Kantara (film)

Kantara (transl. Mystical Forest) is a 2022 Indian Kannada-language action thriller film written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda, under Hombale Films. The film stars Rishab Shetty in a dual role, along with Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, and Achyuth Kumar. The film is about a Kambala champion who is at loggerheads with an upright forest officer.

Set and filmed in Keradi in coastal Karnataka, principal photography began in August 2021. The cinematography was handled by Arvind S. Kashyap, with the music composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath. The action sequences were choreographed by Vikram More, while the production design was managed by debutant Dharani Gange Putra.

The film was released on 30 September 2022 to critical acclaim, with praise for its cast performances (particularly those of Shetty and Kishore), direction, soundtrack, and the portrayal of Bhuta Kola. It was a major commercial success and emerged as the second highest-grossing Kannada film of all time after K.G.F: Chapter 2, released the same year. It was also 2022's fourth highest-grossing film in India. A prequel called Kantara: Chapter 1 has been announced. Kantara was featured at the 54th IFFI Indian panorama section, where it won the Silver Peacock - Special Jury Award. At the 70th National Film Awards, Rishab won the Best Actor Award and the movie won the Best Popular Film Award.