Rishab Shetty is back, and this time he has taken the Kantara universe to a whole new scale. Kantara Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, and while it isn’t flawless, it delivers a massive cinematic experience filled with breathtaking visuals, cultural richness, and standout performances.
A Story Rooted in Struggle and Prestige
At the heart of Kantara Chapter 1 is Berme (played by Rishab Shetty), a fearless yet eccentric character who chooses to rise against oppression. His decision to fight for the rights and dignity of his marginalized community forms the emotional backbone of the movie.
The film once again unfolds in the mystical forest of Kantara, where the sacred land Eshwarana Hoothota—revered by the tribals—is targeted by the Kadamba dynasty. Unlike the first film, which dealt with greed-driven landlords, the prequel raises the stakes higher as royalty seeks to claim the forest out of wounded pride and prestige. The battle between the headstrong prince Kulasekhara (a terrific Gulshan Devaiah) and Berme sets the stage for a gripping confrontation.
Strengths and Shortcomings
The film begins with heavy world-building, richly portraying the lives, rituals, and struggles of the indigenous community. While this attention to detail adds depth, the first half suffers from abrupt cuts and uneven pacing, making it feel disjointed. Attempts to insert humor into tense moments don’t always land, pulling down the emotional intensity.
However, once the momentum picks up, the film transforms into a visual spectacle. The jaw-dropping chariot sequence, along with several larger-than-life battle scenes, showcases Shetty’s ambition to push cinematic boundaries.
Technical Brilliance on Display
Much of the film’s grandeur comes alive thanks to Arvind Kashyap’s cinematography, which frames Kantara as both haunting and majestic. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music elevates the narrative, with tracks like Brahmakalasha and Rebel injecting spiritual intensity and adrenaline-pumping energy into the film’s most climactic moments.
The CGI and action choreography deserve special mention. From immersive war sequences to visually stunning divine possession scenes, the prequel ensures audiences get plenty of “can’t-stop-talking-about” moments.
Stellar Performances
Rishab Shetty, both as director and lead actor, once again proves why Kantara belongs to him. His portrayal of Berme—switching between vulnerability, eccentricity, and divine possession—is powerful and magnetic.
Rukmini Vasanth, stepping into one of her most challenging roles yet, delivers strongly with her expressive dialogue and emotional presence. Gulshan Devaiah impresses as Kulasekhara, bringing layers to an impulsive and menacing antagonist.
Verdict: Bigger, Louder, Yet Slightly Hollow
Kantara Chapter 1 was intended to trace the origins of the daivas (holy spirits) and the cultural beliefs of Tulunadu. While the film is rich in research and reverence for folklore, its emotional soul occasionally takes a backseat to grandeur. Unlike the first part, which felt more intimate and heartfelt, the prequel sometimes feels a little hollow beneath all its spectacle.
That said, its sheer visual achievement and entertainment value make it a worthy prequel. Rishab Shetty’s bold vision ensures that Kantara Chapter 1 will be remembered as a massive cinematic event, even if not as emotionally resonant as its predecessor.
