Overview

• The final shooting schedule for 'Kantara: Chapter 1' has commenced near Kundapur, Karnataka, as announced on May 8, 2025.
• The film, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster and explores the Kadamba-era conflict in coastal Karnataka.
• Production faced challenges, including the drowning of junior artiste MF Kapil in the Kollur Souparnika River, weather-related set damage, and regulatory scrutiny.
• A large-scale war sequence featuring over 500 fighters and 3,000 extras was shot over 45–50 days on a 25-acre mountain set in Karnataka.
• Despite setbacks, the team has confirmed the October 2, 2025, theatrical release date remains unchanged, aiming to deliver a culturally rich and visually grand cinematic experience.