Kannada action thriller ‘Kantara,’ produced by Hombale Films, emerged as a sleeper hit in Indian cinema last year. The film, crafted on a modest budget of ₹16 crores, garnered a staggering global collection of approximately ₹400 crores. This triumph not only propelled its lead star and director, Rishab Shetty, into the pan-Indian spotlight but also paved the way for a sequel. Marking its 100-day run in theatres, the creators announced ‘Kantara 2’ in February 2023, igniting fervent anticipation. Now, a thrilling update awaits eager fans of this much-awaited Kannada spectacle.
According to reports, ‘Kantara 2’ is set to commence filming in November 2023. The production team has finalised shooting timelines, with the first schedule scheduled to kick off on November 1st. An insider shared, “Rishab Shetty and his team have completed the script and are currently engrossed in pre-production activities. While the first installment was shot in Shetty’s hometown of Kandapura, ‘Kantara 2’ will predominantly unfold against the backdrop of Mangalore. This location embodies the script’s essential elements of jungle, terrain, and water. The sequel boasts an expanded budget and cast and is set to be filmed on a grander scale during a four-month shoot.” The source added that the creators aim to wrap up filming by the first quarter of the following year, targeting a late 2024 theatrical release.
‘Kantara 2’ is a prequel that delves into the backstory of the folklore featured in its predecessor. This hyper-local narrative will unravel the origins of the deity Panjurli Daiva. Rishab and his team embarked on a two-month journey to the coastal forests of Karnataka for research, and their dedicated preparations promise to deliver an unparalleled cinematic experience in this forthcoming installment. The official announcement of ‘Kantara 2,’ including its poster and title, is expected soon.
The essence of ‘Kantara’ was deeply intertwined with the traditions of coastal Karnataka, revolving around a clash between villagers—whose land is protected by a local deity—and the forestry department’s endeavors to claim it for the government. The film featured Rishab Shetty in a dual role, portraying Kambala champion Shiva and his father, a Daiva Kola performer. Rishab Shetty also directed the film, which included actors like Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, and Pramod Shetty. Maintaining authenticity, the sequel, ‘Kantara 2,’ is anticipated to mirror the style and substance of its predecessor.
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