Kantara Chapter 1 Review – Brilliant Presentation and Visual Treat

When Kantara released in 2022, it left an indelible mark across the nation and secured its place in the annals of Indian cinema. So naturally, when the prequel was announced, questions arose — could Kantara: Chapter 1 recreate that magic? The answer is a resounding yes. As you step out of the theatre, speechless and overwhelmed, you realise that Rishab Shetty has achieved something remarkable yet again. Here is our Kantara Chapter 1 review

Synopsis

Set in pre-colonial Karnataka during the Kadamba dynasty, Kantara: Chapter 1 traces the sacred origins of the Panjurli and Guliga Daiva traditions. At its core is a Naga Sadhu, a mystic-warrior entrusted with safeguarding the divine pact between man, nature, and deity. When greed and tyranny threaten to rupture this delicate balance, he is forced into a confrontation that blends folklore, ritual, romance, and epic spectacle in breathtaking fashion.

Analysis

The film resonates deeply with spiritual belief, interwoven seamlessly with folklore and just the right measure of mass entertainment. The opening 20 minutes itself draws the viewer into a mystical yet grand world. The first half balances action, humour, and romance effectively, while the second half raises the stakes with conflict and intensity. Just as the narrative seems predictable, an unexpected twist stuns the audience — a masterstroke best experienced unspoiled.

Rishab Shetty’s dual mastery as filmmaker and performer shines through. His storytelling is immersive, his screenplay gripping, and his screen presence electrifying, especially in the climactic stretch. Rukmini Vasanth delivers a career-defining performance, while Jayaram shines in a substantial role. The supporting cast also contributes with measured, authentic portrayals.

Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score is the heartbeat of the film, elevating each sequence to goosebump-inducing heights. Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography, paired with meticulous VFX, brings both grandeur and raw authenticity, making the visuals unforgettable.

Among the standout sequences are the protagonist’s first encounter with the tiger, the interval block, and the final 30 minutes — all staged with impeccable brilliance.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is more than a film — it is an immersive spiritual and cinematic experience. Excellently crafted and brilliantly executed, it is destined to be remembered as one of the finest works in South Indian cinema.