Even before arriving in theatres, Kantara: Chapter 1 has created a storm with its latest business deals. The much-anticipated prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara is being helmed by Rishab Shetty, who also directe the original. Backed by producers Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the banner of Hombale Films, the project is set to go into the mythological origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition of coastal Karnataka. It is supposed to be a cultural and cinematic spectacle.
Kantara Chapter 1 sells digital rights
Several media reports confirm that Amazon Prime Video has secured the post-theatrical digital rights of the film for a whopping Rs 125 crore. This makes the film one of the costliest Kannada-origin digital rights purchases, ranking just behind KGF: Chapter 2, another Hombale Films production.
A trade source revealed to Pinkvilla, “Amazon Prime has bagged the post-theatrical streaming rights of Kantara: Chapter 1 for a hefty sum of Rs 125 crore. It’s among the highest of all time for a film of Kannada origin, certainly the second best after KGF 2. The platform has bagged all language streaming rights.”
The insider further explained that the film’s technical execution is being carried out on an international scale. Nearly 20 visual effects companies across the globe are actively involved.
When is it releasing?
The film is set to have a theatrical release on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti, a national holiday. To build anticipation, the makers plan to release the official trailer around September 20.
The same source added, “Work is going on in full swing for the theatrical trailer of Kantara: Chapter 1. The idea is to create the noise with a single asset, and continue the momentum towards the theatrical release on Gandhi Jayanti. The film will see a North India release by Anil Thadani under his banner AA Films.”
Reports also suggest that popular Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh is collaborating with the makers for a special track. Bollywood Hungama reported that the recording is scheduled to take place shortly. “Diljit coming on board for Kantara: Chapter 1 is indeed one of the biggest Pan-India collaborations of the year. The idea behind the move is to increase the reach of the film even further in north India. The song is going to be keenly awaited one once the news comes out,” the source added.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian releases of 2025.