Rishab Shetty first impressed audiences with Kirik Party, even before Kantara. But with Kantara, he rose to become both a star actor and director. The 2022 film needs no introduction for the sensation it created. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for its sequel, Kantara Chapter 1. Though the trailer slightly controlled the hype, the faith in the film remained intact. And since it deals with divine elements, family audiences, too, were eager to watch it. So, how well did this prequel connect with viewers? Let’s see.
Kantara Story: Kantara: Chapter 1 picks up where Kantara ended, with Shiva’s (Rishab Shetty) disappearance. The film explores the origins of the Panjurli lineage and why Shiva became their protector. It introduces Berme (Rishab Shetty), a tribal leader determined to uplift his people, who crosses paths with Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) and Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth) in the Bangra kingdom. Early on, Berme asserts his dominance, raising Kantara’s flag in enemy land. Though King Vijyendra (Jayaram) greets the tribe with courtesy, hidden resentment simmers. The narrative then unfolds into a battle between divine forces and the darkness seeking to overpower them.
Performances: Rishab Shetty once again proves his strength as an actor. His portrayal of the Bhoota Kola rituals is magnificent, and his hard work in the action sequences is evident in every frame. His expressions, mannerisms, and body language feel natural, while his performance in the climax is perhaps his career best, truly spine-chilling. However, the dubbing voice chosen for him lacked the depth needed for his towering screen presence.
Rukmini Vasanth, often seen so far in crying or smiling roles, is presented here in a glamorous yet graceful avatar. She carries elegance and charm, and Rishab brings out a new dimension in her acting, which will surprise audiences during a key sequence. Gulshan Devaiah and Malayalam actor Jayaram add significant value with their strong screen presence. The supporting cast is vast, and every artist does justice to their part.
Technical Aspects: Technically, Kantara Chapter 1 is outstanding. The animal graphics are excellent, with the tiger sequence looking especially natural. The Brahmarakshasa (demon) sequence, however, could have been handled with more care. The cinematography, art direction, costumes, and production design are all top-notch, successfully bringing the world of Kantara to life.
For a medium-budget film, the output is remarkable. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music is decent but fails to create the same impact as in the original. The action choreography, however, stands out on another level. The interval fight and the climax battle are brilliantly designed, adding tremendous energy to the film.
Analysis: For all its technical brilliance, the film falters in its storytelling. The attempt to explain the origins of the Panjurli tribe leads to several narrative mistakes. Despite the grand scale, certain scenes feel unnecessary, like the chariot sequence, which elevates the hero but adds little to the story. Forced comedy during war sequences also breaks the flow.
As a director, Rishab shows mastery in technical knowledge, shot division, and composition. But as a storyteller, he falters. The emotional depth is missing. Viewers struggle to understand why exactly characters are fighting and fail to connect with them. Unlike the original Kantara, the “wow factor” and shock elements are absent.
For example, while Kantara showcased Bhoota Kola rituals sparingly, here they are shown multiple times, reducing their impact. Even the feminized touch to the climax, Bhoota Kola, falls short of leaving a strong impression. Moreover, the inclusion of too many tribes and elements dilutes the core narrative.
With divine elements in abundance and Hollywood-level technical finesse in VFX, cinematography, art, costumes, and production design, Kantara Chapter 1 should have been a landmark. Yet, it doesn’t reach the level of its predecessor. The main reasons are weak screenplay engagement and a lack of emotional connection with characters.
Verdict: On the whole, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a visually striking film backed by Rishab Shetty’s strong vision, breathtaking action blocks, and the spiritual intensity of the Bhoota Kola sequences. While the screenplay falters at times and it doesn’t reach the emotional highs of the original, the film still manages to engage with its technical brilliance and powerful performances. If you can overlook the uneven narration and focus on the grandeur, folklore, and spectacle, Kantara: Chapter 1 is worth experiencing on the big screen.
Bottom Line: A visual spectacle
Kantara Rating: 3/5
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