Bengaluru: Indian cricketer KL Rahul has joined the growing list of celebrities praising Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, describing it as a movie that “beautifully represents the people and beliefs of Mangaluru.” The Karnataka-born cricketer, who hails from Mangalore, recently watched the film and took to Instagram to share his admiration for the movie’s depiction of regional faith, folklore, and emotion.

Sharing the film’s motion title on his Instagram story, Rahul wrote, “Just watched Kantara. Blown away by the magic Rishab Shetty has created yet again. All heart and beautifully represents the people and the belief of Mangaluru.”

His post instantly went viral among fans, many of whom appreciated the sportsman’s heartfelt connection to his roots and his support for regional cinema.

A celebration inspired by ‘Kantara’

This isn’t the first time KL Rahul has expressed his fondness for the Kantara franchise. Earlier this year, during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Rahul paid a special on-field tribute to the film after guiding his team to a victory.

Following a match-winning six against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rahul celebrated by drawing a circle on the pitch and striking his bat into its centre, imitating the iconic climax sequence from the original Kantara (2022). The gesture quickly became one of the most talked-about IPL celebrations of the season.

Explaining the moment later, Rahul said, “This is a special place for me. That celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. It was just a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this home is where I have grown up — and that this is mine.”

The symbolic celebration connected deeply with fans, blending the worlds of cinema, sport, and cultural pride — three passions that define modern Karnataka.

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ continues its winning streak

Directed by Rishab Shetty and produced by Hombale Films, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ released on October 2 and has been dominating the box office. As of Tuesday morning, trade portal Sacnilk reported that the film had collected over ₹260.39 crore, cementing its place as one of the year’s biggest successes.

The film stars Rishab Shetty as Berme, a fierce tribal warrior and Naga Sadhu who stands as the spiritual protector of his people and their sacred land. Alongside Shetty, the cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in pivotal roles.

Set in pre-colonial Karnataka, the story explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and the deep bond between nature and humanity. Critics have lauded the film for its raw performances, visual grandeur, and authentic portrayal of Tulu culture — the coastal traditions of the Tulunadu region.

Rishab Shetty’s cinematic vision and cultural depth

Following the unprecedented success of the first Kantara film in 2022, Rishab Shetty was under immense pressure to deliver a compelling prequel. However, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has exceeded expectations, winning acclaim from both audiences and critics for its spiritual depth and cinematic excellence.

The film also delves into the origins of the Daiva worship practices central to Karnataka’s coastal folklore — a theme that resonates deeply with the region’s devotees. Shetty, who both directed and acted in the film, has been praised for handling the subject with reverence and authenticity.

Several celebrities, including Rajinikanth, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Anushka Shetty, have also lauded the film for taking Indian cinema closer to its cultural roots.

KL Rahul’s love for Karnataka and its culture

KL Rahul’s connection with Kantara stems not only from his love of cinema but also from his strong sense of regional pride. Born in Mangalore, Rahul has often spoken about how Karnataka shaped both his cricketing journey and personal identity. His appreciation for Kantara — a film that celebrates the essence of Tulunadu’s spirituality — reflects his continuing bond with his homeland.

Fans on social media hailed Rahul’s review as “genuine” and “heartfelt,” with many commenting that his praise adds to the cultural pride the film evokes among Kannadigas.

Conclusion

With ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ continuing its record-breaking run and inspiring admiration across professions, from filmmakers to cricketers, it has cemented its place as more than just a movie — it is a cultural movement. For fans like KL Rahul, the film stands as a symbol of Karnataka’s heritage, belief, and emotion, captured through Rishab Shetty’s masterful storytelling.

As Rahul put it, “All heart and beautifully represents the people and the belief of Mangaluru.”