Madhur Bhandarkar Praises Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’

The success of Rishab Shetty’s film, Kantara: Chapter 1, continues to resonate across the film industry, garnering notable acclaim from critics and audiences alike. The film, which premiered in theaters on October 2, 2025, has shattered box office records, showcasing its widespread appeal.

National Award-winning filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar recently shared his enthusiastic response to the film, calling it “extraordinary.” After viewing the movie in theaters, Bhandarkar took to social media to express his admiration. In a post on his X account, he stated, “Saw the film #KantaraChapter1 by @shetty_rishab, and I must say, Indian cinema has never seen anything like it before. It’s a raw, divine, and utterly captivating work of art.”

Bhandarkar highlighted the performance of Rishab Shetty, who not only stars in the film but also directs it. He noted, “Rishab Shetty delivers an extraordinary performance, expertly crafting and carrying the entire film.” This sentiment reflects the film’s strong narrative and compelling character development.

In addition, Bhandarkar praised the ensemble cast, which includes notable performances from Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah. He emphasized the film’s technical aspects, stating, “The background score, sound design, cinematography, production design, and VFX are world-class.” His commendation of Hombale Films for their support of the creative team further underlines the collaborative effort behind the film’s success.

The narrative of Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the highly successful Kantara from 2022. It delves into the Bhuta Kola ritual, a traditional practice prevalent in coastal Karnataka. This cultural exploration adds depth to the film, appealing to both local and international audiences.

Box office figures reinforce the film’s triumph, as it opened with a remarkable collection of Rs 61.85 crore and has since accumulated an impressive total of Rs 255.75 crore in India, according to reports from Sacnilk. Despite facing competition from Shashank Khaitan’s film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari, starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, the box office numbers clearly indicate that Kantara: Chapter 1 has overshadowed its rival.

As the film continues to attract audiences, the recognition from established filmmakers like Madhur Bhandarkar underscores its significance in the contemporary landscape of Indian cinema. The combination of a powerful narrative, stellar performances, and high production values has positioned Kantara: Chapter 1 as a standout achievement in the industry.