July 21, 2025: Anticipation Builds as ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ Wraps Shoot With New Poster Drop after 250 days of filming. Actor-director Rishab Shetty, alongside the production team at Hombale Films, confirmed the shoot wrap on Sunday with a striking new poster release, further heightening anticipation for the October 2 theatrical launch.
The announcement, made via Instagram, was paired with the caption: “Wrap Up… The Journey Begins…” Hombale Films described the film as a “divine journey, deeply rooted in our culture,” crafted through unwavering effort and team collaboration. The words resonated with fans who have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Shetty’s cinematic universe since the overwhelming success of Kantara in 2022.
Rishab Shetty, who not only leads the film but also helms it as director, became a household name after the release of Kantara. His portrayal of a Kambala athlete in conflict with a forest officer struck a chord nationwide, propelling the film to box office glory and earning him the National Award for Best Actor.
Reflecting on the honor earlier, Rishabh Shetty had expressed his gratitude: “This has been possible because of my entire team. I am just the face of the film; it is all because of their hard work.”
Kantara Chapter 1 Set for October 2 Worldwide Release
This month also marked a special moment for fans, as the makers unveiled a birthday poster for Shetty showing him wielding a battle axe and shield, hinting at the intensity of his new role in the prequel.
Producer Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films called Kantara Chapter 1 their “most ambitious film yet.” Emphasizing the scale and passion behind the production, he noted, “The number of shoot days and the magnitude of effort poured into this project exceeds anything we’ve done before.”
Kiragandur added that this film is not just a cinematic endeavor but a tribute to India’s spiritual and cultural roots. “This story has always held a special place in our hearts. It’s something we’ve dreamt of sharing with the world.”
Set in a mythic past of coastal Karnataka, the film will hit theatres globally on October 2 in seven languages — Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English — continuing Hombale Films’ mission to blend regional storytelling with national and international appeal.
As Kantara Chapter 1 edges closer to its release, the film promises to be more than a prequel — it aims to be a layered cinematic experience that honors tradition while reaching new heights in Indian filmmaking.