The Legend Deepens

Strap: Deeper myths, bolder visuals: Kantara: Chapter 1 is our boldest cultural bet yet, says producer Kiragandur

Blurb:

One of the defining themes of Kantara was the call to preserve nature and question notions of land ownership — ideas the prequel continues to explore

OB Bureau

As anticipation builds around Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, producer Vijay Kiragandur has called the prequel Hombale Films’ “most ambitious project to date” — one that channels spiritual energy, cultural legacy, and cinematic scale into a single, sweeping vision.

Speaking to Variety, Kiragandur said the overwhelming reception to Kantara in 2022 gave the team clarity on the road ahead. “The spiritual resonance of the first film was a guiding force as we shaped Chapter 1. The audience’s response gave us direction — we knew we had to honour that legacy with focused storytelling.”

That legacy, he emphasised, isn’t just about box office numbers. It’s rooted in a deeper narrative — one that explores the complex ties between man, land, and the divine. “Cultural legacy isn’t a pressure point for us — it’s a compass. By staying true to our narrative, the talent behind it, and the emotions it carries, we’re confident authenticity will shine through on screen,” Kiragandur said.

One of the defining themes of Kantara was the call to preserve nature and question notions of land ownership — ideas the prequel continues to explore. “It’s a subject deeply meaningful to us,” Kiragandur said, reiterating Hombale’s commitment to cultural storytelling.

For the producer, the film’s significance goes beyond regional identity. “Kantara: Chapter 1 is about Indian storytelling. Our research frequently led us to marvel at the vast cultural and narrative tapestry this country holds. We could create years of content purely from its untold stories,” he said.

What sets this production apart from previous Hombale outings, Kiragandur said, is not just its philosophical depth but its sheer scale. “The number of shoot days, the volume of manpower — it all surpasses anything we’ve undertaken before. But beyond logistics, this film holds a deeply personal place in our hearts.”

In fact, the scale of the production forced Hombale to think outside the box — and build a studio of its own. The producers constructed an entire studio space in Karnataka after struggling to find an existing facility large enough to house a palace set with intricate interiors.

“The studio was born out of both creative necessity and practical limitations. What began as one studio floor quickly expanded into a full-fledged facility. It gave us complete creative control, streamlined production timelines, reduced travel costs — and most importantly — gave Rishab (Shetty) the peace of mind to realise his vision without compromise,” Kiragandur revealed.

At the heart of that authenticity is Rishab Shetty — once again wearing the hats of writer, director, and lead actor. Kiragandur credits Shetty’s multi-hyphenate approach for shaping the project’s creative foundation. “We had full faith in Rishab. Whether it was his acting, writing, or direction, his talent played a pivotal role in shaping everything we created.”

For Hombale Films, the prequel represents more than just a follow-up — it’s a manifesto of purpose.

“It’s the kind of cinema we’ve always dreamed of creating. At Hombale, our vision has always been to bring Indian cultural roots to life through storytelling. We’ve long aspired to create something for this generation — and for generations to come — that makes them proud of India’s rich heritage,” Kiragandur said.

With production underway and expectations running high, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 isn’t just a film in the making — it’s a statement. And for Hombale, it may well define the next chapter in Indian cinema.