The long-awaited ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ has finally hit theatres, and audiences can’t stop praising Rukmini Vasanth’s performance as the warrior princess Kanakavathi. Released on October 2, 2025, the Rishab Shetty-directed prequel has already stormed the box office, crossing the ₹100 crore mark within days of release.
While the film’s writing and direction have been widely appreciated, Rukmini’s transformation into a 4th-century princess has drawn particular attention for its authenticity and strength. In a conversation with Indya Story, the actress revealed the intense physical and emotional preparation that went into crafting Kanakavathi’s character.
Preparing for a 4th-Century Princess
Speaking about her preparation, Rukmini shared,
“Playing a 4th-century princess was very different from my previous roles. It all begins with body language — the way you walk, look at people, and carry yourself. That’s what sets the tone for a royal character.”
To master the nuances of her role, Rukmini underwent four to five days of workshops with the film’s writers. “We worked on understanding the princess’s essence — how she holds herself, how she moves, and how she sees the world,” she added.
Horse-Riding, Sword Fighting, and More
Rukmini also underwent horse-riding and sword-fighting lessons to embody the warrior side of Kanakavathi.
“We did sword-fighting sessions to crack that active body language — it’s very different from just walking or standing. Every stance and movement had to reflect strength and grace,” she recalled.
In addition to combat training, Rukmini took part in traditional dance sessions, inspired by cultural practices of the 4th century, to bring authenticity to her performance.
“That’s Every Actor’s Dream”
Reflecting on her multifaceted preparation, Rukmini said,
“It was truly what every actor dreams of — to explore different skills and dimensions of performance. Horse-riding, sword-fighting, learning period dances — it was all so fulfilling. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Her portrayal of Kanakavathi has been hailed as one of her career-best performances, blending elegance, emotion, and power.
‘Kantara Chapter 1’ Smashes Box Office Records
The film, which serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster ‘Kantara’, dives deep into the mythical origins of the legend, offering fans a richer understanding of the world Rishab Shetty created.
According to Sacnilk, ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ has crossed ₹100 crore in India across all languages, cementing its place as one of 2025’s biggest cinematic successes.
