Introduction
kantara behind the scenes Of all Indian films, few have captured the true spirit of folklore and human emotion as has Kantara. A look at Kantara behind the scenes, however, is a story of passion, reverence for culture, and the will to succeed. Directed, written and performed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara (2022) was no mere film it was acalling inspired by the misty forests of coastal Karnata
The success of the film, which earned over ₹450 crore on a budget of about ₹16 crore, amazed audiences. However, what is most fascinating is the Kantara behind the scenes story of how a local legend became a pan-Indian blockbuster. From grueling shooting days stuck in the fields and thin but heartfelt family collaborations, here is a special glimpse at the making of the film.
The Spark: Conceptualization in Lockdown Shadows
Rishab Shetty developed Kantara in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. The spark for the narrative came out of actual conflicts between the forest officers and villagers in his home village (Keradi) where he weaved a story of nature’s fury and divine rituals together. “It is a film about our land, and about our roots we are trying to tell a story that has been passed down from generation to generation” stated Shetty and it embodies notions from the aspects of Yakshagana theatre and worship from Bhuta Kola.
What began as a simple idea, evolved into an epic with three timelines 1840s, 1970s, and 1990s. Shetty’s intention was to honour folklore or oral tradition without documented history (Sanskrit term “Kantara” is a “mysterious forest’ or unexplored forest). There were not enough books on this work, instead he based his research on consultation with local tribes to ensure authenticity and also conveyed Keradi’s spirit. The groundwork in the midst of all of this, set up a tone for Kantara from behind the scenes, of a production based more on immersing in real culture than reading from a script. The idea for Shetty was to make the engagement with the viewers, feel like they could sense the pulse of the earth not just observing it.
Family Connections: The Hidden Heroic Contributions of Pragathi
kantara behind the scenes Every epic features a bedrock of support, and for Kantara it was Pragathi Shetty, Rishab’s wife and the costume designer. She took hikes to the villages of Keradi to sketch tribal costumes from observing their real-life performers. Every aspect was customized, even down to the changing colors of the badges for the forest guards’ uniforms on a yearly basis. Pragathi’s contributions exceeded clothing, however. While Rishab threw himself into the intensity of directing, Pragathi fulfilled a vital role managing their home lifestyle. “I manage things at home so he can pursue his passion”, Pragathi remarked in a recent interview discussing the evolution of the franchise after Kantara. The film became a shared emotional expression after ten years of marriage, built through conversations over the past around dinner about stories that eventually landed on-set. The unmitigated support Pragathi provided is best conveyed in the behind the scenes of Kantara when she said her real experience was her “university” of learning. Whether it was convincing timid junior artists from Kundapura to wear tribal costumes, or a humble victory of persuasion and empathy.
Forests and Fury: Shooting in the Wild
A principal photography started in August 2021, at four forest locations in Keradi. No studios, Shetty insisted on sonic work with natural light and terrain to depict the wild nature of Kantara. The crew constructed a village from the 1990s, complete with rural homes, local areca plantation and a full Kambala buffalo race track. Art director Dharani Gangeputra recruited fifty local men and women of expertise from Bangalore and together they closely studied the locals’ customs and practices. They built a temple, a school, and a tree house on location using only natural materials, and put everyone into the time period. “We lived the story,” a production member recounts. Kantara wasn’t all as poetic behind the scenes, as monsoon rains made the fields the crew were in muddy jobs throughout days of sheer tough work. But it was the muddy job that worked to enhance the visceral authenticity in the film’s character.
FAQ: Kantara Behind the Scenes Insights
- What inspired the story in Kantara behind the scenes?
Rishab Shetty said that he took from the conflicts in Keradi in the early 1990s where local villagers battled against man-made disasters with officials of the State, blending the events with selections from the authentic ritual of the Bhuta Kola to craft the epic folklore tale. - How long did the Kantara behind-the-scenes training for Kambala take?
Shetty trained for four months to realistically race buffaloes in order to push his physicality to the limit for the high-octane sequence once shooting began. - Who designed costumes in Kantara behind the scenes?
Pragathi was responsible for designing the tribal costumes, speaking with locals in the village to obtain materials to accurately design each piece of clothing. - What challenges did the team face for Kantara behind the scenes?
From shooting in the monsoon to battling with a legal war with the composer over the music, the team was successful and fueled by their dedication to the film to overcome any challenges from nature and logistics. - How does the Kantara Chapter 1 connect to the original behind the scenes?The prequel expands the mythology with an even larger-than-life use of VFX and 250 days of production and pays homage to the same family spirit.
Conclusion
Kantara was not only de facto award winners but also re-established Bhuta Kola stipends for the older generations. Shetty’s journey, from dreaming in lockdown to global recognition, shows the power of storytelling. As Chapter 1 makes its way to storms of 2025, the saga of Kantara behind the scenes continues, a testament that roots run deep.
