Kantara: Chapter 1 creators ask for audience's help against piracy

Chennai: The makers of director Rishab Shetty’s pan-India film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' on Friday urged audiences not to support piracy, saying it harms the film as well as the efforts of the thousands who worked to bring it to life.

Taking to social media, Hombale Films, the production house behind the film, posted: “Dear Kantara family and cinema lovers, From the beginning, Kantara has been yours as much as ours. Your love and support have carried this journey forward. We humbly request that you not support piracy. It not only harms the film but also the dreams and efforts of thousands who worked tirelessly to bring it to life.”

The makers also appealed to fans not to record or share videos from theatres, even with good intentions."We also kindly ask fans not to record or share videos from theatres, even with good intentions, as it takes away the magic of cinema. 'Kantara: Chapter 1' was created for the big screen for you to feel every sound, every frame, every emotion as it was meant to be. Let's protect this journey together and keep Kantara an unforgettable experience in theatres,” the post added.

The film, which opened strongly, has received praise from various quarters. Indian cricketer Varun Chakravarthy called it “one of the best representations of the many diverse and intricate cultures of our Indian land,”. "#Kantara has to be one of the best representations and portrayals of the many diverse and Intricate cultures of our indian land in every possible angle!!! Fantastic and mind-blowing!!! @shetty_rishab'', wrote Varun.

Acclaimed director Sandeep Reddy Vanga described it as “a cinematic thunderstorm, raw, divine, and unshakable,” praising Rishab Shetty’s solo performance and direction. Hombale Films responded, saying they were “truly overwhelmed” by Vanga’s words.

Released worldwide on October 2 in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and English, 'Kantara: Chapter 1 ' is the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Vijay Kiragandur, the film stars Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth and Jayaram in lead roles. Set during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, filming for the actioner began in November 2023, with its first look and teaser released later that month.

IANS