2022 Indian Sleeper Hit “Kantara” may have started as a regional language film in Kannada, but its massive success has transformed the trajectory of the movies of the Hombs overnight. Now, producer Vijay Kiragandur doubles with “Kantara: Chapter 1”, a prequel which, according to him, repels each border that the company previously fixed.
Kiragandur also shared a video behind the scenes with Variety.
Made with a modest budget of $ 1.96 million, “Kantara”, written, produced and with Rishab Shetty, continued to raise some $ 50 million with versions doubled in several Indian languages.
The decision to build an entire studio for the prequel shows the extent of the ambition at the origin of this project.
“The studio was born both from creative necessities and practical limitations,” explains Kiragandur. “We have traveled the Karnataka for an installation that could house a set of palaces developed with complex interiors, but none met our requirements in terms of scale or infrastructure. What started as a studio floor quickly spread to a full -fledged installation. ”
The investment proved to be strategic beyond simple logistics. “The construction of our own studio allowed us a complete creative control, rationalized production times, reduced travel costs – and above all – gave our director, Rishab Shetty the peace of mind to achieve his vision without compromise. It has become a catalyst for the authenticity of the film. ”
This authenticity extends to the fundamental themes of the film, which dig into the spiritual and mythological elements which have resonated so powerfully in the original. “The spiritual resonance of the first film was a guiding force because we shaped” Chapter 1 “,” notes Kiragandur. “The public’s response to” Kantara “gave us a clarity – we knew that we had to honor this heritage with a targeted narration.”
“Instead of continuing several projects simultaneously, we have chosen to channel all our energy in it,” adds Kiragandur. “Although we are in advanced phase with other Pan-Indian films, our commitment to” Kantara: Chapter 1 “has priority.”
The next Pan -Indian projects include “Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryaaanga Parvam”, the sequel to Prashant Neel’s Blockbuster 2023 “Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire”, with Prabhas, which was one of the greatest Indian successes of 2023. (2018) and “KGF: Chapter 2” (2022), the latter being the most profitable Indian film of all Times. Kiragandur produced for Hombs alongside Gowda trample.
Kiragandur recognizes the inherent challenge of balancing cultural authenticity with commercial ambitions, but composes it as an opportunity rather than a constraint. “Cultural heritage is not a pressure point for us – it’s a compass,” he says. “By remaining faithful to our story, to the talent behind it and to the emotions it transports, we are convinced that authenticity will shine on the screen.”
At the heart of this confidence is the writer-director-star Rishab Shetty, whose multifaceted involvement reflects his approach to the original film. “We had fully confidence in Rishab Shetty, the driving force behind“ Kantara: Chapter 1. ”Whether it is her game, writing or direction, her talent has played a central role in the formation of everything we created. »»
The scope of the project extends beyond entertainment to cultural preservation, approaching the themes that Kiragandur considers essential to contemporary discourse. “One of the most important aspects of” Kantara “is the emphasis on the preservation of nature and the elevation of the conversation around land ownership – a subject deeply significant for us.”
This commitment to the cultural narration positions the film in the wider mission of Hombale to raise Indian stories on a world scene. “More than regional,” Kantara: Chapter 1 “concerns Indian narration,” said Kiragandur. “Our research has frequently led us to amaze the vast cultural and narrative tapestry that this country holds. We could create years of content only from its new stories. ”
The producer sees an unexploited potential in the rich heritage of India, noting that “very few filmmakers have dared to explore this territory – perhaps because there is no Western plan to follow. But we do not see it as a limitation. We see it as a vocation. ”
While remaining modest on specific moments of production which crystallized the exceptional scope of the film, Kiragandur expresses the confidence that the public will recognize the realization. “There have been several moments, but we will let the film speak of itself. We really believe that it will leave the audience amazed – not only by the scale, but by the soul.”
When he is in a hurry from what distinguishes this production from previous efforts from Hombale, Kiragandur’s response captures the total weight of the company: “` `Kantara: Chapter 1 ‘is undoubtedly our most ambitious project to date – and there are several reasons. This is the kind of cinema that we have always dreamed of creating.
“Kantara: Chapter 1” is released on October 2 in the Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali and English languages.
Watch the video behind the scenes here:
