The buzz around South Indian cinema just got louder with the grand pre-release event for Kantara Chapter 1 in Hyderabad. Held on September 28, 2025, at the ITC Ramoji Convention Centre, the evening turned into a celebration of cultural roots, artistic passion, and unbreakable bonds between stars. As the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara gears up for its October 2 release, special guest Jr NTR stole the show with his emotional speech. He didn't just hype the film—he wove in personal stories that made the night feel like a family gathering around a campfire, sharing tales of folklore and dreams.

A Star-Studded Affair Rooted in Tradition

The event was a spectacle, drawing fans from across the Telugu and Kannada film industries. Rishab Shetty, the visionary behind the original Kantara that swept the nation with its raw portrayal of Tulu Nadu's Bhuta Kola rituals, returned as director, writer, and lead actor. Joining him on stage were co-stars like Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah, with B. Ajaneesh Loknath's haunting score setting the mystical tone. But it was Jr NTR's arrival—despite a recent minor injury from an ad shoot—that ignited the crowd. The RRR star, looking dapper in traditional attire, shared the mic with Rishab, calling him "brother" in a nod to their growing camaraderie. Rishab reciprocated warmly, posting event photos on X with captions gushing over their "brotherhood," which quickly went viral, melting hearts online.

What made the night special wasn't just the glamour; it was how it bridged cinema and culture. Kantara Chapter 1 transports viewers to the Kadamba dynasty era, exploring the origins of the Panjurli Daiva spirit through epic battles, sacred forests, and intense Bhuta Kola sequences. Rishab's commitment shone through—rumors swirl that he abstained from non-veg food and even went barefoot during ritual shoots to honor the authenticity.

Jr NTR's Nostalgic Dive into Kundapur Tales

In a moment that felt deeply personal, Jr NTR took the audience back to his childhood. Growing up, his grandmother regaled him with enchanting stories from Kundapur, a coastal Karnataka town rich in folklore. "Those weren't just bedtime tales," he reminisced, his voice laced with wonder. "They were alive with gods, warriors, and spirits dancing in the shadows of ancient temples." He paused, eyes lighting up as he turned to Rishab. "I never dreamed someone would capture that magic on screen—and that someone would be you, my brother."

NTR's words painted a vivid picture: misty mornings by the Arabian Sea, whispers of divine fury, and the thrill of mythical quests. He credited these early memories for fueling his love for stories that blend the earthly with the ethereal. Watching Kantara unfold, he said, was like reliving those nights, but amplified into a cinematic storm. Fans in the audience nodded along, many sharing on social media how NTR's vulnerability made the film's folklore feel universal, not distant.

Celebrating Rishab Shetty's Unmatched Craft

No praise was too high for Rishab Shetty that evening. Jr NTR dubbed him "a rare breed"—an actor who transforms into a fierce warrior, a director who wrestles untamed forests into frames of breathtaking beauty. "It's humanly impossible to pull off Kantara Chapter 1 without Rishab and his team's blind faith in the vision," NTR declared, recounting a visit to a remote temple near Rishab's hometown. Wading through waters with no path, just to set up a shoot? That's the grit that turned folklore into a phenomenon.

NTR wasn't exaggerating the challenges. From co-writing the screenplay with Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Guru to embodying the fearless protagonist clashing with a tyrannical prince, Rishab poured his soul into every detail. NTR even shared a light-hearted anecdote about Rishab's help during a family pilgrimage to Udupi's Krishna temple, underscoring their bond beyond the silver screen. "Without him, that darshan wouldn't have happened—and without his fire, this film wouldn't exist," he added, earning thunderous applause.

Excitement Builds for a Mythical Cinematic Odyssey

As the event wrapped with teaser glimpses promising high-octane action and emotional depths rivaling the original's iconic climax, the air crackled with anticipation. Kantara Chapter 1 isn't just a sequel—it's a deeper plunge into India's spiritual heritage, timed perfectly for Dussehra. Jr NTR's excitement was infectious: "This is more than a movie; it's a journey that revives our forgotten myths and makes our hearts race with divine energy."

With global earnings from the first film topping Rs 400 crore and a National Award for Rishab, expectations are sky-high. Will Chapter 1 match that roar? If NTR's glowing endorsement is any clue, it's set to be another cultural earthquake. As fans count down, one thing's clear: in the world of Indian cinema, stories like these remind us why we fall in love with films—because they echo the legends we've always carried inside.

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