Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (2025)

Summary:

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language epic mythological action film written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Serving as a prequel to the highly successful 2022 film Kantara, this installment is set in the 4th Century CE in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka. The film explores the ancient origins of the Buta Kola ritual and the mythological lore surrounding the Daivas, Panjurli and Guliga. The narrative centers on Berme (played by Rishab Shetty), a warrior of the Kantara tribe, who is compelled to rise up against the tyrannical Bangra Kingdom and its rulers, who seek to exploit the sacred spice gardens of the forest. The story blends regional folklore, spirituality, intense action sequences, and the fundamental conflict between human greed and the sovereignty of nature, establishing the events that lead to the legend known in the first film.

Plot:

Set roughly a thousand years before the events of the original film, the story begins during the reign of the ancient Kadamba dynasty in coastal Karnataka. The plot primarily focuses on the systematic exploitation of the forest's sacred resources, particularly the valuable spices, by the powerful and greedy Bangra Kingdom.

The central character is Berme (Rishab Shetty), an adopted child who appeared mysteriously and was raised deep within the Kantara forest tribe. Unlike the protagonist in the first film, Berme is a fierce and spiritually connected warrior. He quickly emerges as the leader of his tribe, who are fighting to defend the sovereignty of their land and the deities, Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva, who protect it.

The main antagonist is Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah), the newly crowned King of the Bangra dynasty, who continues his forefathers' legacy of exploiting the tribal people. His ambition is fueled by the lucrative spice trade with foreign entities like the Portuguese and Arabs. The tribe's goods, originally offered to the Brahmarakshas (a demonic ghost of a dead Brahmin), fuel the kingdom’s immense wealth.

Berme, along with his companions, ventures out of the forest's safety and into the plains of the Bangra kingdom's port. This journey exposes the depth of the exploitation and the caste politics at play, leading Berme to declare open war against the Bangra kingdom to free his people and their gods.

The conflict becomes complex with the introduction of the Kadapa tribe, a more ferocious group dwelling deeper in the forest who utilize black magic and attempt to misuse the Daivas' powers. Berme also forms a complicated relationship with Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth), King Kulasekhara's sister, who is caught between her royal tradition and her attraction to the rebellious tribal leader. The climax reveals Kanakvathi to be a mastermind behind the rift, seeking the Daivas' power for her own schemes.

In a visually stunning and massive battle, Berme, possessed by the spirit of a Guliga (a protector spirit), confronts Kanakvathi and her father, the king Vijayendra (Jayaram). The film is an origin story, showing Berme's transformation from a hero into a divine attendant (gana) or possibly the Daiva himself, ultimately setting the stage for the legends that persist into the timeline of the first Kantara movie.

Cast:

• Rishab Shetty as Berme (The tribal warrior, leader, and main protagonist).

• Jayaram as Vijayendra (The King of Bangra, father of Kulasekhara and Kanakavathi).

• Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi (Kulasekhara's sister and Berme's love interest/antagonist).

• Gulshan Devaiah as Kulasekhara (The King of the Bangra dynasty).

• Additional Cast: Notable performances by other actors portraying key tribal and royal figures.

Crew:

• Writer & Director: Rishab Shetty

• Producers: Vijay Kiragandur, Chaluve Gowda (under Hombale Films)

• Music & Background Score: B. Ajaneesh Loknath

• Cinematography: Arvind S. Kashyap

• Editing: K.M. Prakash, Shobith Shetty

• Action Choreography: Todor Lazarov (climax and major sequences)

Release Info

• Country: India

• Language: Kannada (released in multiple languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam)

• Theatrical Release Date: 2 October 2025 (Coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami)

• Formats: Standard, IMAX, D-Box, ICE, 4DX, Dolby Cinema, and EPIQ

• Genre: Epic Mythological Action, Drama, Fantasy

• Production Budget: Approx. ₹125 crore

• Box Office Collection: Approx. ₹850–900 crore (Massive success)

The film's first look teaser, which features Rishab Shetty as Berme , was released in late 2023.