Actor-director-writer Rishab Shetty’s 2025 blockbuster ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ has completed a year since its release. As the film remains an important landmark for the filmmaker, Rishab shared his thoughts on the journey of making the film. He shared how expanding the world of Kantara while staying connected to its roots, culture and people was both challenging and deeply personal.

Rishab Shetty talks about ‘Kantara Chapter 1’

As the film was a prequel to a story that had already received immense love, the Kannada star shared that bringing it to audiences came with a major responsibility.“The biggest challenge was to bring this prequel to an audience that had already showered Kantara with immense love. To give a prelude, go deeper into its roots, and tell a story that carries the soul of the land was both a responsibility and a privilege,” he wrote.

Rishab Shetty thanks ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ team

Rishab Shetty also expressed gratitude to everyone who worked with him to bring the film to life. He acknowledged the team’s support throughout the making of the prequel. “My heartfelt thanks to every single member of my team who stood as my backbone,” he added.

Rishab Shetty: ‘The audience’s love will always remain special’

For Rishab Shetty, the audience’s response after the film’s release remains one of the most memorable parts of the journey. He recalled the emotions he witnessed in theatres as viewers experienced the story.“The satisfaction I saw on the faces of the audience is still fresh in my mind. That moment, that silence, that applause, and the love that followed will always remain special to me,” he wrote.

Kantara’s five-year journey

He also expressed hope that audiences would continue to support his future projects.“I hope that your love, blessings, and support will continue to be with us in the same way for all our future efforts,” he added. In the end, he wrote, “Five years… Two stories… One dream… An unforgettable journey. I will forever be grateful for all your love.”The first ‘Kantara’ film was released five years ago and in 2025 it went on to become a larger cinematic world with two stories. ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ was about the origins of the franchise.Rishab Shetty led with Gulshan Devaiah as King Kulashekhara, Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi. ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ became one of the biggest films of the year, grossing over Rs 622.48 crore in Indian and Rs 852.36 crore globally as per Sacnilk.