'Kantara: Chapter-1' Movie Review

‘Kantara: Chapter-1’ Movie Review

Actors: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, Prakash Tuminad, Shanil Gautam, Pramod Shetty and others

Music: Ajneesh Loknath

Cinematography: Arvind Kashyap

Producer: Vijay Kiragandur

Written-Directed by: Rishab Shetty

Three years ago, a small Kannada film titled “Kantara” created a big buzz across India. It became a huge sensation at the box office, providing the audience with an exciting experience. People were impressed by Rishab Shetty’s talent, both as an actor and as the director of the film. Now, he is back with the prequel to that film, Kantara Chapter 1. Let’s see if this film, released today with high expectations, lives up to the hype.

Story:

Hundreds of years ago, a king of the Bhangra kingdom tried to take all the wealth from Kantara, a forest nearby, but he died in the attempt. His son, Vijayendra (Jayaram), who narrowly escaped, grew up and became king. Later, he crowned his own son, Kulasekhar (Gulshan Devaiah), but the kingdom faced trouble. Barme (Rishab Shetty), the leader of the Kantara tribe, fights against Kulasekhar to protect their land and defeats him. But the Bhangra attacks on Kantara didn’t stop. These attacks created a situation that almost led to the extinction of the Kantara tribe. The rest of the story shows how the people of Kantara fought to survive, how Barme led his tribe, and whether Kantara could continue to exist while facing the powerful Bhangra kingdom.

Analysis:

When a story that we have never seen before comes to the screen, with new visuals and fresh acting, the audience will be ready to embrace it. Kantara proved this. Even though it was a Kannada film from a lesser-known industry and starred an unfamiliar hero, it took the audience to a completely new world. After such an experience, it is always hard to meet the expectations with a sequel. But Rishab Shetty did not just make a sequel for the sake of it. He created a bigger, more serious story to give the audience an even greater experience.

The first half of Kantara: Chapter-1 may feel slow and somewhat ordinary. The story seems less exciting compared to the original, with a kingdom on one side, a forest tribe on the other, and a love story between the queen and the tribe’s leader. Many scenes bank on comedy, which can make it feel lighter than expected. The visuals are good, but the story in the beginning doesn’t excite much. For the first hour, the audience might feel disappointed, thinking this prequel story can’t match up to the original.

But after the interval, the film changes completely. Rishab’s visual magic shines in thrilling action sequences. The story becomes intense and gripping. The villain, who seemed funny earlier, becomes a serious threat. The hero evolves as well. The second half brings the same energy, excitement, and magical feeling that made the first part of the Kantara universe so memorable. The visuals, effects, story twists, and grand flag scenes make the film feel larger than life.

Rishab Shetty’s acting in the second half is remarkable. His performance alone makes watching the film worth it. He shows his talent both as an actor and as a director. The second half makes up for the flaws of the first half, leaving the audience satisfied and excited. By the end, Kantara: Chapter-1 successfully builds anticipation for Kantara: Chapter-2.

Performances:

Rishab Shetty’s performance in the opening scenes of Kantara already feels unbeatable, but he takes it even further. His acting in the second half reaches a whole new level. The scene where he shows his powerful ‘viswaroopam’ in the forest is truly unforgettable. Even if we have seen his talent in possessed scenes before, he surprises the audience all over again.

Rukmini Vasanth, who has been underwhelming in recent films after Sapta Sagaralu Daati, shines in this role. Both her beauty and her acting leave a terrific impression. She shows sides of her character that we have never seen before, surprising the audience.

Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah performs well, but it feels like his role was underutilised. Jayaram stands out as the aging king, and Prakash Tuminad, along with the other supporting actors, deliver good performances.

Technicians:

Technically, Kantara: Chapter-1 is top-notch. Every technician did their best. Ajneesh Loknath’s background music stands out, especially in the second half, perfectly matching the intense scenes. The songs are not very important here, but the background score drives the film’s emotions and energy.

Arvind Kashyap’s cinematography is excellent, capturing the forest, action, and drama beautifully. The art department’s work is strong, and Hombale Films’ production values are impressive. Director and writer Rishab Shetty has used all the resources perfectly to bring his vision to life.

The story may feel a little confusing at times, and the first hour’s narrative is slow, but Rishab’s effort to bring such a unique story to the screen is remarkable. His work in visuals, acting, and direction gives the audience a strong experience.

Even if the first half feels boring or there are minor flaws, the film’s technical brilliance and effort make it easy to forgive them.

Finally: Kantara Chapter-1.. Another magical world

Rating-3/5