02 October,2025 08:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kantara Chapter 1
Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 hit theatres today, October 2, amid much anticipation and excitement. The scenes outside the cinema halls reflected the fandom of the film and the actor-director. However, just as the film was tasting success, a major setback hit the film within just hours of release. Soon after the release, the film has now been leaked online.
On Thursday afternoon, ABP News reported that the film had fallen prey to piracy websites on the internet. Following the leak, the film is now reportedly available on platforms such as Tamilrockers, Filmyzilla, Movierulez, and Moviesda. Additionally, unauthorised versions of the film are also being circulated on several Telegram channels.
It must be noted that this is not the first time that a film has been leaked online soon after its release. Earlier, several other big movies, including Pushpa, Animal and Brahmastra, have also fallen prey to piracy websites. Circulation of newly released films through piracy and leaks is not only illegal but also impacts the box office reports of a movie. Under Indian copyright law, accessing or downloading an illegal copy of a film can potentially lead to a penalty of up to Rs 2 lakh. In more severe cases, imprisonment is also possible.
For the unaware, Kantara was a pan Indian blockbuster featuring Rishab Shetty in a dual role, along with Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, and Achyuth Kumar. The film's story revolved around a Kambala champion who is at loggerheads with an upright forest officer. The film, which emerged as a huge blockbuster, also came in for critical acclaim from film industry legends across the country. In fact, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth called up the core team of the film to congratulate them for having made a movie which he described as a masterpiece.
Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the blockbuster film, will be set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. It has been written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films.
The movie stars Rishab and Jayaram in the lead roles. Filming for the upcoming actioner began in November 2023, with the first look and teaser released on November 27. Sources reveal that Rishab Shetty will portray a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers in the film.
