Hombale Films has officially introduced Rukmini Vasanth as ‘Kanakavathi’ in the upcoming mythological epic Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 cult hit Kantara. Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film is set to release in theatres on October 2, 2025, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.
Taking to social media, the official handle revealed her character in multiple languages including Tamil, Malayalam, and Bengali—highlighting the film’s pan-Indian reach. The tweet read:
“Introducing @rukminitweets as ‘KANAKAVATHI’ from the world of #KantaraChapter1”
The multilingual introduction suggests that Rukmini’s role carries significant thematic weight across regional narratives. The Tamil version read, “கனகவதியை பற்றிய அறிமுகம் உங்கள் முன் உள்ளது,” translating to “The introduction of Kanakavathi is now before you.” Meanwhile, the Malayalam and Bengali versions echo a similar reverence for the character’s arrival.
An Epic Prequel Set in Pre-Colonial Coastal Karnataka
Kantara: Chapter 1 dives into the spiritual and mythological origins that shaped the world introduced in the original film. Set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the story explores the ancient Bhuta Kola ritual—a sacred tradition rooted in spirit worship and land guardianship. Shetty plays a fierce Naga Sadhu blessed with supernatural powers, further amplifying the film’s mystical appeal.
Rishab Shetty, who also directed and starred in the first film, returns with a physically and spiritually demanding role. To prepare, he trained in horse riding, sword fighting, and Kalaripayattu.
A Cinematic Spectacle in the Making
Shot across the lush and rugged terrains of Karnataka, the film’s production has been nothing short of monumental. A 25-acre war set was constructed in the mountains to film a grand battle sequence involving over 3,000 actors, including 500 trained fighters. Choreographed by a team of Indian and international stunt experts, the sequence took nearly 50 days to shoot.
The production officially wrapped on July 7, 2025.
The musical score—an integral part of Kantara’s identity—has once again been composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, who returns after the success of the original’s haunting soundtrack.
Multilingual Release and Anticipation
Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 will be released in Kannada, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Bengali, expanding its reach to a broader Indian audience.
With its blend of mythology, folklore, action, and intense spiritual drama, the film is poised to be one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
