The cinematic phenomenon that took India by storm is now ready to conquer the digital world. Following a thunderous theatrical run, Rishab Shetty’s epic prequel, ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’, has officially locked its OTT (Over-The-Top) release date. The film, which delves into the mythical origins of the beloved 2022 blockbuster, will begin streaming exclusively on Prime Video from October 31, 2025.
This digital premiere marks a significant moment, allowing a global audience to experience the rich tapestry of Kannada folklore from the comfort of their homes.
‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’ OTT Release Date:
Prime Video has announced a wide-reaching release strategy for the film. Starting October 31, viewers in India and across over 200 countries and territories will be able to stream ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’. The film will be available in its original Kannada version, accompanied by dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. This multi-lingual approach ensures that the core audience in South India can experience the film in their preferred language upon its digital debut.
However, there is a notable delay for a significant segment of the audience. The Hindi-dubbed version will not be available on the OTT platform at launch. This means the massive Hindi-speaking audience, which contributed significantly to the box office success of the original ‘Kantara’, will have to wait a little longer to stream the film. The makers and Prime Video are expected to announce the release date for the Hindi version at a later time.
From Theatrical Triumph to Digital Dominion
Produced by the powerhouse Hombale Films, ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’ has been a resounding success in cinemas since its release on October 2, 2025, during the Dussehra festival. By October 27, the film had amassed an impressive ₹589.50 crore (nett) in India, with its worldwide gross soaring past the ₹800 crore mark. This colossal box office performance sets a high bar for its digital reception, proving the immense drawing power of stories rooted in indigenous culture and mythology.
Even as it prepares for its digital bow, the film continues its successful run in many theatres, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Set centuries before the events of the first film, ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’ travels back to the era of the Kadamba dynasty. It serves as a genesis story for the divine legend of Panjurli Daiva, the benevolent boar-like spirit guardian of the forests. The narrative unravels the sacred covenant between the gods, the land, and its people.
The film explores the core struggle between human greed, power, and the unwavering forces of nature. It introduces audiences to the deep-rooted mythology surrounding Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva, divine entities that awaken to restore harmony and deliver justice when the balance is threatened. This prequel lays the foundational saga that ultimately shapes the world and conflicts witnessed in the 2022 ‘Kantara’.
The ‘Kantara’ franchise has been widely acclaimed for its authentic and respectful portrayal of the Bhuta Kola tradition, a centuries-old ritual spirit worship practiced in the Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka. The prequel doubles down on this commitment, with every frame meticulously crafted to reflect the region’s cultural heritage.
The film boasts stunning cinematography that captures the raw, untamed beauty of coastal Karnataka and a powerful, evocative musical score by Ajaneesh Loknath. Directed, written, and headlined by the visionary Rishab Shetty, the film also features compelling performances by Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram.
Manish Menghani, Director and Head of Content Licensing at Prime Video India, emphasized the film’s cultural significance and global potential. He stated, “‘Kantara’ represents a new chapter in Indian cinema, demonstrating how stories deeply rooted in local culture and authenticity can captivate viewers worldwide.” He added that the new prequel enriches the established universe, calling it a narrative that “masterfully weaves together spirituality, raw emotion, and grand scale.”
Rishab Shetty, the creative force behind the film, described it as a celebration of a sacred bond. “‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’ is a story deeply embedded in our soil, celebrating the sacred bond between man, nature, and faith,” he said. Explaining his vision for the prequel, Shetty shared, “When I began working on this prequel, I wanted to return to the origins of this world—to the roots that inspired it all. Every ritual, emotion, and moment in the film draws from lived culture and real traditions… I’m thrilled that Prime Video will take this story beyond borders.”
When and Where to Watch
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OTT Platform: Prime Video
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Release Date: October 31, 2025
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Available In: Kannada (Original), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam (from October 31)
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Hindi Version: To be released on Prime Video at a later date.
The arrival of ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’ on streaming is not just the release of a film; it is the global dissemination of a legend, inviting the world to witness the divine and tumultuous origins of Kantara.