PremiumKantara A Legend Chapter 1 to stream on THIS OTT platform after its theatrical run
The prequel to Kantara, Kantara A Legend Chapter 1, starring Rishab Shetty in the lead, will go on floors in April and is expected to be an early 2025 theatrical release
Last Updated: 05.38 PM, Mar 19, 2024
The much-awaited prequel to actor-director Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster Kantara – Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 – is yet to be shot. But such is the excitement surrounding the film, the subject of which Rishab has been fiercely guarding, that the streaming rights have already been picked up. Moments ago, while unveiling its slate of upcoming south content, most of which included films and series in Tamil and Telugu, Amazon Prime Video revealed that Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 will find its post-theatrical home on the platform.
The announcement of this collaboration between Hombale Films and Amazon Prime Video was made amid a beautiful Yakshagana performance to the soul of Kantara – Varaharoopam. Speaking at the event in Mumbai, Rishab Shetty said that a huge set has been put up back in his hometown Kundapur, where the film will be shot starting in April. The actor-filmmaker has buffed up for the role and is said to have taken horse riding and kalarippayattu lessons as well.
Ever since Rishab announced that Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 would be a prequel, the buzz has been that he would present the origin story of Panjurli daiva and Guliga, the protector deities as shown in Kantara A Folklore.
The first look from the film that Rishab had revealed showing him in a fierce warrior avatar, with a trident in one arm and an axe in the other. What caught everyone’s attention is that Rishab appears to have two boar tusks sticking out from either side of his face, amid his thick hair and beard, which has given rise to the theory that he is most definitely playing Panjurli with a story set during the Kadamba reign.
The official synopsis that Amazon Prime Video released as part of the announcement today also does not shed much light on this, reading, “There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. Such a calamity caused by a petty king ignites a rage in the heart of God’s chosen tribal leader.”
Meanwhile, Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 is part of the streamer’s south slate, so, chances are that like the earlier film, the Hindi and English versions will go to another platform. Kantara A Folklore’s Hindi version is on Netflix and the makers could follow suit with the prequel as well, which bodes well for both.