Rishab Shetty, who gained national recognition with ‘Kantara’, is set to release its highly awaited sequel, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, which he has directed and starred in, produced by Hombale Films. The film is scheduled to premiere on October 2nd. A lavish pre-release event took place today, featuring Young Tiger NTR as the chief guest. The occasion witnessed a large gathering, marking its success. Rishab Shetty expressed his emotion at the overwhelming turnout, stating, “This feels like home. It’s heartwarming to see such a huge turnout. Telugu audiences have always supported good cinema, and I hope to receive the same kind of love for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’.
My heartfelt thanks to NTR for making this event even more special.” Despite recovering from an injury, NTR attended the event and conveyed his appreciation to fans, well-wishers, and the media. He reminisced about his childhood, recalling how his grandmother shared stories from their home in Kundapura. “I must have been about three or four years old when my grandmother first told me stories back in our home in Kundapura,” he shared. “I used to wonder whether they were true or just myths, but I loved them deeply. Whenever she narrated them, I felt a sense of wonder. I’d think, ‘What is this Guliga play? Who are these Panjurlis?
I have to see them at least once in my life.’ That fascination stayed with me since childhood.” NTR expressed his amazement at how Rishab Shetty brought those stories to life on screen, stating, “I never imagined that someone would take those very stories and bring them to life on the big screen. That someone is Rishab Shetty. He is a very rare breed of director and actor. I’ve always wondered whether the director in him dominates or the actor. But he dominated everyone involved in all 24 crafts of filmmaking. If it weren’t for Rishab, no one else could have made this film on such a grand scale.
When I saw those tales which I heard during childhood unfold in ‘Kantara’, I was speechless. If it had such a profound effect on me, someone who grew up with these stories—imagine its impact on someone experiencing them for the first time. That’s the power of ‘Kantara’.” He also shared a personal story about Rishab’s kindness, mentioning, “It was my mother’s long-standing wish to visit the Udupi Krishna Temple. Rishab and his wife, Pragathi, fulfilled that wish. They took care of everything like family—arranging the darshan, guiding us, and ensuring we were comfortable.
It meant a lot to us.” Reflecting on his visit to the set of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, NTR stated, “I got to witness firsthand the sheer effort Rishab is putting into this film. Making a movie of this scale is no easy feat. They even constructed a road to a temple near their village. Producers Vijay and Chaluve are good friends of mine, and I genuinely hope this film becomes a massive blockbuster in Indian cinema.” The producers have also revealed that ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ will feature advance premiere screenings a day prior to its official release.