Kantara: Chapter 1 set for Grand October release with unprecedented global rollout

The saga of Kantara is ready to return to the big screen. Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, is gearing up for a worldwide release on October 2 under the banner of Vijay Kiragandur’s Hombale Films. Riding on the legacy of the 2022 blockbuster, the film has already created massive trade buzz across India and overseas.

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A Rare Distribution Model in Telugu States

In an unusual but telling move, the Telugu theatrical rights have been split among seven heavyweight distributors, showcasing the film’s exceptional demand. Mythri Movie Makers has bagged Nizam, while Vigneshwara Entertainments will distribute in Uttarandhra. Geetha Arts continues its association with East and West Godavari. Varahi Chalana Chitram takes Guntur, Shilpakala Entertainments secures Ceded, and SV Cinemas with KSN Telefilms will handle Nellore and Krishna districts. Such a wide distribution split is unprecedented and signals how hot the film is running in the Telugu market.

Expansive Overseas Network

The film also boasts one of the largest international rollouts for a Kannada-origin project. AA Films will release it across the Hindi belt and Nepal, while Prithviraj Productions partners for Kerala. Overseas, Phars Film takes the Middle East, Prathyangira Cinemas has North America, Dream Screens International covers Australia and New Zealand, and LWE with DreamZ Entertainment are steering the UK release.

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Myth, Faith and Spectacle

On-screen, Rishab Shetty directs and stars once again, joined by Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi and Gulshan Devaiah as the antagonist Kulasekhara. With music by B Ajaneesh Loknath and cinematography by Arvind Kashyap, Kantara: Chapter 1 promises a powerful blend of folklore, faith, and ancestral conflict raising the stakes for one of India’s most ambitious cinematic sagas.