Rishab Shetty gets divine birthday wishes

The makers of the much-awaited film Kantara: Chapter 1 wished director and actor Rishab Shetty a “divine and glorious” birthday on Monday. The message came from Hombale Films, the production house behind the Kantara franchise.

Posting on their X account, the team wrote, “Where legends are born and the roar of the wild echoes… Wishing the trailblazing force behind the legend, @shetty_rishab, a divine and glorious birthday.” They also confirmed that Kantara: Chapter 1 will hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which featured Rishab Shetty in a dual role. The original film, praised by critics and audiences alike, told the story of a Kambala champion who clashes with a strict forest officer. The movie gained national recognition, with even superstar Rajinikanth calling it a “masterpiece.”

The prequel is set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty in Banavasi. It has been written and directed by Rishab Shetty and is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner. The film stars Rishab Shetty alongside actor Jayaram.

Filming for Kantara: Chapter 1 began in November 2023. In this chapter, Rishab will play a Naga Sadhu with supernatural powers. With its release set for Gandhi Jayanti, the movie is expected to be a visual and spiritual spectacle.