- By Swati Singh
- Wed, 17 Sep 2025 07:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Hombale Films’ highly anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1 is one of the most awaited films among the masses. Following the phenomenal success of Kantara in 2022, hailed as the biggest sleeper hit with record-breaking box office numbers, the prequel promises to carry the legacy forward, further heightening the excitement among audiences. As the buzz around the film continues to grow, Hollywood stunt director Todor Lazarov, who has also worked on Manikarnika and RRR, shared his experience, attachment, and approach while working on the project.
For Lazarov, the journey to Kantara: Chapter 1 began with a phone call, when he was shooting in Hyderabad and then flown to Kundapura to meet Rishab Shetty, who was in the middle of a schedule. In a recent interview, Lazarov said, “The moment I saw Rishab Shetty, there was light, pure heart and soul. He explained his vision for the climax, not just as a director but also as the actor living the character. It was so powerful that I immediately knew I had to do it. I was already committed to two projects, but I cancelled them without hesitation. I thought I had to do it for Rishab. It felt like meeting family; similar to how I felt working with Rajamouli on RRR.”
He added further, “I had watched it because my mother was a big fan of Indian cinema. She made me watch Raj Kapoor films when I was a child, so there has always been a connection. When I saw Kantara, I was struck by the story of the demigod and the remarkable way in which Rishab built his character. That gave me an understanding of the world and the vision Rishab had for Kantara: Chapter 1.”
Sharing about the action of Kantara: Chapter, he said, “The climax is different, but the essence is character building, and it’s about evolution. Rishab was clear that the drama had to intensify along with the action. To achieve that, I brought in around ten international stunt fighters from across the world, and hundreds of Indian stunt performers joined them. We spent 28 days shooting just the climax. It was massive.”
Mentioning about Rishab’s meticulous narration, he said, “He gave me the entire story arc, which helped me design the sequences as an extension of character rather than just stunts. That’s rare, and that’s what makes the film unique.”
"Kundapura was fresh for me as I had never been there before. But it didn’t feel far away from home. The people made it cosy, warm. India gives you family wherever you go.” he added.
He also said, "For me, this is already a blockbuster. Not just because of the stunts but because of the story, the depth, the soul. It’s made for a world audience. This film has the quality and the heart to reach every height internationally.”.
Kantara will release in theatres in October
Todor Lazarov, believes his connection with Indian cinema continues to be deeply personal. “Work here is not just professional, it’s also emotional. It’s passion. My mother’s love for Indian films is one side, but it’s the people I meet, the directors like Rajamouli and Rishab Shetty, who make me feel at home. That’s why I keep coming back,” he concludes.
Moreover, Hombale Films is leaving no stone unturned in carrying forward the legacy of this 2022 masterpiece. The makers have curated an extensive war sequence for Kantara: Chapter 1 with national and international specialists, involving over 500 skilled fighters and featuring 3,000 people. This sequence was filmed in an entire town spanning 25 acres on rugged terrain, over a period of 45–50 days, making it one of the biggest sequences in the history of Indian cinema.
Scheduled for a worldwide release on October 2, the film will launch in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali and English, reaching audiences across languages and regions while remaining deeply rooted in its cultural core.
With Kantara: Chapter 1, Hombale Films continues to push the boundaries of Indian cinema, promising a deeply immersive experience that celebrates folklore, faith, and cinematic excellence.