| Kantara: Chapter 1 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) Soundtrack album cover | ||||
| Soundtrack album by | ||||
| Released | 11 October 2025 | |||
| Recorded | 2023–2025 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 27:23 | |||
| Language | ||||
| Label | Hombale Films | |||
| Producer |
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| B. Ajaneesh Loknath chronology | ||||
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Kantara: Chapter 1 is the soundtrack album composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath for the 2025 Kannada-language epic period mythological action drama film of the same name, directed by Rishab Shetty, starring Shetty himself, along with Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah. The lyrics were written by Shasiraj Kavoor, Trilok Trivikrama and Pramod Maravanthe. The album featured seven songs and was released on 11 October 2025.[1][2][3]
Development
[edit]B. Ajaneesh Loknath who composed music for Kantara (2022) returned for the prequel. Like all of his films, he also produced the film's music with his wife C. R. Bobby. Loknath stated that when the prequel began production, expectations were high for both the film's story and its music, and the sound entirely aligned with his vision which he translated through music. The album accompanied five songs which did not share a direct reference and born entirely from the visuals and situations.[4]
Working on Chapter 1, Loknath extensively researched on the periodic music which he felt fascinating to study how music existed 1000 years ago before Carnatic music being fully organized. Much of the compositions were inspired from mantras, with full focus on ancient instruments such as veena, mridangam and nadaswaram, and the alap that reflected Carnatic traditions. The music was carefully organized in order to blend Carnatic music with tribal and folk rhythms. Loknath associated with temple musicians and Carnatic classical experts to maintain authenticity for the sounds that passed down generations. On composing the background score, Loknath denoted that the scale and grandeur demanded earthy folk music, with character arcs and geography shaping the compositions.[4]
Bobby also acknowledged that understanding the pulse of the film is essential for a composer, adding Loknath's music is in sync with Rishab's tempo as the heartbeat of the narrative.[4][5] She added that working on the film "felt almost divine, as if God guided us to create the music" and complemented Rishab's and producer Vijay Kiragandur's efforts to bring the story, noting it that the two of them helped to shape every note and nuance of the soundtrack.[4]
The song "Brahmakalasha", which was presented in the structure of viruttam, illustrated the process of the kumbha abhishekam with "every community honours Lord Shiva, tonalities and expressions of devotion vary. This is reflected in the lyrics and composition."[4] The song accompanied Sanskrit, Tulu and Kannada lyrics, becoming more ancient and layered and serves as the significant purpose for this film as well. Its singer Abby V recorded the song in parts of San Francisco, Dubai and Los Angeles.[6] Actor Diljit Dosanjh recorded the Hindi version of "Rebel Song" as he liked the first film.[7] He also shot for a promo video for the song with Rishab.[8][9] "Varaha Roopam", "Rebel Song" and "Karma Song" which was featured in the first film was also included in the prequel.[4]
Release
[edit]The first single "Brahmakalasha" was released on 27 September 2025.[10] The second single "Rebel Song" was released on 1 October 2025.[11][12] The soundtrack album was released on 11 October 2025, nine days after the film's release.[13]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kantara: Chapter 1" (Trailer Theme) | Instrumental | – | 2:56 |
| 2. | "Brahmakalasha" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Abby V | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Rebel Song" | Trilok Trivikrama | Mime Ramdas | 3:58 |
| 4. | "Madana Mana Mohini" | Pramod Maravanthe | Vijay Prakash, Ananya Bhat | 3:40 |
| 5. | "Agriculture Song" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Mime Ramdas | 2:26 |
| 6. | "Karma Song" | Trilok Trivikrama | Venkatesh D. C. | 4:00 |
| 7. | "Varaha Roopam" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Sai Vignesh | 4:36 |
| Total length: | 27:23 | |||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kantara: Chapter 1" (Trailer Theme) | Instrumental | – | 2:56 |
