‘Sarzameen' actor Prithviraj Sukumaran predicts a pan-India breakthrough from
the 'Sarzameen' actor and distributor of the 'Kantara' film in Kerala believes the era of pan-India blockbusters is primed for deeper disruption. While the mainstream narrative has largely revolved around films made in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, or Malayalam, cinema across other regions is steadily gaining creative and cultural momentum.
Beyond dominant film industries
In conversation with Nayandeep Rakshith, Prithviraj was asked whether a future collaboration that truly unifies India's linguistic cinemas is possible. He offered a confident prediction: the next major pan-Indian phenomenon might arise from a lesser-highlighted industry.
He posited that Odia cinema might be the darkhorse to create the next big pan-Indian hit, pointing out how surprises often come from the unlikeliest, and oftentimes most overlooked, places.
As regional content continues to stretch across borders and formats, Sukumaran's optimism adds to the reality that smaller cinemas and industries could potentially be the front-runners of the next phase in pan-Indian storytelling.
Kannada cinema
's sleeper success sets precedent for unexpected breakthroughs
Prithviraj Sukumaran reflected on the phenomenon of Kantara's upward trajectory, and he pointed out how no one — not even the filmmakers — considered it as a pan-India film. He said that a decade ago, one could scarcely have pictured a pan-India phenomenon coming from a relatively newer Kannada director and actor.
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Prithviraj said that Hombale Films initially thought of 'Kantara' as a little regional release, and at the time they thought the film wouldn't go much further than that stage, and thought their audience was going to be predominantly regional in nature.
Since there was no Malayalam film back then, he took the liberty of distributing the original Kannada version in Kerala and expanded its reach.
Further, Prithviraj Sukumaran recalled that he initially released Kantara's Kannada version in just eight theatres across Kerala.
Due to the massive reaction from local audiences, he contacted Rishab Shetty, asking for a quick Malayalam dub. In about a week or so the dubbed version was ready, which took the film's reach even further. In reflecting on this surprising journey Prithviraj remarked that the next pan-India success story might come from Odia or Bhojpuri industries.
From regional recognition to national stardom—how one film changed the game
Before the massive success of 'Kantara,' Rishab Shetty was known primarily for his National Award-winning directorial, 'Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale Kasaragode.'
As an actor, he had only three titles to his name, 'Bell Bottom,' 'Hero,' and 'Harikathe Alla Girikathe' none of which had marked significant box office success. He wasn't yet seen as a dependable name in terms of commercial returns.
Everything changed with 'Kantara.' Released with modest expectations, the film was initially positioned by Hombale Films as a grounded narrative, a true 'namma mannina kathe'. But its resonance with audiences across regions quickly transformed it into a cultural phenomenon, propelling Rishab into a new league of pan-India recognition.
The creators of 'Kantara: Chapter 1' are preparing for the formal release date of October 2, 2025. A few days ago, they confirmed principal photography is officially complete. Sources at OTTplay state Rishab Shetty is currently in post-production, working to make a determination on whether to deliver the film in theatres on schedule.
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