Hombale Films’ much-awaited prequel Kantara: Chapter 1 is already creating massive buzz ahead of its October 2, 2025 release. While audiences are curious whether the film is entirely fictional, director-actor Rishab Shetty has clarified that the story is deeply rooted in Tulunadu folklore with added fictional elements for cinematic appeal.
Kantara: Chapter 1 a Real Story?
Speaking at a recent press meet, Rishab Shetty explained that Kantara 1 draws heavily from the legends of Berme and Parashurama. In Tulu tradition, the coastal belt of Karnataka, known as Tulunadu, is believed to have been created by these mythological figures. He said, “Kantara 1 is not just a story I imagined; it comes from our land’s rich oral tradition. We have referenced Berme and Parashurama, but also added layers of fiction to make it engaging for cinema.”
Kantara 1 - Setting in the Kadamba Period
Shetty further explained that the events of Kantara: Chapter 1 are placed around the Kadamba dynasty era, a significant period in South Indian history. While the Kadambas and Kantara do not directly intersect historically, the timeline provides an equivalent backdrop for the narrative. The film aims to capture the spirit, rituals, and struggles of the coastal communities during that time, adding authenticity to its setting.
Folklore, Faith, and Fiction
The first Kantara (2022) struck a chord with audiences by combining folklore, divine interventions, and local traditions with high drama and raw action. The sequel continues this approach, but goes deeper into the roots of Tulunadu beliefs, presenting how ancient faith and cultural practices shaped lives. By blending folklore with fiction, Shetty promises to deliver a gripping tale that resonates across generations.
Expanding Beyond Borders
With the global success of Kantara in 2022, Hombale Films has decided to release Kantara: Chapter 1 in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, English, and Spanish. The aim is to take Tulunadu’s cultural folklore to international audiences, especially in Latin America and Europe, where the original found unexpected popularity.
A Grand Cinematic Scale
To match the scale of its storytelling, a large war sequence was filmed over 45–50 days with 500 fighters and 3,000 extras on a sprawling 25-acre set. Backed by Ajaneesh Loknath’s music, Arvind Kashyap’s cinematography, and Vinesh Banglan’s production design, the film promises a visually grand and emotionally powerful experience.
The Soul of Kantara 1
At its heart, Kantara: Chapter 1 is the story of Tulunadu - a land of faith, folklore, and fierce traditions. Rishab Shetty has made it clear that while creative fiction enhances the drama, the soul of the story lies in the age-old legends of Berme, Parashurama, and the cultural spirit of the coastal districts.
As Shetty puts it, “It’s not just cinema; it’s our folklore retold for the world.”
The Secret Mythology Behind Kantara’s Gods
Kantara introduced audiences across the world to divine spirits that go beyond mainstream Hinduism. At the heart of the story are Panjurli and Guliga, two guardian deities from Tulunadu’s unique Bhuta Kola tradition. Their origins are as fascinating as their roles, rooted in a spiritual practice that has existed in coastal Karnataka for over 5,000 years.
Who is Panjurli Daiva?
The legend begins with a wild boar that died on Mount Kailash, leaving behind a piglet. Goddess Parvati, moved with compassion, raised the orphan as her own. But when Lord Shiva returned, he considered the boar unfit for Kailash and banished it to earth. Yet, Parvati’s love had already transformed the creature into a divine protector. Thus, Panjurli was born - the eternal guardian of forests, nature, and those who live in harmony with them.
Who is Guliga Daiva?
If Panjurli embodies protection, Guliga represents justice. His story traces back to Shiva’s fury. In a moment of cosmic rage, Shiva hurled a stone, and from that act of destruction, Guliga was born. He became the manifestation of divine wrath against injustice. Legend says Lord Vishnu himself entrusted Guliga with his purpose: to appear whenever innocence is under threat and restore balance through justice.
A Divine Partnership
Together, Panjurli and Guliga create balance. Panjurli safeguards land and environment, while Guliga ensures fairness among people. Their cosmic partnership reflects the dual needs of society - harmony with nature and justice in human life.
Bhuta Worship – Tulunadu’s Living Tradition
The tradition of Bhuta worship is central to Tulunadu culture. Contrary to the English word “ghost,” Bhutas are not demons - they are guardian spirits tied to specific forests, villages, or families. Through rituals, performances, and festivals like Bhuta Kola, people continue to honor them as part of daily life.
This ancient faith system predates many organized religions and is a living tradition that blends myth, nature, and justice.
Why Kantara Matters
By featuring Panjurli and Guliga, Kantara brought global attention to Tulunadu’s heritage. What many saw as fantasy is, in fact, rooted in centuries of local mythology that continues even today. The film didn’t just tell a story - it revived awareness about a spiritual practice that was fading under modernity.
When you watch Kantara, you are not just witnessing fictional gods. You are experiencing living spirits of Tulunadu, guardians who have been worshipped for thousands of years and continue to inspire devotion among the people of coastal Karnataka.