| 2. | "Brahmakalasha" | Juno | Abby V | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Rebel Song" | Juno | Diljit Dosanjh | 3:58 |
| 4. | "Mann Mohini" | Juno | Vijay Prakash, Harshika Devanath | 3:40 |
| 5. | "Agriculture Song" | Arafat Mohamood | Shatadru Kabir | 2:24 |
| 6. | "Karma Song" | Juno | Venkatesh D. C. | 4:03 |
| 7. | "Varaha Roopam" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Sai Vignesh | 4:36 |
| Total length: | 27:24 | |||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kantara: Chapter 1" (Trailer Theme) | Instrumental | – | 2:56 |
| 2. | "Brahmakalasha" | Krishna Kanth | Abby V | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Rebel Song" | Krishna Kanth | Kaala Bhairava | 3:59 |
| 4. | "Raave Ika Priya Bhamini" | Krishna Kanth | Anurag Kulkarni, Chinmayi | 3:40 |
| 5. | "Agriculture Song" | Rambabu Gosala | Arun Kaundinya | 2:24 |
| 6. | "Karma Song" | Rambabu Gosala | Venkatesh D. C. | 4:03 |
| 7. | "Varaha Roopam" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Sai Vignesh | 4:36 |
| Total length: | 27:25 | |||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kantara: Chapter 1" (Trailer Theme) | Instrumental | – | 2:56 |
| 2. | "Brahmakalasha" | Madhan Karky | Abby V | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Rebel Song" | Palani Bharathi | Muthu Sirpi | 3:59 |
| 4. | "Vaenguzhalil Ezhaindayadi" | Madhan Karky | K. S. Harisankar, Chinmayi | 3:40 |
| 5. | "Agriculture Song" | Sankarakumar P. S. | Muthu Sirpi | 2:24 |
| 6. | "Karma Song" | Sankarakumar P. S. | Venkatesh D. C. | 4:03 |
| 7. | "Varaha Roopam" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Sai Vignesh | 4:36 |
| Total length: | 27:25 | |||
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Kantara: Chapter 1" (Trailer Theme) | Instrumental | – | 2:56 |
| 2. | "Brahmakalasha" | Santhosh Varma | K. S. Harisankar | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Rebel Song" | Santhosh Varma | Sannidhanandhan | 3:59 |
| 4. | "Madana Mana Mohini" | Santhosh Varma | K. S. Harisankar, Harshika Devanath | 3:40 |
| 5. | "Agriculture Song" | Santhosh Varma | Sannidhanandhan | 2:24 |
| 6. | "Karma Song" | Santhosh Varma | Venkatesh D. C. | 4:03 |
| 7. | "Varaha Roopam" | Shasiraj Kavoor | Sai Vignesh | 4:36 |
| Total length: | 27:25 | |||
Reception
[edit]Sanjay Ponnappa of India Today wrote "Starting with Ajaneesh Loknath’s music: when ‘Kantara’ released in 2022, the song ‘Varaha Roopam’ went instantly viral, and the melodious ‘Singara Siriye’ captured everyone’s hearts. Such virality may be missing this time, but that doesn’t make the music any less remarkable. It’s truly enchanting, allowing one to lose themselves in the world of Kantara. Viral or not, Ajaneesh’s music is simply brilliant."[14] Vivek M. V. of The Hindu noted that in the "Brahmakalasha" song, "[the] underlying tension between the tribals and royals hits its zenith" while "Rebel Song" is considered as the "rousing battle theme".[15]
A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express wrote "The songs, background score, and sound design by Ajaneesh Loknath—with tribal signals, chants, and rhythmic percussion—move with the film’s flow."[16] Kashvi Raj Singh of News18 wrote "The heart of Kantara: Chapter 1 is its music (B Ajaneesh Loknath) and visual teams. The background score and the use of classical music to drive scenes are brilliant."[17] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV wrote "music director Ajaneesh Loknath's background score hits the high notes all through the nearly three-hour film".[18] Arjun Menon of Rediff.com wrote "Ajaneesh Loknath triumphs yet again with a thumping score that uses prayers, chants and concealed anguish to exemplify the action blocks."[19]
In a negative review, Pranati A S of Deccan Herald wrote "It looks like Ajaneesh Loknath has only rehashed the background score from the first part. And to play it continuously for close to three hours is unpardonable".[20] Anandu Suresh of The Indian Express wrote "Compared to the previous instalment, B Ajaneesh Loknath’s music misses the mark this time, though there are a few instances, particularly in the high-octane action sequences, where his talents stand out."[21]
Personnel
[edit]- Music composer: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- Music production, recording, mixing and mastering: B. Ajaneesh Loknath, C. R. Bobby
- Music consultant (Carnatic classical): Smt. Lalitha Rukmini
- Nadaswaram: D. Balasubramaniam
- Rhythms: Kalyan Chakravarthy
- Live rhythms: Shruthi Ranjani
- Orchestral arrangements: Sanjay RA, Balasubramanian G.
