Rishab Shetty in ‘Kantara Chapter 1’.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a small but important scene in Kantara Chapter 1, Berme (Rishab Shetty) tells his mom concerning the significance of enterprise. It’s not simply incomes what they deserve, but in addition a signal of feat for his or her marginalised group of individuals. Berme’s resolution to revolt for the rights of his individuals kinds the crux of the movie, and director Rishab mounts this concept on a gigantic scale. The prequel appears so enormous that its first half, the technically potent Kantara (2022), now seems tiny. This improve in measurement works for and in opposition to the newest installment.
As urged by the trailer, the mysterious forest Kantara is on the centre of the plot once more. The Kadamba dynasty eyes the Eshwarana Hoothota (God’s Garden), a sacred area within the forest belonging to the tribals. If greed drew the owner to try to seize the land of the villagers within the first half, it’s a matter of status for the royals within the prequel. Having been stopped by divine energy, the king’s (Jayaram) ego is damage, but he lays low, ready for the proper second to strike. When the prince, Kulasekhara (a excellent Gulshan Devaiah), tries to encroach on Kantara, Berme stands as a barrier.
Kantara Chapter 1 (Kannada)
Director: Rishab Shetty
Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Rakesh Poojary, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah
Runtime: 168 minutes
Storyline: A narrative set in a divine forest the place a legend is born
The tussle between the unfastened cannon Kulasekhara, a unfastened cannon, and Berme, a goofy but eccentric and fearless man, is attention-grabbing. However, the choice so as to add humour to intense sequences backfires. The movie struggles to breathe early on, with abrupt cuts affecting the movie’s circulation. The largely disjointed first half is because of Rishab’s urgency to shortly convey as many plot factors as potential.
A few audacious motion sequences (the one involving a chariot is jaw-dropping) are extra showboating than value-add to the plot, however we don’t thoughts, because it helps the movie collect some momentum. The uneven first act stays intriguing due to the movie’s strong world-building. While depicting the indigenous individuals, Kantara Chapter 1 seems native in the absolute best approach. The costumes, make-up, and units type a world that’s fairly one thing to see on the massive display.

After establishing the plot, Rishab achieves his desired religious-themed mega manufacturing to close perfection with a go-for-broke filmmaking, aided by his gifted group. Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap affords an expertise of watching a compelling conflict drama together with his grand and artistic photographs. The underlying rigidity between the tribals and royals hits its zenith within the ‘Brahmakalasha’ music composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, who additionally delivers a rousing battle theme via the music ‘Rebel’.

Gulshan Devaiah in ‘Kantara Chapter 1’.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Kantara Chapter 1 will probably be spoken about for its visible achievements. Rishab makes an attempt to ship ‘that one-scene-you-can’t-stop-talking-about’ in abundance. The fantastically choreographed motion sequences and the top-class CGI-laden scenes dazzle the viewers with a high dose of adrenaline.
The movie was speculated to hint the origin of daivas (holy spirits) and the religious beliefs of the individuals of Tulunadu. The makers appear to have tried their finest to grasp the folklore with analysis. As an actor, Rishab’s aura witnessed within the first half stays intact within the prequel. His portrayal of divine possession and ferocious energy of a deity is sensible. Rukmini Vasanth, in her first function that pushes her skills because the Sapta Sagaradaache Ello movies, stands out with sturdy dialogue supply.
ALSO READ: Rukmini Vasanth eyes a versatile journey in Kannada cinema
The emotional undercurrent of the movie, concerning the tribal group preventing for inclusivity and going in opposition to these attempting to dispose them off their land, barely will get misplaced amidst the grandeur. Kantara had a stronger soul whereas the prequel is barely empty on the within regardless of many shifting scenes.
At the tip of it, these elements may be forgiven and the drab passages are forgotten due to the makers’ sheer dedication to scale. Rishab pushes his inventive selections to ship an intensive and spectacle-heavy sequel that’s high on entertainment value.
Kantara Chapter 1 is presently operating in theatres
Published – October 02, 2025 12:52 pm IST



