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.”