KANTARA 1 – MOVIE REVIEW

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a multi lingual period mythological[5] action drama film written and directed by Rishab Shetty, and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films. A prequel to the 2022 film Kantara that was a surprise blockbuster when it was released.

The most challenging aspect of making a prequel or sequel lies in the absence of mystery. The audience already knows the universe, the characters, and the stakes — which means the maker’s responsibility is not just to meet expectations but to raise the bar higher. This is where many sequels and prequels have stumbled. Kantara faces an even bigger challenge. The first film had a steady run until the last 30 minutes — and then exploded into one of the most exhilarating climaxes in recent times. For Kantara 2, the makers had to pick up from where the magic ended. Fortunately, they trusted the film’s spiritual core, and the audience, in turn, had faith in its deeper theme.

The story travels back to where it all began, wasting no time in plunging viewers into its mythic world. The production design is exceptional — the art department’s painstaking detail makes the staging feel both electrifying and authentic, transporting the audience right into the universe of Kantara. The screenplay is tight and relentless. Ripples of subplots flow seamlessly, until they swell into waves that consume the audience in breathtaking fashion. The first half lays the groundwork with gripping moments, but it is the second half where the film truly roars. The humour, however, could have been sharper, and in the dubbed versions it risks coming across as barely laughable. Rishab Shetty drives the narrative with raw intensity, pushing towards a climax that feels both divine and primal. The finale is a spectacle — a confluence of divine aura, unrestrained emotion, and cinematic power. What emerges is not just a film but an experience that is at once captivating, visceral, and almost deific.

Rishabh Shetty once again proves to be the soul of the film, delivering a phenomenal experience that keeps the audience invested throughout. While Rukmini Vasanth doesn’t quite impress, Gulshan Devaiah shines with a superb performance. Jayaram is effective, and several supporting actors deliver standout moments.

The technical aspects elevate the film to another level — Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography is visually splendid, and the breathtaking stunt choreography, enhanced by the camera work, leaves a lasting impact. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score is exhilarating, though the songs fall slightly short of expectations. Suresh Mallaiah’s crisp editing maintains the film’s engaging pace, the dialogues are sharp, and Rishabh Shetty’s direction is nothing short of top-notch

Take a bow Rishabh, KANTARA – 1 is a captivating experience on the big screen, worth every penny Hombale spent and the audience will spend !!!

KANTARA – KUDOS !!!

3.75/5

B.U.Shreesha