Kantara Chapter One, the highly awaited prequel to Rishab Shetty’s 2022 blockbuster, is creating massive hype ahead of its October 2, 2025 release. Produced by Hombale Films, the movie is expected to dominate the box office across India. However, its release in Kerala has run into trouble.
According to industry insiders, a dispute has erupted between Prithviraj Productions and FEUOK (Film Exhibitors United Organization of Kerala) regarding revenue share. Unless the matter is settled quickly, theaters under FEUOK may not screen the film, which could prove to be a serious setback.
Trade experts had projected that Kantara Chapter One would collect nearly ₹50 to 60 crore from Kerala alone. Since the film is being promoted as a ₹1000 crore pan-India spectacle, losing such a vital market could directly affect its box office performance. KGF 2 had earned huge profits in Kerala and expectations were similar for Kantara’s prequel.
The problem reportedly stems from Prithviraj Productions demanding a larger distributor share, which FEUOK has not accepted. Talks are ongoing and many believe the issue will be resolved before release. Still, the uncertainty has created concern among producers, distributors, and fans.
Set to release in seven languages including Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, the film explores the origins of the divine folklore shown in the first part. Rukmini Vasanth returns alongside Rishab Shetty to play an important role, as the story dives deeper into the mystical roots of coastal Karnataka.
Fans across the country are eagerly awaiting Kantara Chapter One. But unless the Kerala dispute is resolved soon, moviegoers in the state may miss the chance to experience it on the big screen.
