Rishab Shetty’s Kantara is now available to stream with English audio too

Last year, when Netflix acquired the digital streaming rights of the Hindi version of the hit film Kantara, there was news that the streamer was also looking at making an English version available for audiences. The film can now be streamed with English audio. Interestingly, in this version, the portions featuring Rishab as a Bhoothakola performer and speaking in the tongue of the deity have been retained in Kannada, with English subtitles.

When Kantara was released in September 2022, the production house, Hombale Film brought it to theatres in Kannada only, given that it was a rooted ‘mannina kathe’. However, within days it became apparent that they would have to advance their dubbing plans in other languages. Accordingly, within two weeks of the release of the original, the Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam versions were also given theatrical outings and did well in all those markets, allowing the film to amass a massive Rs 400 crore in the process.

The Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam versions were then picked up by Amazon Prime Video, while Netflix scooped up the Hindi version and has now dubbed it in English too, taking Kantara to a total of seven languages, including the Tulu version, which was released in theatres.

The film, which recently celebrated 100 days at the box office, is reportedly getting a second instalment, with netizens speculating if it will be a prequel or sequel. Speaking at the 100-day celebration event, filmmaker and lead actor Rishab Shetty confirmed that it would be a prequel, after all. “What you have seen as Kantara was part 2; so, what comes next is part 1,” he said.

Recently, there were rumours that Rishab would make his Malayalam film debut with a role in Mohanlal’s Malaikottai Valiban. He’d dispelled the same, clarifying to us that he had been approached, but turned it down, as he was more interested in making a Kannada film.