Rishab Shetty to Film One of the Biggest War Sequences for Kantara: Chapter 1

A Cinematic Spectacle in the Making

As per an IANS report, Shetty and his team are shooting in a remote location with minimal facilities to enhance the film’s authenticity. The crew has been residing in this isolated area for over a month, fully immersing themselves in the raw and challenging environment. With Karnataka’s mountains serving as the backdrop, the sequence aims to be one of the grandest war scenes ever filmed in Indian cinema.

Rigorous Training for a Challenging Role

To bring his character to life, Rishab Shetty has undergone extensive training in horse riding, Kalaripayattu (a traditional Indian martial art), and sword fighting. This dedication ensures that the war sequences will not only be visually stunning but also deeply rooted in cultural and historical accuracy.

Unveiling the Past in Kantara: Chapter 1

Serving as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, the film will explore events that occurred long before the original movie’s timeline. The story traces back to 1847, when a weary king makes a pact with Panjurli Daiva, a local deity, to donate land to villagers in exchange for a sacred stone—on the condition that his descendants must never reclaim it. The original Kantara was set in 1990, depicting the conflict that arose when a forest officer attempted to turn this land into a reserve, clashing with Shiva, a Kambala athlete and the king’s descendant.

Cast, Music, and Release Date

Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 stars Shetty himself alongside Jayaram in key roles. B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who composed the music for Kantara, returns to create the film’s soundtrack and background score.

The film is set to hit theaters on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Given its ambitious scale and intense storytelling, Kantara: Chapter 1 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year.