A new film, “Kantara Chapter 1,” is shaking up the entertainment world. It just hit theaters on Thursday and is already gathering huge applause. Critics and moviegoers are loving it. Many big stars from the industry are also sharing their awe for actor-director Rishab Shetty and his movie.
One of the loudest voices comes from famous director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts. Vanga called “Kantara Chapter 1” a true masterpiece. He boldly stated that Indian cinema has never seen anything quite like it before. He described the film as a cinematic thunderstorm, both raw and divine, something completely unshakeable. Vanga especially praised Rishab Shetty, calling the film a “one-man show.” He noted that Shetty single-handedly created and performed this unique vision. The director also gave a special shout-out to Ajaneesh Loknath for the film’s incredible background music.
KANTARA Chapter 1 is a true MASTERPIECE 🙏
INDIAN cinema has never seen anything like this before.
It’s a cinematic thunderstorm, raw, divine, and unshakable.
Rishab shetty delivers a true one-man show, crafted and carried single-handedly 🙏@shetty_rishab
Special mention to…
— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) October 2, 2025
Rishab Shetty himself shared a sweet and simple response to Vanga’s high praise. He quickly replied to the director’s tweet, writing “Thank you brother.” Shetty even added a red heart emoji to show his appreciation. It was a heartfelt exchange between two creative minds.
Thank you brother ❤️ https://t.co/xG2gSisBR9
— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) October 2, 2025
Industry Stars Shower Praise
The buzz around “Kantara Chapter 1” isn’t limited to just one director. A parade of other well-known celebrities has also joined in praising the film. Names like superstar Yash, Prabhas, Jr NTR, and directors Prashant Neel and Gopichand Malineni have all shared their admiration.
Superstar Yash called the movie a “new benchmark” for Kannada and Indian cinema. He praised Rishab Shetty’s strong conviction, his ability to stay true to his vision, and his deep commitment. Yash pointed out that Shetty’s efforts as writer, director, and actor shine through. He felt that Shetty’s vision created a truly immersive experience for viewers.
Kantara Chapter 1: The New Benchmark for Kannada and Indian Cinema. @shetty_rishab , your conviction, resilience, and sheer devotion are evident in every frame. As the writer, director, and actor, your vision translates into a truly immersive experience on screen.
Heartfelt…
— Yash (@TheNameIsYash) October 3, 2025
Rishab Shetty responded to Yash, sharing his respect. He mentioned that Yash’s career path and ideas have always been a source of inspiration for him. Shetty expressed his pride in seeing Yash’s many achievements. He also thanked Yash for his constant support and for standing by his work.
Your journey and vision has always been an inspiration, sir.
To witness your achievements today fills me with pride.
Thank you for always standing by me and supporting my work ❤️ https://t.co/otXQnR4yKP— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) October 3, 2025
Jr NTR also extended his congratulations to the “Kantara Chapter 1” team for their resounding success. He specifically praised Rishab Shetty, saying he achieved the impossible. Shetty excelled as both a mind-blowing actor and a brilliant director. Jr NTR sent his best wishes to the entire cast and crew, and to Hombale Films, for their courageous work.
Congratulations to the team of #KantaraChapter1 on scoring a resounding success.@shetty_rishab sir pulled off the unthinkable by excelling both as a mindblowing actor and a brilliant director.
My best wishes to the entire cast and crew, along with @hombalefilms, for fearlessly…
— Jr NTR (@tarak9999) October 2, 2025
Director Prashant Varma called “Kantara Chapter 1” more than just a film. He described it as a “divine roar and cultural spectacle.” Varma highlighted Rishab Shetty’s performance as one of a lifetime, filled with intensity, devotion, and sheer brilliance. He also gave kudos to producers V Kiragandur and Hombale Films for supporting such a magical project.
#KantaraChapter1 is not just a film, it’s a divine roar & cultural spectacle 🔥@shetty_rishab sir gave a performance of a life time with intensity, devotion & sheer brilliance!! ❤️🔥
Kudos to the producers @VKiragandur sir @hombalefilms for backing such magic. 👏🏼
I just… pic.twitter.com/VSvK5HHN6c
— Prasanth Varma (@PrasanthVarma) October 2, 2025
Gopichand Malineni, another director, found “Kantara Chapter 1” to be a beautiful cinematic experience. He expressed his love for the film’s unique world, its characters, and the grand show it put on. Malineni praised Rishab Shetty for his excellent work in both acting and directing. He also highlighted Rukmini’s brilliant performance and the work of DOP Arvind Kashyap.
#KantaraChapter1 is a beautiful cinematic experience.
Absolutely loved the world, the characters, and every bit of this grand spectacle.
Kudos to @shetty_rishab garu for excelling in both acting & direction, @rukminitweets is brilliant and DOP #ArvindKashyap’s work is…
— Gopichandh Malineni (@megopichand) October 2, 2025
Veteran actor Upendra also joined the chorus of praise. He shared that he was “hearing extraordinary reports from everywhere.” Upendra extended his hearty congratulations to Rishab Shetty and his team, along with Hombale Films.
Hearing extraordinary reports from everywhere. My heartily congratulations to #Rishabh Shetty and team, #Hombale Films pic.twitter.com/RgF10wXlp2
— Upendra (@nimmaupendra) October 3, 2025
A Roaring Start at the Box Office
The acclaim isn’t just critical; it’s also making a splash at the box office. “Kantara Chapter 1,” led by Rishab Shetty, kicked off with an amazing start. On its very first day, the film reportedly raked in 60 crore rupees. Audiences are clearly embracing this cinematic experience. Experts predict that the film’s earnings will climb even higher throughout the weekend.