Kantara Chapter 1: Rukmini Vasanth Dazzles as Kanakavathi in First Look from Rishab Shetty’s Film

On the holy day of the Varamahalakshmi Festival, Hombale Films unveiled the much-anticipated first look of actress Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi, the protagonist of the upcoming epic movie Kantara Chapter 1. The movie serves as a precursor to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which redefined rooted storytelling and received positive reviews from both reviewers and audiences worldwide. Rishab Shetty, who also plays the main character, wrote and directed it. On Rishab Shetty's birthday earlier this year, the filmmakers revealed his first appearance, sparking a lot of excitement online.

Rukmini wore a crimson and green saree and a lot of jewellery in the poster. Standing in a palace, she grinned. Kanakavathi will be portrayed by Rukmini. Rishab shared the poster and wrote a caption for the image. It read, "Introducing @rukminitweets as ‘Kanakavathi’ from the world of #KantaraChapter1. In Cinemas #KantaraChapter1onOct2."

Kantara Chapter 1 First Look:

Kantara: Chapter 1 is set in the Kadamba period of Karnataka. The architecture and culture of the area were greatly influenced by the Kadambas, who were significant Karnataka kings. That period was known as the Golden Period in Indian history. Rishab Shetty is the director of Kantara, in addition to playing the lead role. The next release will be Kantara's prequel, since Shetty disclosed in 2023 that what spectators witnessed was part 2.

#ಕಾಂತಾರ Chapter-1 ಕನಕವತಿಯ ಪರಿಚಯ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಮುಂದೆ…
Introducing @rukminitweets as ‘KANAKAVATHI’ from the world of #KantaraChapter1.

In Cinemas #KantaraChapter1onOct2 🔥#Kantara@hombalefilms@KantaraFilm@shetty_rishab@VKiragandur@ChaluveG#ArvindKashyap@AJANEESHB… pic.twitter.com/irB9Lg4Qk7

— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) August 8, 2025

Rishab, who also serves as the film's director, became well-known for Kantara. It was a triumph when it was published in 2022. In addition to playing the movie's lead, he took home the National Award for Best Actor. According to news agency PTI, Kantara, which was produced on a reported budget of ₹16 crore, made nearly ₹400 crore worldwide. On October 2, 2025, Kantara Chapter 1 will be released worldwide in Bengali, English, Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada.

Watch this space for more entertainment news.