Kantara Chapter 1: Why Rishab Shetty went lengths to bring Manikandan to voice in Tamil though not dubbing union member; ‘he isn’t regular mimicry artist’

Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, starring Rishab Shetty who has also directed the film, hit theatres. The film is running on big screens near you and is enjoying a pan-Indian release across languages. Kantara franchise has got a big fan base in Tamil Nadu, and Rishab Shetty, knowing this, had roped in actor Manikandan to dub for him. However, the story was not that easy as the actor-director recounts bringing Manikandan on board.

Kantara Chapter 1 star Rishab Shetty on bringing Manikandan to dub in Tamil

It is a known fact that Manikandan, an actor par excellence, is also a talented mimicry artist. The actor has exhibited his skill at many interviews and recently dubbed for Rishab Shetty’s character in the Tamil version of Kantara: Chapter 1.

Also read: Kantara Chapter 1: Why Rishab Shetty led film will have a fairly uninterrupted theatrical run

Rishab Shetty, during one of the promotional events for Kantara: Chapter 1, in Chennai, said, "He is my favourite and I like his performance and mimicry so much. He is not a regular mimicry artist. He does it differently, like how the original actor behaves and brings his character. He does it all instantly, and I really wanted to use him. So, with Kantara, my character is not Shiva but Berme, which is a different role. I wanted to bring Manikandan on board."

"He was not a member of dubbing union, so we had to get the permission letter and pay fees. After the voice test, we went ahead with him. He feels the character and gives so much life,” Rishab added.

Kantara Chapter 1 OTT release date:

Kantara: Chapter 1’s OTT rights have been bagged by Prime Video and will premiere the film on October 30. Subscribers of OTTplay Premium can watch the film by upgrading their existing plans with Prime Video. The film, a mythical actioner, also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, Pramod Shetty, Prakash Thuminad, (late) Rakesh Poojary, Shaneel Gautham, and many others.

FAQs

Q. Are Kantara and Kantara: Chapter 1 the same?

A. No, Kantara is a 2022 Kannada film, while Kantara: Chapter 1 is a 2025 released film, a prequel of the first one. Both are directed and starred in by Rishab Shetty.

Q. Is Kantara: Chapter 1 available on OTT?

A. No, Kantara: Chapter 1 is not available on OTT now. It will be available on Prime Video from October 30.

Q. What is the story of Kantara: Chapter 1?

A. Kantara: Chapter 1 is about the roots of the Bhuta Kola festival and how the forest folks during the Kadamba ruling dynasty protect their divine land against the rulers who want to conquer it.