“Kantara: Chapter 1 Movie Review– A Spectacle of Folklore, Faith and Fierce Action”
Sarkar Rating: 3/5 Release Date : Oct 2, 2025
Cast
Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram
Crew
Director : Rishab Shetty
Producers : Vijay Kiragandur, Chaluve Gowda
Music Director : B. Ajaneesh Loknath
Cinematographer : Arvind S. Kashyap
Editor : Suresh Mallaiah
Story
Kantara: Chapter 1 takes us back to the origins of Berme (Rishab Shetty), a man caught between ancient village traditions and modern threats. The narrative blends folklore, action, and intense drama, leading to a grand divine climax that resonates deeply with the audience.
Performances
Rishab Shetty once again proves why Kantara is his crown jewel. His performance in Chapter 1 is nothing short of extraordinary, a career-defining act that many actors would envy. What makes it even more impressive is that he not only plays the lead but also directs the film, excelling in both crafts without letting one overshadow the other.
His divine trance act, which became iconic in the first Kantara, returns here with even greater intensity, drawing instant applause from viewers. Several sequences—particularly the climactic ones—showcase his unmatched screen presence and conviction.
Rukmini Vasanth, though underutilized in the first half, shines in the later portions of the film. Her role gains weight in the second half, where she becomes a vital asset to the narrative. With her charm, solid screen presence, and elegant performance, she adds emotional depth that complements Shetty’s intensity.
Gulshan Devaiah, as the kingly antagonist, unfortunately falls short. His characterization feels patchy, and the weak Telugu dubbing further dilutes the impact. While the role had the potential to be commanding, the execution makes it feel somewhat miscast.
The supporting cast, however, does its job well, ensuring the world feels lived-in and authentic.
Analysis
As a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, Kantara: Chapter 1 comes with massive expectations—and for the most part, it delivers. Rishab Shetty sets a strong foundation with world-building and grandeur. The opening sequences—especially the forest action block and the chariot chase—are staged superbly.
The interval episode is the real show-stealer. With an electrifying background score, excellent CG work, and adrenaline-pumping execution, it elevates the film to a new high and raises the stakes for the second half.
The writing, however, falters at places. Some dialogues lack punch, and a few serious segments don’t land as strongly as intended. The first half, in particular, struggles with uneven pacing, especially in tracks involving Gulshan Devaiah and Rukmini Vasanth. But the explosive interval balances these shortcomings.
The second half is stronger, weaving divine symbolism and action together. The tiger episode linked with spiritual beliefs stands out as a creative highlight. While the pre-climax war sequence might divide audiences due to its length, the final stretch builds into a powerful and divine climax that leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, Chapter 1 is bigger and bolder than its predecessor in ambition, scale, VFX, and dramatic scope. Despite its writing flaws, it succeeds in creating an immersive, theater-worthy spectacle.
Music & Technical Aspects
Ajaneesh Loknath once again proves to be the soul of Kantara. His background score elevates almost every major sequence—be it the fiery interval, the divine trance moments, or the thunderous climax. The music fuses seamlessly with the visuals, making the experience deeply immersive.
Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography is another triumph. The forest sequences, aerial shots, and CGI integration look spectacular on the big screen. Dharani Gangeputra’s artwork enriches the film with authentic textures, enhancing its mythic aura.
The VFX, compared to the first film, is more polished and ambitious, lending believability to the large-scale action and divine episodes. Combined with Hombale Films’ production values, the film looks and feels like a true epic, demanding a big-screen viewing.
Verdict
Kantara: Chapter 1 is a grand prequel that expands the universe with higher stakes, breathtaking visuals, and a commanding performance from Rishab Shetty. While the writing could have been tighter and some characterizations stronger, the film’s divine climax, technical brilliance, and sheer theatricality make it a must-watch on the big screen.
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