This Republic Day a divine cinematic storm unleashes as Kantara Chapter 1 premieres on Zee Cinema

This Republic Day, Zee Cinema brings home an epic divine saga as Kantara Chapter 1 makes its World Television Premiere on 26th January at 7 PM. Headlined by Rishabh Shetty and Rukmani Vasanth, the film is a grand celebration of faith, roar of devotion and a triumph of cinema, standing tall as cinematic masterpiece that celebrates our ancient spiritual roots.
At its heart lies a deeply moving story of man, nature and the divine, portraying the sacrosanct bond that has been the bedrock of Indian communities for generations. This is not just a film, but an experience offering a proud portrayal of Indian traditions, emotions, and grandeur. Visually breathtaking and mounted on a grand scale, the film takes audiences from vast forest landscapes to spellbinding ritual sequences, each frame meticulously crafted to heighten the cinematic experience. Complemented by powerful performances, striking cinematography and a soul-stirring soundscore, Kantara: Chapter One emerges as a an extraordinary blend of folklore, faith and emotions. 
The film’s impact is further underscored by its extraordinary box-office success, with massive footfalls across languages and regions, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2025. Its authenticity, emotional intensity and breathtaking visuals resonated deeply with audiences nationwide, firmly establishing it as a triumph of Indian cinema.
Sharing his thoughts, Rishab Shetty said, “Kantara Chapter 1 is not just a film, it is a journey back to our roots. Through this story, I wanted to explore the traditions, faith and way of life that have existed for generations and still shape who we are today. Our culture is deeply connected to the land, nature and belief systems, and Kantara Chapter 1 reflects that powerful bond. Releasing this film on Republic Day makes it even more special because it is a day that reminds us of our identity, our heritage and our responsibility to preserve it. I am grateful that Zee Cinema is bringing this story to audiences across the country, allowing every home to experience the soul of this land.”
Adding to this, Rukmani Vasanth shared, “Kantara Chapter 1 has a certain force to it. There is an intensity - in the visuals, the emotions and the way the story unfolds - that makes the experience very powerful. It completely draws you into its world. It was wonderful working on the film alongside Rishab Shetty - collaborating with him added to the journey and I learned so much along the way. I’m glad audiences can experience the film on Zee Cinema this Republic Day.”
Set during the Kadamba dynasty, this second instalment of the Kantara universe unfolds as a prequel, transporting audiences back to the very origins of the legend. It traces the rootas of Divine forces and rise of a warrior chosen to guard the land and its people. As forces of greed and power threaten the sanctity of the realm, these guardians rise to defend the innocent and vanquish evil. This chapter lays the foundation for a much larger journey, revealing how faith, resistance and sacrifice shaped the enduring legacy of Kantara—a truly epic divine saga and a divine blockbuster.