Kantara Rishab Shetty’s Divine Action Epic 2022
Kantara, written & directed by Rishab Shetty, became one of the most talked-about Indian films of the decade. Produced under Hombale Films, the movie blended mythology, folklore, and intense action to tell a story rooted deep in the coastal traditions of Karnataka.
Set in a fictional coastal village, Kantara follows Shiva (Rishab Shetty), a rebellious villager and Kambala (buffalo race) athlete who lives by instinct rather than rules. His world collides with Murali (Kishore), a strict forest officer enforcing conservation laws that threaten the villagers’ ancestral lands.
The film draws heavily from Bhoota Kola, an ancient spirit-worship ritual of Tulunadu, portraying the eternal struggle between man and nature, faith and authority, and the idea that when humans fail to deliver justice, divine power intervenes. The emotional and supernatural climax of the film left audiences in awe, earning it both critical and popular acclaim.
The cast and crew of Kantara played a vital role in bringing its mystical story to life. Rishab Shetty, who also wrote and directed the film, delivered a remarkable performance as Shiva, the central character torn between tradition and modernity. Sapthami Gowda portrayed Leela, adding emotional depth and strength to the narrative, while Kishore impressed audiences with his powerful role as Forest Officer Murali, representing the voice of authority and law.
Veteran actor Achyuth Kumar, along with Pramod Shetty and several others, contributed strongly to the film’s supporting cast, enriching its local authenticity and cultural texture. Behind the camera, Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography beautifully captured the raw landscapes of coastal Karnataka, while B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s haunting background score and songs elevated every scene, perfectly complementing the film’s divine and dramatic atmosphere.
Released on September 30, 2022, Kantara opened to glowing reviews in Karnataka. Following its strong local response, dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam hit theatres in mid-October, turning the film into a pan-India phenomenon.
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The movie became one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of all time, earning more than ₹400 crore worldwide. It was later showcased at the 54th International Film Festival of India, where it won the Silver Peacock (Special Jury Award).
At the 70th National Film Awards, Rishab Shetty received Best Actor, while Kantara was honoured as Best Popular Film.
Beyond numbers, Kantara redefined what regional cinema could achieve. It spotlighted coastal Karnataka’s unique culture, folk deities, and rituals like Bhoota Kola and Kambala, sparking nationwide curiosity about indigenous traditions.
Following its monumental success, the makers have expanded the universe with a prequel, “Kantara: Chapter 1”, released in October 2025. The new chapter delves into the mythological origins of the deity and rituals depicted in the original.
