Kantara, the Kannada-language film that released in 2022, surprised many by emerging as one of the biggest commercial successes in Indian cinema that year. Made on a relatively modest budget, the film turned into a massive box office hit and gained popularity across language barriers, especially for its rooted storytelling and cultural backdrop.
Following its success, the makers began working on a sequel, which is actually a prequel to the original story. Titled Kantara: Chapter 1, the film is written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty and is scheduled to release on October 2nd this year. The team spent over three years on the project, with major portions shot in real-time forest locations.
Now, a new development has caught fans’ attention. There is strong speculation that Telugu actor NTR might join the Kantara Cinematic Universe in its third installment, which is expected to follow Chapter 1. While there is no official confirmation yet from the makers or the actor, the news has sparked discussion on social media and within trade circles.
The connection between NTR and Rishab Shetty isn’t entirely new. Both have roots in the town of Kundapura in Karnataka. In fact, during an earlier visit to Kundapura with his mother, NTR reportedly received hospitality and arrangements from Rishab Shetty himself. During that trip, when asked by media about appearing in a Kantara film, NTR responded that the decision would rest with Rishab, suggesting openness to the idea.
This comes at a time when NTR is already making strategic career moves. His Hindi debut War 2, co-starring Hrithik Roshan, is gearing up for release on August 14. At a time when several actors are taking years to complete projects, NTR seems to be opting for faster-paced, cross-industry collaborations that expand his footprint across regions.
If NTR does come on board, it would mark his debut in a Kannada production. More importantly, it could set a trend for deeper collaborations between Kannada and Telugu industries. As of now, there’s no official statement from Hombale Films or NTR’s team, but the possibility of such a collaboration is enough to keep fans curious about what’s next in the Kantara franchise.
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