From fighting for a single evening slot in a theatre to selling out thousands of shows across India, Rishab Shetty’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. The actor, writer, and director of Kantara Chapter 1 has captured hearts with his storytelling and onscreen presence. With the film opening to an overwhelming response, Rishab took a moment to reflect on how far he’s come, attributing his success to fans, love, and persistence.

Kantara Chapter 1 hit theatres on Thursday, and the response has been phenomenal. Rishab reminisced about 2016, when getting just one show seemed impossible. Fast forward to 2025, and the film has clocked over 5,000 housefull screenings—a testament to his dedication and the audience’s unwavering support.

In a heartfelt message on X, Rishab expressed his gratitude, saying that this incredible journey wouldn’t have been possible without the love and encouragement of his fans. From humble beginnings to nationwide acclaim, he continues to inspire budding filmmakers and actors, proving that persistence, talent, and passion truly pay off.

Internet reacts

One user expressed gratitude for reviving India’s rich spiritual culture, sharing that their daughter attended the premiere on October 1st and was thrilled, and that they plan to watch it again next week while wishing Rishab continued success and encouraging him to keep creating challenging films and art. Another noted that Rishab has carved a unique niche, mentioning a matinee Hindi show in a single-screen theatre in Bengaluru where nearly half the audience were Kannadigas, as local Kannada theatres were fully booked. Others praised the film’s impact, saying it was unforgettable, fully engaging, and a benchmark even Tollywood filmmakers could learn from.

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara: Chapter 1, the 2025 Kannada-language period mythological action-drama, is the highly anticipated prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced under Hombale Films, the film delves deeper into the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the ancestral conflicts introduced in the first instalment. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, it blends regional folklore, spirituality, and action, exploring man’s relationship with nature and the divine. Rishab Shetty plays Berme, a boy born under mysterious circumstances who is later possessed by the protector spirit Guliga, giving him superhuman powers.

The story follows the turbulent reign of the Kadamba dynasty, where greed, betrayal, and dark magic threaten the balance of the spiritual and mortal worlds. Berme rises against the tyrannical Kulashekhara and uncovers shocking conspiracies involving Kanakavathi, the king’s daughter and his love interest, who seeks to manipulate the forest’s deities. In a climactic showdown, Berme channels divine energy, transforming into Ardhanarishvara to defeat Kanakavathi and Rajashekara, restoring peace to Kantara.

Released on 2 October 2025 in multiple formats, the film has been met with critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing its place as one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of 2025, while teasing an epic continuation in Chapter 2. As of day 3, the movie's India net collections are Rs 162.85 Cr, reported Sacnilk.