Trouble Ahead of Release

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 is among the most anticipated Indian films of 2025, but just weeks before its scheduled October 2 release, it is already caught in controversy. Reports suggest that the film may face a ban in Kerala due to a conflict over distribution rights between the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) and Prithviraj Productions, the film’s distributor in the state.

The issue stems from Prithviraj Productions demanding a 55 per cent cut of the net box office collections in the first two weeks, a percentage significantly higher than Kerala’s existing norm, where producers generally receive between 30 and 40 per cent for outside releases.

Why FEUOK Is Opposing the Demand

FEUOK president K. Vijayakumar has objected to Prithviraj Productions’ demands, calling them unreasonable and unsustainable for local exhibitors. He noted that applying a higher percentage could set a difficult precedent for the Kerala film distribution system, which has largely operated with fixed terms for decades.

While strong pushback has been made, FEUOK has also clarified that no final ban decision has been taken yet. According to executive member Bobby, discussions are still ongoing. He added that any move to block the screening officially would require a resolution from their general body meeting.

Kantara’s Global Ambition

Even as the Kerala row continues, Kantara: Chapter 1 is preparing for a massive international rollout. The makers have confirmed that the film will release simultaneously in more than 30 countries, marking one of the rare Pan-World releases for an Indian regional film.

The global release list is extensive—spanning the UK, USA, Canada, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, Russia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, and several parts of Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. For Rishab Shetty and Indian cinema, the wide-scale release underlines Kantara’s cultural impact and ambition to tell a rooted story that resonates globally.

A Crucial Moment for Indian Storytelling

The stakes are high for Kantara: Chapter 1. The first film, Kantara, released in 2022, had taken the nation by storm, winning praise for its narrative rooted in folklore, mysticism, and cultural traditions. It not only dominated the Indian box office but also impressed international audiences with its originality. The sequel has since become a highly anticipated film, with fans eager to dive deeper into its mythological backdrop.

However, the present deadlock in Kerala marks a crucial test for the team. Kerala has traditionally contributed significantly to the box office of major South Indian films, and losing out on this market could impact collections. At the same time, the Pan-World release may cushion financial risks by drawing attention from international audiences.

Whether or not Kantara: Chapter 1 will ultimately hit Kerala theatres depends on the outcome of the ongoing talks between FEUOK and Prithviraj Productions. As fans in Kerala wait anxiously, the film’s wider global audience is preparing for what promises to be another stellar storytelling experience from Rishab Shetty.

No matter the outcome in Kerala, the film has already set a benchmark as one of the biggest Indian cinematic exports of recent times.

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