From the beautiful, thick forests to the bewitching waterfall, the filming location of Kantara: Chapter 1, shown in the movie, feels surreal. Here’s the truth behind those breathtaking visuals. If you thought those were some CGI magic, then let us tell you the reality. It was actually shot at Thombattu Waterfalls, a lesser-known hidden gem in the dense forests about 60 km from Udupi, Karnataka.
Remember Kantara Chapter 1’s Majestic Waterfall? It’s Situated In Udupi!
Thombattu Waterfall, also known as Irkigedde or Abbi Gundi Waterfalls, is a multi-tiered marvel. The cascading layers of this waterfall look sculpted by the gods themselves. All this gave Kantara a wild, spiritual, and cinematic movie experience.
Connecting Kantara And Chapter 1
Well, only a few might have spotted a similarity between these locations in both the Kantara (2022) and Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 (2025). They share this very waterfall as a spiritual anchor.
In Chapter 1, the protagonist, Rishabh Shetty a.k.a Berme and his gang are approaching the forest while the tiger follows them. During this scene, they cross the Thombattu waterfall. The story is linked by the same sacred land and the waterfall, but two generations apart.
Scenes You Might Recognise
If you rewatch Chapter 1 and look closely, you’ll spot the intense pre-climax scene where Berme confronts the Brahmarakshas and pulls out the trident. That’s Thombattu. The sweeping aerial shots with mist rolling through the trees right before the final ritual scene? It’s in the Kundapur district near Thombattu village. According to Hollywood Reporter India, Rishab Shetty and his crew hiked through the forest to reach the filming location of Kantara Chapter 1 to shoot as naturally as possible.
What To See Nearby
If you’re planning a Kantara-inspired trail, there’s plenty to explore around Thombattu. You can visit Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, whose dense forests inspired the film’s mystical atmosphere. The nearby Kudlu Teertha Falls, also called the “Hidden Falls of Agumbe,” are also spotted in one of the movie scenes. You can visit the Kaup Beach or the Anantheshwara Temple in Udupi to witness how the locals celebrate the region’s deep-rooted daiva (spirit) traditions that inspired the making of Kantara.
How To Reach There?
According ot the KSRTC website, from Udupi, one can take a public transport bus by KSRTC or private buses that run between Udupi and Kundapura. From Kundapura or Kollur, you’ll have to hire a local taxi to reach the Thombattu village and trek for 30-45 minutes to reach the waterfall. The best season to visit this majestic waterfall is between October and February.
So if you want to witness the Kantara Chapter 1’s filming locations in real instead of reels, then here’s a quick guide for you.
Cover Image Courtesy: Hombale Films/Youtube