- By Swati Singh
- Wed, 10 Sep 2025 03:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kantara Chapter 1 is one of the highly-anticipated movies of the year. Starring Rishab Shetty in lead role, Kantara Chapter 1 is all set to hit the theatres on October 2, 2025. Now, ahead of the movie's release, the film has reportedly been banned in Kerala. A potential conflict is brewing between the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK) and Prithviraj Productions over the distribution rights of the upcoming film Kantara: Chapter 1, according to a report in 123 Telugu.
The distributor, Prithviraj Productions, has demanded a 55 per cent share of the net box office collections for the first two weeks, which FEUOK has refused to agree to, citing that this demand exceeds the standard terms. According to FEUOK president K. Vijayakumar, Malayalam film producers typically receive 30-40 per cent of the share when films are distributed outside Kerala, making the 55 per cent demand for Kantara: Chapter 1 seem unreasonable.
The dispute has sparked rumours about a possible ban on the film's screening in Kerala, although FEUOK has clarified that no official decision has been made yet. FEUOK executive member Bobby confirmed that discussions are still underway regarding revenue-sharing terms and that any decision to block the film's screening would require a general body meeting.
Kantara Chapter 1 will have a Pan-World release, hitting theatres simultaneously in over 30 countries. This is a proud and defining moment for Indian storytelling on the global stage. The film, directed by Rishab Shetty, is set to release in key international markets including the UK, UAE, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, USA, Canada, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Fiji, Mauritius, the Caribbean, Japan, Australia and Germany, among others.
ALSO READ: Watch Rishab Shetty-Directed 5 Phenomenonal Films Before Kantara Chapter 1 Release
The film is set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka, specifically during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi. It promises to delve into the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological stories surrounding the divine guardians of the land. Building on its predecessor, the sequel is expected to weave together regional folklore, spirituality, and action, further exploring the intricate relationship between humans, nature and the divine.
