Kantara: Chapter 1 Review – Rishab Shetty’s Visual Spectacle Wows, But Story Falls Short

Kantara: Chapter 1 Review – Grand Visuals, Strong Performances, but Weak Writing

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, brings ambitious storytelling and a scaled-up visual spectacle to theatres. The film explores the origins of Kantara, its mystical forest, and tribal conflicts, delivering high-octane action and folklore elements. While visually stunning, the film struggles with pacing, predictable narrative, and controversial mythmaking.

Story

Set in 4th century India, the story follows the tribal guardian Berme (Rishab Shetty) and his conflict with Kulashekara (Gulshan Devaiah), the son of a king aiming to seize Kantara’s mystical powers. The narrative touches upon tribal sovereignty, divine intervention, and folklore traditions like Bhoota Kola, but is occasionally bogged down by rushed sequences and excessive exposition. Jayaram plays Rajashekara, whose survival sets off the central conflict, while Rukmini Vasanth adds depth as more than just a love interest.

Performances

• Rishab Shetty: Outstanding as Berme, particularly in divine possession and trance sequences.
• Rukmini Vasanth: Well-developed character pivotal to the climax.
• Gulshan Devaiah: Underwritten role but performs decently as Kulashekara.
• Jayaram: Steady performance, limited by dubbing.

Direction & Technical Aspects

• Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography captures expansive tribal settlements and battle sequences.
• VFX and action choreography, including chariot and battle sequences, are standout elements.
• Production design and sets are visually rich but sometimes overly polished.
• Background score by Ajaneesh Loknath largely recycles themes from the first film, diluting impact.

Themes & Controversies

The film explores tribal culture and mystical folklore but raises questions about cultural appropriation, as divine intervention and Brahminical overlays reinterpret local tribal beliefs. The narrative simplification, especially positioning one tribe as antagonist to empower another, reduces storytelling nuance. Reliance on divine intervention mirrors the first film, limiting conflict to man vs divine rather than man vs nature.

What Works

• Technically impressive visuals and production values
• Rishab Shetty’s commanding performance
• Action sequences with strong VFX
• Rukmini Vasanth’s character adds emotional weight
• Tribal lore and folklore elements create a unique cinematic setting

What Doesn’t Work

• Pacing issues and slow first half
• Repetitive narrative and predictable climax
• Underdeveloped supporting characters
• Reused background score and songs
• Controversial handling of tribal myths and religious elements

Verdict

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a theatre-worthy spectacle with impressive visuals, captivating action, and standout performances, especially by Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth. However, weak writing, uneven pacing, and repetitive elements hold it back from being a truly memorable prequel. Audiences interested in tribal mythology, action spectacle, and Shetty’s performance will enjoy it, but those expecting fresh storytelling may feel underwhelmed.

Final Word: A visually stunning prequel with grand ambition, yet weighed down by predictable writing and controversial mythmaking.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐(3/5)