Rishab Shetty’s Kantara (2022) became a cultural phenomenon that spotlighted Karnataka’s mystical coastal traditions and rural landscapes. Filmed mainly around Keradi village (Udupi district), the movie weaves together Buta Kola (spirit worship), Kambala (buffalo races), and local temple culture—revealing a living bond between nature, faith, and folklore.
Now, with the release of Kantara Chapter 1 (October 2025), curiosity about these real-life places, rituals, and communities has reached new heights. Let’s explore how the Kantara universe is turning Karnataka into a vibrant hub for cultural tourism.
🎬 Kantara Chapter 1 — A New Wave of Cultural Travel
The prequel, Kantara Chapter 1, dives deeper into the mythic origins of the Daiva (spirit) traditions and explores the lore of Pan̄jurli Daiva and Guliga, offering breathtaking visuals of forests, ritual grounds, and ancient shrines.
How It Fuels Tourism
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Expanded cinematic landscapes: Larger-than-life forest sets and traditional village scenes are inspiring travellers to visit real-world locations with similar beauty—coastal Karnataka, Udupi’s temple belt, and Kodagu’s sacred groves.
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Cultural revival: The movie renews global interest in rituals like Buta Kola and festivals like Kambala, prompting heritage and film-based travel experiences.
Tourism surge: With screenings across India and abroad (Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam), the region’s unique folklore and landscapes are drawing new domestic and international visitors.
🎥 “Kantara Chapter 1 isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural bridge connecting cinema, spirituality, and travel.”
🏛️ Spotlight: Kantara Chapter 1 Shines at Rashtrapati Bhavan
In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Kantara: Chapter 1 was screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 5, 2025, celebrating its profound portrayal of Karnataka’s spirit and heritage.
🎬 Director Rishab Shetty, actress Rukmini Vasanth, and producer Chaluve Gowda attended the event — marking national recognition for Kantara’s cultural depth.
The screening, attended by dignitaries and cultural leaders, underlined the film’s themes of faith, nature, and native traditions — and its power to promote heritage tourism in Karnataka’s heartland.
🌾 From local shrines to the nation’s highest halls — Kantara’s spirit now echoes across India.
Real-Life Locations Behind Kantara
1. Keradi Village, Udupi District
The central filming site of Kantara features lush forests, red-soil paths, and time-honoured shrines. Visitors can:
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Walk through forest trails and traditional paddy fields.
Meet locals who share stories of filming and real Buta Kola rituals.
2. Sai Radha Heritage, Udupi
The elegant heritage bungalow that played the landlord’s house in the film is a real boutique stay. Its laterite architecture and serene setting give travellers a taste of Kantara’s old-world ambience.
3. Temple & Cave-Like Sites
Though Kantara’s main temple was a constructed set, real structures in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada mirror its design. Visitors can explore:
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Hulimavu Cave Temple (near Bengaluru)
Badami Cave Temples (Chalukyan era, North Karnataka)
🔥 Buta Kola — Spirit Worship of Coastal Karnataka
Buta Kola (or Daiva Nema) is a centuries-old ritual unique to Tulu Nadu. A performer, adorned in ornate costume and brass jewellery, embodies a guardian spirit (Buta/Daiva) who protects the community.
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Meaning: The Buta symbolizes divine justice and harmony between man and nature.
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Performance: Drums, chants, fire, and trance-like movement create a sacred atmosphere.
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Community role: Villagers approach the spirit for blessings or mediation in disputes.
Tourists visiting from November to March can witness Buta Kola ceremonies in temple courtyards—an unforgettable glimpse into living folklore.
🕯️ “Buta Kola is a dialogue between the divine and the devoted.”
🌸 India Post Honours Bootha Kola Tradition
In a proud cultural tribute, India Post has released a Special Cover and two Picture Postcards celebrating Bootha Kola—a vibrant ritual where devotion, folklore, and tradition unite.
This initiative not only recognizes the ritual’s spiritual depth but also promotes Karnataka’s rich intangible heritage across the nation.
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The Special Cover features intricate artwork depicting the Bhoota Kola dancer in full regalia.
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The Picture Postcards showcase stunning visuals from the coastal districts where these rituals thrive.
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The release highlights how Bhoota Kola, immortalized through Kantara, represents the cultural identity of Tulu Nadu and strengthens heritage tourism in Karnataka.
📮 Through its stamps and postcards, India Post preserves the living soul of Karnataka’s traditions for generations to come.
🐃 Kambala — The Buffalo Race Festival
Kambala, showcased vividly in Kantara, is Karnataka’s thrilling buffalo race festival held in water-filled paddy fields.
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Season: November–March (post-harvest).
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Where: Villages like Keradi, Moodbidri, and Puttur.
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Experience: Decorated buffaloes sprint through slushy tracks, cheered on by thousands.
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Origin: A thanksgiving to local deities for harvest and livestock prosperity.
🐃 “Kambala is rhythm, faith, and raw power racing through the earth.”
Suggested Kantara Travel Circuit
| Place | Highlights | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Keradi Village | Film site, local shrines, Kambala fields | Visit Nov–Feb for Buta Kola & Kambala |
| Sai Radha Heritage | Heritage stay from film | Book early; try Udupi cuisine |
| Udupi & Coastal Temples | Sri Krishna Matha, heritage shrines | Respect local customs |
| Badami & Hulimavu Caves | Rock-cut temples with Kantara-like aura | Hire guides; carry essentials |
How to Reach
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Nearest Hub: Udupi / Kundapura
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By Air: Mangaluru International Airport (≈ 80 km from Keradi)
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Best Time: October–February
Stay: Sai Radha Heritage (Udupi), eco-homestays around Kundapura & Kodi Beach
Responsible Tourism Tips
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Request permission before photographing rituals.
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Support local artisans and performers.
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Avoid littering; use eco-friendly transport.
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Hire local guides for authentic stories and insights.
FAQs
Q1. What inspired Kantara: Chapter 1?
It explores the mythic roots of Daiva traditions and expands the lore introduced in Kantara (2022).
Q2. Where can visitors witness Buta Kola?
In Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts from November to March.
Q3. When is the Kambala season?
Between November and March in coastal Karnataka villages.
Q4. What did India Post release for Bootha Kola?
A Special Cover and two Picture Postcards celebrating the ritual’s cultural and spiritual depth.
Q5. Why was Kantara: Chapter 1 screened at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
The screening recognized its cultural significance and its role in promoting Karnataka’s traditions and tourism.
Conclusion
Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1 together celebrate the sacred relationship between man, spirit, and soil. Their impact extends beyond cinema—turning the forests, shrines, and traditions of Karnataka into living travel experiences.
🌾 In Karnataka’s heartland, faith still dances through forests and buffaloes still race the wind — waiting for travellers to witness their timeless story.
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