Is ‘Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1’ the Most Ambitious Film Yet?

Mumbai, July 21 (NationPress) Producer Vijay Kiragandur has shared insights on the forthcoming prequel “Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1,” which he labels as his “most ambitious project to date.”

“Our studio emerged from both creative necessity and practical challenges,” Kiragandur stated, as reported by variety.com.

“We searched throughout Karnataka for a facility that could accommodate an elaborate palace set with detailed interiors, but none met our specifications for scale or infrastructure. What started as a single studio floor eventually grew into a comprehensive facility.”

This investment proved to be strategically sound, extending beyond practical logistics.

“Establishing our own studio granted us complete creative authority, expedited production timelines, minimized travel expenses — and most crucially — offered our director, Rishab Shetty, the tranquility needed to actualize his vision without compromise. It became a key component for the film’s authenticity.”

This authenticity is reflected in the film's fundamental themes.

“The spiritual essence of the first film was a guiding principle as we developed ‘Chapter 1.’ The audience’s feedback to ‘Kantara’ provided us clarity — we understood the importance of honoring that legacy with focused storytelling,” the producer explained.

“Rather than juggling multiple projects at once, we decided to devote all our resources to this one. Although we are in advanced stages with other pan-India films, our dedication to ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ took precedence,” Kiragandur noted.

Kiragandur recognizes the intrinsic difficulty of balancing cultural authenticity with commercial aspirations, framing it as an opportunity rather than a hindrance.

“Cultural legacy isn’t a burden for us — it’s a guide,” he asserted. “By remaining true to our narrative, the talent behind it, and the emotions it conveys, we’re confident that authenticity will resonate on screen.”

At the heart of this confidence is writer-director-star Rishab Shetty, whose multifaceted role reflects his approach to the original film.

“We have full trust in Rishab Shetty, the driving force behind ‘Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1.’ His contributions in acting, writing, and directing have been pivotal in shaping everything we've produced.”

The producer highlighted that a crucial aspect of ‘Kantara’ is its emphasis on protecting nature and sparking discussions surrounding land ownership.

“A topic that holds significant meaning for us.”

This dedication to cultural storytelling aligns with Hombale’s broader mission to elevate Indian narratives on a global platform, as reported by variety.com.

“More than just regional, ‘Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1’ embodies Indian storytelling. Our research often led us to be in awe of the vast cultural and narrative tapestry this country possesses. We could generate years of content purely from its untold stories.”

The producer perceives untapped potential in India's rich heritage, noting that “very few filmmakers have ventured into this domain — possibly because there’s no Western model to emulate. But we don’t view that as a limitation. We see it as a calling,” as per variety.com.

When asked what sets this production apart from Hombale’s previous projects, Kiragandur stated: “‘Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1’ is undoubtedly our most ambitious endeavor yet — and there are many reasons for this. The scale of effort, from the number of shooting days to the sheer volume of manpower, far exceeds anything we’ve attempted before. But beyond logistics, this film holds a deeply personal significance for us.”

“It represents the type of cinema we’ve always aspired to create. At Hombale, our vision has consistently been to bring Indian cultural roots to life through storytelling. We’ve longed to create something for this generation — and for generations to follow — that instills pride in India’s rich heritage.”