NTR backs Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 at Hyderabad pre-release event

Kantara: Chapter 1, directed and acted by Rishab Shetty, is set for an October 2 release. With NTR’s strong backing and Hombale’s support, the film promises cultural depth and pan-India appeal.

Hyderabad: The city turned festive on September 28, Sunday, as the team of Kantara: Chapter 1 held its pre-release event ahead of the film’s Dussehra release. The grand gathering was made even more special with the presence of actor NTR, who graced the occasion as the chief guest and extended his wholehearted support to the film and its makers.

Speaking at the event, NTR recalled how the stories told to him during childhood came alive on the big screen through Kantara. “When I saw those stories on screen, I was speechless. Rishab Shetty is a rare filmmaker who can command all crafts of cinema. Without him, this film would not have been possible,” he said. Calling Kantara: Chapter 1 a dream project supported strongly by Hombale Films, NTR expressed confidence that the film would turn into “a big blockbuster in Indian cinema.”

Director and lead actor Rishab Shetty was deeply moved by the reception in Hyderabad. Thanking NTR and the Telugu audience, he said, “Whenever I talk to Tarak, I feel like I am speaking to a brother. It gives me immense happiness that this celebration is happening in Hyderabad with his presence. I hope everyone watches Kantara: Chapter 1 in theaters on October 2nd and blesses our effort.”

Producer Ravi from Mythri Movie Makers praised Rishab’s vision and the film’s scale. “After watching the trailer, I immediately felt like watching the full movie. I am confident this will collect very big numbers across India,” he noted. Distributor Shashidhar Reddy echoed this, adding, “With Hombale bringing Salaar earlier and now Kantara, we are committed to justifying the trust audiences have in us.”

Heroine Rukmini Vasanth, who plays a key role in the film, extended her gratitude to Telugu audiences for their continuous support. “NTR garu stood by this film like it was his own. I hope everyone watches it in theaters and enjoys it,” she said. Costume designer Pragati Shetty and lyricist Rambabu Gosala also shared their experiences, calling Rishab a “perfect director” and praising the cultural depth of the project.

Hombale Films’ co-founder Chaluve Gowda highlighted the company’s bond with Telugu states. “Every film of ours has been welcomed warmly here. Kantara is a tribute to our roots, and with Tarak garu’s support, we are confident of another strong success.”

With the film scheduled to release worldwide on October 2, Kantara: Chapter 1 is positioned as a culturally rooted yet visually grand spectacle. Backed by Hombale Films and led by Rishab Shetty, the film carries high expectations to deliver yet another landmark in Indian cinema.