Kantara Chapter 1 Review: A Spectacle of Scale and Spirit

Director: Rishab Shetty
Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Rakesh Poojary, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah
Runtime: 168 minutes
Language: Kannada
Storyline: A story set in a divine forest where a legend is born

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 expands the world of the 2022 hit Kantara on a monumental scale, transforming the intimate tale of tribal struggle into a visually spectacular epic. The prequel explores the origins of the conflict over the Eshwarana Hoothota (God’s Garden), where Berme (Rishab Shetty) rises to protect his people from the greed and pride of the Kadamba dynasty, particularly the ambitious prince Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah).

The film opens with a strong emotional note, as Berme explains to his mother Mangala the importance of business not just as survival but as a mark of achievement for their marginalised community. This sets the stage for Berme’s revolt, which forms the narrative spine of the movie.

The first half struggles with pacing due to abrupt cuts and a tendency to mix humour with intense sequences, making it feel slightly disjointed. However, the film gains momentum through audacious action set pieces—most notably a jaw-dropping chariot sequence—and immersive world-building. The depiction of Tulunadu’s indigenous culture, costumes, and sets adds authenticity and depth to the visual storytelling.

Technical Highlights:

• Cinematography (Arvind Kashyap): Grand, creative shots that give the film a war-drama feel.

• Music (Ajaneesh Loknath): Powerful scores in tracks like Brahmakalasha and Rebel enhance both the spiritual and action sequences.

• Visuals & CGI: Multiple ‘scene-stealer’ moments with choreographed action and divine spectacle.

Rishab’s portrayal of divine possession and ferocious strength remains commanding, while Rukmini Vasanth impresses with her dialogue delivery and screen presence.

Despite the grandeur, the film’s emotional core—the tribals’ fight for inclusivity and protection of their land—sometimes feels overshadowed by spectacle. While the prequel lacks the soul of the original, it compensates with sheer scale, ambitious creative choices, and high entertainment value.

Verdict: Kantara Chapter 1 is a visually stunning, adrenaline-fuelled epic that elevates the universe of Kantara. While its heart occasionally takes a backseat, Rishab Shetty’s commitment to scale and cinematic ambition makes it a must-watch spectacle.

Rating: ★★★★☆