Kannada film ‘Kantara’ meaning ‘Mystical Forest’ released on 30th September to a rousing reception. Critics and fans have been generous in their praise for Rishab Shetty, the director, writer and lead actor.
The film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur, under the banner of ‘Hombale Films’, makers of KGF series. The movie also stars Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar and Pramod Shetty in pivotal roles.
The action thriller reportedly produced on a budget of Rs.16 crores is said to have crossed Rs. 50 crores within 10 days of its release from Kannada print alone with subtitles. After an average start on day one, the movie picked momentum with positive reviews and word-of-mouth.
This, despite clashing with Mani Ratnam’s, ‘Ponniyin Selvan 1’, Nagarjuna’s ‘The Ghost’ and Chiranjeevi’s ‘Godfather’ on the big screen. ‘Kantara’ had a limited opening but screens got added on as it picked up steam.
The film’s collection also saw a jump in its second week in the US and Australia. Dream Screens International, which distributed the film in Australia, tweeted that it has added 100 shows.
#KANTARA in Australia Will get MORE and More sessions.lets Celebrate the success all together watch the Magnificent high performance Art Film. #divineblockbusterkantara @Karthik1423 @hombalefilms @shetty_rishab https://t.co/gXxU54xxlg https://t.co/1jxVL6moQQ pic.twitter.com/dFPm1ZyYoZ
— Dream Screens International (@DreamScreensInt) October 3, 2022
Manoj Desai, the owner of Gaiety-Galaxy cinemas in Mumbai, said the legacy multiplex has never screened a South Indian movie in its original language. ‘Kantara’ was the first and it did not disappoint.
With the exceptional response received across the globe, the makers of ‘Kantara’ have decided to release the film’s dubbed version in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam. The Hindi version will be released on 14th October and Telugu on 15th October.
The film revolves around Shetty as a kambala (buffalo race) champion, at loggerheads with an upright DRFO officer, Kishore. The story is deep-rooted with culture and tradition, and is set in Keradi in coastal Karnataka.
The movie had received a record 99pc rating with 18k+ reviews on BookMyShow, first time in the history of the ticketing site.
The grandeur and magic of #Kantara is undeniable! Catch this blockbuster in theatres near you!
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.@shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @hombalefilms @HombaleGroup @hombalefilms @gowda_sapthami @AJANEESHB #ArvindKashyap @actorkishore @KantaraFilm pic.twitter.com/56oIUnfxC5— BookMyShow (@bookmyshow) October 5, 2022
The praises have kept flowing:
Prithviraj Sukumaran – Malayalam actor
#KANTARA is a glorious cinematic achievement! #RishabhShetty is an absolute genius both in front and behind the camera! @hombalefilms What a mind blowing portfolio of content you’re building. Thank you for leading the way! Brace for a beyond spectacular last 20 minutes. pic.twitter.com/NO3u5nIqs4
— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) October 8, 2022
#KANTAARA Malayalam! Coming soon! I absolutely HAD to do this after watching the Kannada version! Do not miss this gem in the theatres when it releases across Kerala in Malayalam. @hombalefilms @PrithvirajProd @shetty_rishab pic.twitter.com/QOrBiKX8iM
— Prithviraj Sukumaran (@PrithviOfficial) October 9, 2022
Kichcha Sudeepa – Kannada actor
https://twitter.com/KicchaSudeep/status/1578605022178578432?s=20&t=Ib0WpwhQbPVjs9EeXfbsNQ
Prabhas posted, “Thoroughly enjoyed watching #Kantara, especially the climax. Congratulations to the entire team and wish you’ll all the success!”
Hombale Films’ response to Prabhas:
Really appreciate the gesture, #Prabhas sir. Truly humbled that you liked the movie. We really can’t keep calm for #Salaar now.#Kantara #DivineBlockbusterKantara@shetty_rishab @VKiragandur @HombaleGroup @gowda_sapthami @AJANEESHB #ArvindKashyap @actorkishore @KantaraFilm pic.twitter.com/HIhzlPWoKy
— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) October 1, 2022
Prashanth Neel – KGF series director
https://twitter.com/prashanth_neel/status/1576222528053579777?s=20&t=vGOHeO1cS0WwmCqYOLO70w
Anil Kumble – Cricketer
Fantastic movie. Very gripping!! Great to see #Kantara to a packed house @shetty_rishab along with wonderful company @rvijayprakash
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) October 10, 2022
Raj & DK – Family Man 2 creators
https://twitter.com/rajndk/status/1578975690002640896?s=20&t=7nrj3vGf01UM9ABCA4hQnw
Well if the Kannada version worked in Mumbai, the dubbed version in Hindi and other languages holds much promise. So if you haven’t watched it yet, this weekend may be a good time to.
