After the release of Kantara in 2022, the phenomenon of success was truly redefined. The film celebrated a phenomenal victory at the 70th National Film Awards, winning the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, with Rishab Shetty receiving the Best Actor award. The film brought a story from the heartlands of India, introducing the world to the country’s rich heritage and cultural values. While the film emerged as one of the biggest sleeper hits, its upcoming prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, has quickly made headlines since its announcement. As we saw in Kantara, which showcased the Bhoota Kola festival, Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to bring the Kadamba period to the forefront.

Kantara: Chapter 1 promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience. The film is set in the Kadamba period in Karnataka. The Kadambas were significant rulers of parts of Karnataka and played a major role in shaping the architecture and culture of the region. To recreate this period on the big screen, the makers, Hombale Films, and actor Rishab Shetty brought the Kadamba Empire to life at Kundapur.

The makers went to great lengths to bring this story to life, even going as far as creating an entire studio for the film. Initially, they searched for a massive set with a height of 80 feet to build an elaborate setting, but couldn’t find anything suitable. So, they went a step further and constructed a studio of their own. The entire set is spread across acres of land.

The reason behind this extensive effort is the significance of the Kadamba dynasty, which marked the beginning of grand South Indian architecture. The Kadamba period is considered a golden era in Indian history, known for its opulence and mesmerizing beauty. Kantara: Chapter 1 is set in this era, when everything in India was grand and magnificent. As a prequel, the film will reveal the events leading up to Kantara, exploring what happened before. The makers are leaving no stone unturned to recreate this era, embracing the immense challenge it presents.