Kantara Chapter 1 filming wraps; epic Indian film to release on Gandhi Jayanti

Actor and director Rishab Shetty has wrapped the filming of his eagerly awaited project, 'Kantara Chapter 1', marking the end of a significant phase in the movie's production. The shoot, which extended over 250 days, has been described as a labour of dedication and resilience. In the making video, Shetty said, "This is not just a film, but a divine force," as he took us through the challenges he faced.

The production house, Hombale Films, released a video teaser on their YouTube channel to announce the wrap-up. The movie is set against the backdrop of pre-colonial coastal Karnataka and explores the intriguing Bhuta Kola ritual and its associated mythology.

In sharing this achievement, a message accompanied the video stating, "From the soil of our land to the screens of the world - that was always the dream. 3 years of relentless dedication, 250 days of shooting, driven by faith and hard work. The shooting of Kantara Chapter 1 wraps today. The journey doesn't end here... it’s only just beginning. India's Divine Epic Releasing worldwide on October 2nd."

The film's worldwide release is scheduled for October 2, aligning with Gandhi Jayanti. This strategic release date aims to attract a wide audience, capitalising on the public holiday.

While speaking about the film, producer Vijay Kiragandur says, “‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ is undoubtedly our most ambitious project to date - and there are several reasons why. The scale of effort, from the number of shoot days to the sheer volume of manpower, far surpasses anything we’ve undertaken before. But beyond logistics, this film holds a deeply personal place in our hearts. It’s the kind of cinema we’ve always dreamed of creating. At Hombale, our vision has always been to bring Indian cultural roots to life through storytelling. We’ve long aspired to create something for this generation - and for generations to come - that makes them proud of India’s rich heritage.”

'Kantara Chapter 1', a prequel to 'Kantara', promises a lush portrayal of Karnataka's cultural heritage, focusing on the folklore surrounding divine guardianship of the land. The dedication to authentic storytelling and attention to detail has been a hallmark of Shetty's filmmaking approach. This project, in particular, required extensive research and collaboration with local historians to ensure accuracy in its depiction of historical events and rituals.

'Kantara' released in 2022 and ended up as one of the biggest blockbusters in India.