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Kannada Cinema News Updated Oct 3, 2025

Makers of 'Kantara: Chapter 1' request audiences not to support piracy

Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken the cinema world by storm with its powerful storytelling and cultural depth. The film's production house, Hombale Films, is actively fighting against piracy to preserve the movie's artistic integrity. Prominent figures like Varun Chakravarthy and Sandeep Reddy Vanga have lauded the film's exceptional portrayal of Indian culture. The prequel, directed by Rishab Shetty, promises an immersive cinematic experience that demands to be watched on the big screen.

Chennai, Oct 3

The makers of director Rishab Shetty's just released pan-India film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' on Friday appealed to audiences and fans not to support piracy, saying it not only harmed the film but also the dreams and efforts of thousands who worked tirelessly to bring the film to life.

Taking to its social media timelines, Hombale Films, the production house that has produced the film, put out an appeal that read, " Dear Kantara family and cinema lovers, From the beginning, Kantara has been yours as much as ours. Your love and support have carried this journey forward. We humbly request you not to support piracy. It not only harms the film but also the dreams and efforts of thousands who worked tirelessly to bring it to life."

The makers also urged audiences not to record or share videos from theatres, even with good intentions.

"We also kindly ask fans not to record or share videos from theatres even with good intentions, it takes away the magic of cinema. Kantara Chapter 1 was created for the big screen for you to feel every sound, every frame, every emotion as it was meant to be. Let's protect this journey together and keep Kantara an unforgettable experience in theatres," the makers added.

The film, which has taken a strong opening, has come in for praise from various quarters. Team India cricketer Varun Chakravarthy and ace director Sandeep Reddy Vanga are among those who have showered praise on the film.

Taking to his social media timelines, Varun Chakravarthy said, "#Kantara has to be one of the best representation and portrayal of the many diverse and intricate cultures of our Indian land in every possible angle!!! Fantastic and mind blowing!!! @shetty_rishab"

Varun Chakravarthy wasn't the only one to shower praise on the magnum opus, which has now taken a strong opening.

Well known director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, best known for having directed the blockbuster film 'Animal', also praised the Kannada film.

Taking to his X timeline, Sandeep Reddy Vanga wrote, "KANTARA Chapter 1 is a true masterpiece. Indian cinema has never seen anything like this before. It's a cinematic thunderstorm, raw, divine, and unshakable. Rishab Shetty delivers a true one-man show, crafted and carried single-handedly @shetty_rishab. Special mention to the BGM by @AJANEESHB."

Responding to his compliment, the production house Hombale Films, which has produced this film, wrote, "Thank you, @imvangasandeep sir. We are truly overwhelmed seeing your kind words about #KantaraChapter1."

For the unaware, 'Kantara: Chapter 1' released worldwide on October 2 in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu,Malayalam, Hindi, and English. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur, the film is the much-awaited prequel to the 2022 blockbuster 'Kantara'. The movie stars Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth and Jayaram in the lead roles. Filming for the upcoming actioner began in November 2023, with the first look and teaser released on November 27.

'Kantara : Chapter 1', the prequel to the blockbuster film, is set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. It has been written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Rohit P

While I agree piracy is wrong, ticket prices in multiplexes are becoming unaffordable for middle-class families. Maybe if theaters had more reasonable pricing, people wouldn't look for alternatives. Just saying 🤷‍♂️

Arjun K

Rishab Shetty and team have created something truly special for Indian cinema. The first Kantara was incredible and I can't wait to watch this prequel in theaters. Respect the art, respect the artists! 🙏

Sarah B

Saw it in IMAX yesterday and wow! The BGM and cinematography are meant for theaters only. People recording on phones don't realize they're ruining the experience for others too. Let's support quality cinema!

Karthik V

Hombale Films always delivers quality content. From KGF to Kantara, they've shown what Kannada cinema can achieve. Booking tickets for Sunday show with family. Say no to piracy! 💪

Michael C

The cultural representation in Kantara is something we rarely see in mainstream cinema. Supporting such films legally ensures more diverse stories get made. Well done to the team for taking a stand against piracy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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