Actor Rukmini Vasanth has officially joined the cast of Kantara Chapter 1, taking on the role of Kanakavathi. The announcement came through a striking poster in which Rukmini is seen wearing a green and red saree adorned with heavy jewellery, smiling gracefully inside a grand palace setting. Sharing the poster on social media, director and lead actor Rishab Shetty wrote, “Introducing @rukminitweets as ‘Kanakavathi’ from the world of #KantaraChapter1. In Cinemas #KantaraChapter1onOct2.”
Last month, the makers, Hombale Films, revealed that the film had wrapped production. They marked the occasion with a special poster and an emotional note: “Wrap Up… The Journey Begins… #KantaraChapter1 has been a divine journey, deeply rooted in our culture, brought to life with unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and incredible team spirit. Can’t wait to see you all in theatres on October 2nd, as this legendary tale unfolds on the big screen worldwide.”
Rishab Shetty, who also directs the film, rose to fame with the first Kantara in 2022. The movie became a massive success, earning him the National Award for Best Actor. Made on a reported budget of ₹16 crore, the film grossed over ₹400 crore worldwide. Set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, Kantara followed Rishab’s character, a Kambala champion, in a tense conflict with a principled Forest Range Officer. The story explored the life of a small community in the Kaadubettu woodlands of Karnataka’s southern coast. Kantara Chapter 1 will release in theatres on October 2.
Rukmini Vasanth made her debut in 2019 with Birbal Trilogy, followed by Upstarts. She went on to star in Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A, Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B, Bhairathi Ranagal, and Bhagheera. Most recently, she appeared in Ace alongside Vijay Sethupathi. She will also be seen in director AR Murugadoss’s upcoming film Madharaasi, co-starring Sivakarthikeyan.
