Kantara

The blockbuster success of Kantara opened the doors for many mythological films. Now, Rishab Shetty returns as writer, director, and lead actor with the prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1. The film promises a bigger scale, stronger casting, and a powerful story compared to the first part.

The trailer was released with high expectations, and it did not disappoint. In Telugu, Prabhas launched it digitally. The grandeur is visible in every frame, showing Rishab Shetty’s vision on screen. The story is about oppressed people ruled by a king. Berme (Rishab Shetty) enters the kingdom and falls in love with Princess Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth). How this connects to Lord Shiva and Panjurli will unfold on the big screen. The visuals and music are striking, giving the trailer a strong impact.

The film releases on October 2, 2025, in multiple Indian languages, including Telugu. It will also be available in IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box formats.

The cast features Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Rakesh Poojari, and Gulshan Devaiah. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie is rooted in mythology and folklore. Ajaneesh Loknath is the music director.

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The Karnataka government has proposed a Rs. 200 cap on movie ticket prices across all theatres and multiplexes, regardless of language or screen format. Still in the draft stage, the rule is open to public feedback and aims to make cinema more affordable for all sections of the audience.

If implemented, this move would most benefit the average moviegoer. With multiplex prices often exceeding Rs. 300 in cities like Bengaluru, a uniform cap could make regular theatre visits more feasible, especially in smaller towns. It may also boost footfall for Kannada films and help revive struggling single-screen theatres.

For the Kannada film industry, particularly small and mid-budget filmmakers, this could mean wider reach and better box office traction. However, it poses a challenge for big-budget films that rely on high opening-day collections and premium pricing, especially pan-India projects like Kantara: Chapter 1 or Toxic. These films will now need larger audience turnout to maintain profitability.

The cap also impacts dubbed films from other languages. Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi releases, which usually enjoy higher ticket rates in Karnataka, will now be priced the same as local content. This levels the field for Kannada films but may reduce the incentive for outside industries to aggressively push dubbed versions here.

Other film industries should view Karnataka’s model with caution. Andhra Pradesh’s aggressive pricing cap led to friction with theatre owners and producers, while states like Telangana follow a more balanced, tiered approach. A flat rate may not suit all markets — flexibility will be key.

Karnataka’s move signals a shift toward audience-friendly cinema policy, aiming to make theatrical viewing more inclusive. However, its long-term success will depend on how well it balances affordability with the practical needs of exhibitors, producers, and distributors. As the proposal moves forward, open dialogue and adaptive implementation will be essential to ensure that both viewers and the industry benefit without compromise.

Kantara Chapter 1 Trailer – Rishab Shetty’s Film Promises Bigger Scale and Thrills

Karnataka’s Rs. 200 Ticket Cap: A Boon for Viewers, a Challenge for Big-Budget Films