The 2022 Kannada-language sleeper hit Kantara redefined the trajectory of Hombale Films, earning global acclaim and a staggering $50 million at the box office from a modest $1.96 million budget. Now, producer Vijay Kiragandur is going even bigger with Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1, a prequel that significantly amplifies the scale, ambition, and spiritual essence of the original.
Speaking with Variety, Kiragandur revealed that the team constructed a dedicated studio facility for the project — a move driven by both creative demands and infrastructure limitations. “We needed a large space to house an intricate palace set, but none of the existing facilities in Karnataka met our vision,” he said. “What started as one floor became a full-fledged studio. It gave us control, efficiency, and allowed Rishab Shetty to bring his vision to life without compromise.”
That vision remains rooted in the cultural and spiritual elements that made Kantara so impactful. “The spiritual resonance of the first film guided us as we developed Chapter 1,” Kiragandur said. “We knew we had to deepen that connection, with storytelling that honors the legacy our audience embraced.”
Unlike many production houses that juggle several films simultaneously, Hombale has chosen to focus its full energy on this single project. “Though other pan-India films are in advanced stages, Kantara: Chapter 1 took precedence. We believe in giving our complete attention to what matters most,” Kiragandur added.
Among the studio’s upcoming projects is Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaanga Parvam, the sequel to the 2023 blockbuster Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire starring Prabhas. Hombale Films has also produced the K.G.F series, with Chapter 2 ranking among the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
For Kiragandur, Kantara is more than just a film — it’s a cultural statement. “Balancing authenticity with commercial appeal isn’t a burden — it’s our guide,” he said. “We’re not just telling stories; we’re preserving legacy. And Rishab Shetty, who writes, directs, and stars in this project, is the heartbeat of that effort.”
The film will also continue exploring socio-cultural themes like the sanctity of nature and land rights, topics that struck a deep chord with audiences in the original. As Kiragandur concludes, “This is not just cinema — it’s a continuation of a movement that matters.”
