Entertainment
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 (2025) is a Kannada-language mythological action-thriller directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, acting as a prequel to the 2022 hit. Set during the Kadamba reign, it chronicles the origins of the sacred forest rituals, focusing on Berme (Shetty) as he fights against greed, colonial exploitation, and tyranny to protect his tribe.
The film follows a young boy found in a sacred well, raised as Berme by villagers, who later defies the Bangra kingdom’s greedy King Kulashekhara to independently trade spices and secure the tribe’s future. Following a brutal assault where his adoptive mother is killed, Berme is possessed by the deity Guliga, leading to a fiery confrontation against the King.
The film showcases high-octane action, intense performances, and visual splendor, blending folklore with the supernatural. It was a massive commercial success, crossing ₹500 crore, and was praised for its immersive, rooted storytelling, and its exploration of the origins of Bhoota Kola.
