Rishab Shetty in ‘Kantara Chapter 1’. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In a small but important scene in Kantara Chapter 1, Berme (Rishab Shetty) tells his mom in regards to the significance of enterprise. It’s not simply incomes what they deserve, but in addition an indication of feat for his or her marginalised group of individuals. Berme’s determination to revolt for the rights of his folks kinds the crux of the film, and director Rishab mounts this concept on a big scale. The prequel appears so enormous that its first half, the technically potent Kantara (2022), now seems tiny. This improve in measurement works for and in opposition to the newest installment.

As instructed by the trailer, the mysterious forest Kantara is on the centre of the plot once more. The Kadamba dynasty eyes the Eshwarana Hoothota (God’s Garden), a sacred area within the forest belonging to the tribals. If greed drew the owner to try to seize the land of the villagers within the first half, it’s a matter of status for the royals within the prequel. Having been stopped by divine energy, the king’s (Jayaram) ego is harm, but he lays low, ready for the fitting second to strike. When the prince, Kulasekhara (an outstanding Gulshan Devaiah), tries to encroach on Kantara, Berme stands as a barrier.

Kantara Chapter 1 (Kannada)

Director: Rishab Shetty

Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Rakesh Poojary, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah

Runtime: 168 minutes

Storyline: A narrative set in a divine forest the place a legend is born

The tussle between the unfastened cannon Kulasekhara, a unfastened cannon, and Berme, a goofy but eccentric and fearless man, is attention-grabbing. However, the choice so as to add humour to intense sequences backfires. The movie struggles to breathe early on, with abrupt cuts affecting the movie’s move. The largely disjointed first half is because of Rishab’s urgency to shortly convey as many plot factors as doable.

A few audacious motion sequences (the one involving a chariot is jaw-dropping) are extra showboating than value-add to the plot, however we don’t thoughts, because it helps the movie collect some momentum. The uneven first act stays intriguing because of the movie’s stable world-building. While depicting the indigenous folks, Kantara Chapter 1 seems native in the very best means. The costumes, make-up, and units type a world that’s fairly one thing to see on the large display.

After establishing the plot, Rishab achieves his desired religious-themed mega manufacturing to close perfection with a go-for-broke filmmaking, aided by his gifted group. Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap presents an expertise of watching a compelling conflict drama together with his grand and inventive photographs. The underlying rigidity between the tribals and royals hits its zenith within the ‘Brahmakalasha’ tune composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, who additionally delivers a rousing battle theme by way of the tune ‘Rebel’.

Gulshan Devaiah in ‘Kantara Chapter 1’. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Kantara Chapter 1 shall be spoken about for its visible achievements. Rishab makes an attempt to ship ‘that one-scene-you-can’t-stop-talking-about’ in abundance. The beautifully choreographed motion sequences and the top-class CGI-laden scenes dazzle the viewers with a excessive dose of adrenaline.

The film was presupposed to hint the origin of daivas (holy spirits) and the non secular beliefs of the folks of Tulunadu. The makers appear to have tried their finest to grasp the folklore with analysis. As an actor, Rishab’s aura witnessed within the first half stays intact within the prequel. His portrayal of divine possession and ferocious energy of a deity is sensible. Rukmini Vasanth, in her first position that pushes her talents for the reason that Sapta Sagaradaache Ello movies, stands out with sturdy dialogue supply.

ALSO READ: Rukmini Vasanth eyes a flexible journey in Kannada cinema

The emotional undercurrent of the film, in regards to the tribal neighborhood combating for inclusivity and going in opposition to these attempting to dispose them off their land, barely will get misplaced amidst the grandeur. Kantara had a stronger soul whereas the prequel is barely empty on the within regardless of many transferring scenes.

At the top of it, these features may be forgiven and the drab passages are forgotten because of the makers’ sheer dedication to scale. Rishab pushes his inventive selections to ship an in depth and spectacle-heavy sequel that’s excessive on leisure worth.

Kantara Chapter 1 is presently working in theatres

Published – October 02, 2025 12:52 pm IST