Kantara - A Legend: Chapter 1

During the Kadamba era the ruler of Bangra, King Vijayendra, disappears in the mysterious Kantara forest and meets his end. His heir Rajashekara responds by sealing the kingdom off from the outside world. Years later Prince Kulashekara forces the borders open with brutal violence, trying to reclaim power and resources. Berme, a man chasing better prospects, crosses into that closed land and becomes the focal point of a growing clash. Conflicting beliefs, royal ambition, and the living forest push communities to the brink. Tensions rise and ordinary people pay the price, deepening stakes.

Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara - A Legend: Chapter 1 is a 2025 film created by Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Gowtham, starring Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah and Ramitha Shailendra, and noted for regional craft and folklore influences.

Official box office totals were not widely reported at the time of writing. The film opened in 2025 across several regions and prompted regional box office coverage, though international figures remain scarce.

Kantara - A Legend sparked conversations about regional folklore, environmental stewardship, and how tradition shapes power. Its visual language and rural settings have been noted in social discussions, and Rishab Shetty's dual role has become a frequent topic among viewers comparing mythic motifs to contemporary concerns, and inspired fan artwork.

On audience rating platforms the film averages about 7.0 out of 10 from 58 votes, reflecting mixed to positive responses. Critics and viewers praised action sequences and atmospheric worldbuilding, and noted themes of faith versus authority, while some mentioned pacing and dense mythic material. Some viewers praised the lead performances.