- Choir: Satvik S Rao, Abhishek M R, Narahari Achar, Bhargav H C, Skandesh, Bharath Mallad
- Choir arrangements and conductor: Aniruddha Sastry
- Strings and brass: Budapest Scoring Orchestra
- Orchestra conductor: Peter Illenyi
- Orchestra Indian representative: Balasubramanian G
- Session producer: Bálint Sapszon
- Orchestra recording: Viktor Sazbo at Rottenbiller Studios, Budapest
- Librarian: Agnes Sapszon, Kati Reti
- Orchestrators: Balasubramanian G, Sanjay RA, Abishek Vishwanathan
- Protools editor: Abin Ponnachan
- Vocal recording: Ashwin Prabhath, Rangaswamy P at Prabhath Studios, Bangalore
References
[edit]- ^ "Kantara Chapter 1: Jr NTR To Grace Mega Pre-Release Event Of Rishab Shetty's Mythological Epic On THIS Date". Times Now. 26 September 2025. Archived from the original on 29 September 2025. Retrieved 29 September 2025.
- ^ "'Kantara: Chapter 1' preview: What to expect from Rishab Shetty's epic saga that goes back in time". The Times of India. 1 October 2025. Archived from the original on 2 October 2025. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
- ^ Singh, Simran (1 October 2025). "Kantara Chapter One FIRST review out: 'Master storyteller' Rishab Shetty blends 'epic visuals with divine aura', prequel of Kantara is 'pure goosebumps'". Daily News and Analysis. Archived from the original on 1 October 2025. Retrieved 4 October 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Sharadhaa, A. (29 September 2025). "Ajaneesh Loknath: Kantara Chapter 1 fuses Carnatic music with tribal rhythms". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 1 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (3 October 2025). "Ajaneesh Loknath: 'To the audience who embraced the sound of Kantara, your love is the true award'". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (6 October 2025). "Abby V: Kannada is close to my heart". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Dhingra, Snehal (8 October 2025). "Kantara Chapter 1: Rishab Shetty Reveals Signing Diljit Dosanjh For Film's Climax Song Rebel Due To THIS Reason | Exclusive". Times Now. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ "Diljit Dosanjh gushes over Hombale Films' Kantara: Chapter 1; shares BTS pics from his song 'Rebel'". Bollywood Hungama. 4 October 2025. Archived from the original on 7 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ "Diljit Dosanjh Expresses Excitement On Being Part Of Kantara: Chapter 1, Says, 'Can't Wait To Watch!', Shares BTS Pics". Zee News. 5 October 2025. Archived from the original on 5 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Sundar, Anusha (28 September 2025). "Kantara Chapter 1 single Brahmakalasha out: Fans call it 'slow poison' that introduces to the divine world of Rishab Shetty's mythical actioner". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Thakur, Anjali (1 October 2025). "Watch: Kantara: Chapter 1 makers drop Diljit Dosanjh's high-energy 'Rebel' track". Mint. Archived from the original on 2 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ "Watch: 'Kantara: Chapter 1' makers drop high-energy song by Diljit Dosanjh". Deccan Herald. 1 October 2025. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ "Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 - Kannada (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. 11 October 2025. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Ponnappa, Sanjay (11 October 2025). "A love letter to Kantara Chapter 1: An unforgettable theatrical experience". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ M. V., Vivek (2 October 2025). "'Kantara Chapter 1' movie review: Rishab Shetty delivers a spectacle-heavy prequel high on entertainment value". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 5 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Sharadhaa, A. (3 October 2025). "'Kantara: Chapter 1' Movie Review: Visually stunning and compelling film traces the bloodlines of myth and power". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 7 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Raj Singh, Kashvi (2 October 2025). "Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Rishab Shetty Delivers A Killer Climax, Film Hinges On Music And Visuals". News18. Archived from the original on 3 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Chatterjee, Saibal (2 October 2025). "Kantara A Legend - Chapter 1 Review: The Film Belongs To Rishab Shetty". NDTV. Archived from the original on 6 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Menon, Arjun (2 October 2025). "Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 Review". Rediff.com. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ A S, Pranati (2 October 2025). "'Kantara: Chapter 1' review: Contentious mythmaking in a grand spectacle". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 11 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.
- ^ Suresh, Anandu (2 October 2025). "Kantara Chapter 1 movie review: Rishab Shetty crafts a visual world far beyond expectations, but pays for it with the action drama's soul". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 2 October 2025. Retrieved 11 October 2025.