Veteran actor Jayaram, who steps into the role of King Vijayendra in Kantara: Chapter 1, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to audiences following the film’s release. Taking to social media, the actor shared a picture in costume and penned an emotional note, thanking viewers for the overwhelming response.
“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you for the overwhelming love, reviews, and praises you’ve showered on Kantara Chapter – 1,” Jayaram wrote. “Your words mean more to me than I can ever express, and it fills me with immense gratitude to see the film resonate with you the way it has.”
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The actor further highlighted the significance of the moment, sharing that the news reached him on Ayudha Pooja, a day that symbolizes devotion and perseverance. “I couldn’t have asked for a better sign of encouragement,” he noted, while also extending thanks to director-actor Rishab Shetty for trusting him with the role and acknowledging the entire team’s effort.
Released under Hombale Films, Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a mythological prequel to Shetty’s 2022 blockbuster Kantara. The narrative transports audiences centuries back to coastal Karnataka, tracing the roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and exploring the foundations of conflicts that shaped the original film.
The cast features Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavati and Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara, both playing key roles alongside Shetty, who returns as Berme. The film’s visual grandeur is powered by Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography, while B Ajaneesh Loknath’s score enhances its spiritual and atmospheric texture.
Critics have lauded the film’s scale and ambition, particularly the way it fuses folklore, spirituality, and action on a sweeping canvas. Jayaram’s dignified portrayal of King Vijayendra has drawn special praise for bringing gravitas to the narrative.
On the commercial front, Kantara: Chapter 1 has opened strongly, with early box office numbers crossing significant milestones on its first day. Encouraging word-of-mouth is expected to further propel its run, echoing the sleeper-hit trajectory of the original.
For Jayaram, this role marks not just a professional highlight but also a deeply personal moment of recognition and blessing. “Thank you for making this journey unforgettable… this love will stay with me forever,” the actor signed off.
