fails to live up to the hype built by the original.

Kantara Chapter 1 Brings Grand Mythology and Action

Kantara Chapter 1 is set in a pre-colonial era during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. Rishab Shetty returns as the lead actor and director, exploring the ancient origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the region’s deep mythological stories. The film blends spirituality, regional folktales, and intense action sequences, aiming to create an immersive cinematic experience.

The movie features Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, along with Jayaram, Rakesh Poojari, and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles. It is releasing pan-India in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. The production budget reportedly reached Rs. 125 crore, with Rishab Shetty also investing his own earnings into the project. Reports say Shetty did not take an upfront fee, choosing to rely on the film’s box office performance instead.

Advance bookings were strong even before release. According to Money Control, the film sold over 1.7 lakh tickets ahead of opening day, earning around Rs. 5.7 crore in pre-sales — far higher than the Rs. 2 crore that the original film earned on its first day back in 2022.

Mixed Early Reviews From Critics and Fans

The first wave of reviews shows divided opinions. Critic Kuldeep Gadhavi praised the movie, calling it “pure goosebumps from start to finish.” He highlighted its stunning visuals and gripping second half, describing the film as “a class prequel that explodes with brilliance.” Gadhavi admitted that the first half feels slow but said the payoff in the latter part makes up for it.

On the other hand, critic Umair Sandhu was less impressed, calling the movie “overrated and weird.” Some social media users also expressed doubt, saying the trailer was underwhelming and questioning whether the movie could meet expectations. This split reaction suggests that Kantara Chapter 1 might spark debates among fans of the original film.

Box Office Potential and Industry Buzz

Despite mixed reviews, the film is expected to draw huge crowds due to the popularity of the first Kantara. Rishab Shetty’s decision to forgo a salary and fully back the movie financially shows his confidence in its success. Trade analysts say the film could dominate the box office during its opening weekend if word of mouth turns positive.

The combination of grand visuals, spiritual storytelling, and action-heavy sequences may appeal to audiences looking for an epic theatrical experience. However, slow pacing in the first half and divided reviews could affect long-term momentum.

Kantara Chapter 1 is now officially in theatres. Whether it matches the cultural impact of the first movie will depend on how audiences respond in the coming days.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Kantara Chapter 1 a prequel or sequel?

It is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, exploring the origins of its mythological world.

Q2: Who directed and starred in Kantara Chapter 1?

Rishab Shetty directed the film and also plays the lead role.

Q3: How long is Kantara Chapter 1?

The film runs for about 2 hours and 48 minutes.

Q4: How were the first reviews of Kantara Chapter 1?

Critics are split. Some praised its visuals and intense second half, while others called it overrated.

Q5: What languages is Kantara Chapter 1 releasing in?

It is releasing pan-India in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.