Hombale Films has officially unveiled Gulshan Devaiah as Kulashekara, a pivotal character in the much-anticipated mythological epic Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty and slated for a worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2025. The announcement comes with high expectations, following the breakout global success of the original Kantara (2022), which redefined the power of regional cinema.
While fans are excited to see Devaiah in a Kannada-language spectacle rooted in coastal mythology, his casting hasn’t come without controversy. A podcast appearance from December 2024—where he was perceived to criticize Kannada-speaking locals—has resurfaced, drawing backlash from a section of the Kannada-speaking audience. Many have pointed out the irony of casting someone who once appeared dismissive of local linguistic sentiments in a film that celebrates Karnataka’s deep-rooted culture and deities.
However, industry insiders suggest that Hombale Films’ decision to cast Devaiah, a Bengaluru-born actor known for films like Shaitan and Hunterrr, is part of a larger strategy to fuse pan-Indian talent with Kannada storytelling. The studio is pushing Kantara: Chapter 1 as a truly multilingual event, releasing it in Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English—aiming to transcend linguistic divides and appeal to a culturally diverse audience.
The character of Kulashekara is expected to play a major role in expanding the Kantara universe, as teased by Hombale’s tweet and the accompanying poster featuring Devaiah in a rugged, regal avatar. While plot details remain under wraps, Rishab Shetty’s vision is said to dive deeper into Bhoota Kola traditions, ancestral politics, and divine justice—fusing folklore with cinematic spectacle.
With regional pride and national interest clashing in the background, Kantara: Chapter 1 stands at a critical intersection of art, identity, and controversy. Whether Gulshan Devaiah’s presence fuels friction or fades in the face of narrative brilliance, all eyes will be on October 2.