Kantara: Chapter 1 Faces Possible Ban In Kerala Over Dispute With Prithviraj Productions
Rishab Shetty’s much-anticipated film Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, is facing unexpected turbulence ahead of its release.
The film, directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, is scheduled to hit theatres worldwide on October 2, 2025. However, reports suggest that it may not see a release in Kerala following a profit-sharing standoff between Prithviraj Productions and the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEUOK).
According to a report from OnManorama, the conflict centres on revenue-sharing terms. FEUOK president K. Vijayakumar revealed that Prithviraj Productions, which holds the Kerala distribution rights for Kantara: Chapter 1, has demanded a 55% share of box office collections from theatres for the first two weeks of release.
While Malayalam exhibitors currently agree to a 50% profit share for non-Malayalam films in the opening days, they have strongly opposed the additional 5% demand. Vijayakumar clarified that such exceptions were only allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when theatres were struggling to recover.
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Speaking to the media, he stated, “Other language films distributed in Kerala are allowed only 50% profit in the first few days. But Prithviraj Productions has demanded 55% for two full weeks. We cannot allow such terms under the current circumstances.”
He also pointed out what many see as a double standard in the industry: while big production houses often demand higher revenue shares for non-Malayalam films released in Kerala, Malayalam producers typically receive only 30–40% revenue shares when distributing their films outside the state.
Vijayakumar cited the example of Thudarum, a successful Malayalam release within Kerala that nevertheless suffered losses when exported to other markets due to uneven sharing terms.
As of now, FEUOK has announced that the ban on Kantara: Chapter 1 in Kerala is already in effect, unless Prithviraj Productions revises its demand. The production house has yet to release an official response or engage in negotiations with the exhibitors’ body.
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This dispute could significantly impact the film’s Kerala box office potential, given the state’s moviegoing audience and the increasing popularity of Kannada films among Malayalam-speaking viewers.
Kantara: Chapter 1 is expected to transport audiences into pre-colonial coastal Karnataka during the rule of the Kadambas of Banavasi. The story will reportedly explore lost traditions, divine connections, and the spiritual lore of Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva, deepening the mythological roots introduced in the first film.
The cast includes Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah, with Malayalam star Jayaram also expected to play a pivotal role. Produced under Hombale Films, the project has already generated massive buzz across India.
