Kantara Chapter 1 Release Date, Cast, Story, Budget & Clash

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 hits theatres on Oct 2, 2025. Check cast, story, budget & its big box office clash with Varun Dhawan’s Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.

8/23/20253 min read

Kantara Chapter 1 Poster
Kantara Chapter 1 Poster

After the sensational success of Kantara (2022), which emerged as a cultural phenomenon and one of the biggest surprise blockbusters in Indian cinema, filmmaker Rishab Shetty is back with his ambitious prequel — Kantara Chapter 1.

Backed by Hombale Films, the powerhouse behind the KGF franchise and Salaar, this magnum opus is set to release on October 2, 2025. The film promises to go beyond the legend introduced in the first part and explore the mythological roots of Panjurli Daiva, blending action, spirituality, and folklore into a grand cinematic experience.

But here’s the twist — Kantara Chapter 1 will face a massive box office clash with Bollywood’s romantic drama Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor. With both films eyeing the Gandhi Jayanti holiday weekend, October 2 is shaping up to be one of the biggest showdowns of 2025.

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara chapter 1 star cast
Kantara chapter 1 star cast
  • Director: Rishab Shetty

  • Producer: Vijay Kiragandur

  • Production House: Hombale Films

  • Writer: Rishab Shetty

  • Cast: Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty

  • Genre: Mythological, Action, Drama

  • Release Date: October 2, 2025 (Pan-India release in Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam)

Storyline: What to Expect

storyline of kantara chapter 1
storyline of kantara chapter 1

Unlike the 2022 blockbuster which was set in the late ’90s, Kantara Chapter 1 will serve as a prequel, transporting viewers back to the 4th century.

The film will delve into the origin of the Daiva tradition, showcasing the powerful bond between man, nature, and divinity. Expect intense storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and action sequences rooted deeply in Indian mythology and folklore.

This time, the canvas is much bigger — positioning Kantara Chapter 1 as a pan-India mythological epic, on par with Baahubali and KGF.

Budget & Production Scale

Reports suggest that Hombale Films is mounting the project on a massive ₹150–180 crore budget. With international-level VFX, elaborate sets, and large-scale action, the film is expected to redefine how Indian folklore stories are presented on the big screen.

Box Office Clash

Kantara chapter 1 V/S Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari
Kantara chapter 1 V/S Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari

Kantara Chapter 1 vs. Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari

On October 2, 2025, two very different worlds will collide at the box office:

  • Kantara Chapter 1: A mythological action-drama with mass appeal and a strong pan-India following.

  • Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: A Bollywood family-romantic entertainer directed by Shashank Khaitan, featuring Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf.

👉 Trade experts predict that Kantara Chapter 1 may dominate due to its scale, cult fan base, and pan-India connect, but Tulsi Kumari could still attract urban multiplex audiences with its lighthearted family drama.

This clash is already being compared to past festive-season box office wars, and whichever film wins will set the tone for Indian cinema in 2025.

Why Kantara Chapter 1 is a Must-Watch

Director of Kantara Chapter 1
Director of Kantara Chapter 1
  • Directed & headlined by Rishab Shetty, the man behind the original blockbuster.

  • Backed by Hombale Films, known for delivering mega-hits like KGF and Salaar.

  • A mythological spectacle blending action, emotions, and folklore.

  • Pan-India release in multiple languages.

  • Mounted on a massive budget with cutting-edge VFX and visuals.

Conclusion

With its mythological roots, large-scale visuals, and pan-India hype, Kantara Chapter 1 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated Indian films of 2025. At the same time, its clash with Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari ensures that this Gandhi Jayanti will be a historic moment for the box office.

Whether Rishab Shetty rewrites history again or Varun Dhawan makes a much-needed comeback — October 2, 2025, promises to be a cinematic showdown like never before.

FAQs

Q1: Who is directing Kantara Chapter 1?
Ans : The film is directed by Rishab Shetty, who also plays the lead role.

Q2: When is Kantara Chapter 1 releasing?
Ans : The film will hit theatres on October 2, 2025.

Q3: Is it a sequel or prequel?
Ans : It is a prequel, set centuries before the events of the first film.

Q4: What is the budget of Kantara Chapter 1?
Ans : The film is reportedly made on a ₹150–180 crore budget.

Q5: Who is producing the film?
Ans : It is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films.

Q6: Which other big film is releasing on the same day?
Ans : Bollywood romantic drama Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.