Kantara: Chapter 1 – Where the Forest Breathes, and Faith Burns Bright

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)

Written & Directed by: Rishab Shetty

Produced by: Hombale Films (Vijay Kiragandur & Chaluve Gowda)

Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojary, Prakash Thuminad

Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath

Cinematography: Arvind Kashyap

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 isn’t just a prequel — it’s an origin story carved in sweat, soil, and spirituality. Set centuries before the events of the 2022 phenomenon, the film delves into the mythic roots of the Daiva — the divine protector — and how faith and power collided long before modern conflicts began.

Shetty’s direction is masterful. He approaches mythology not as a fantasy but as a lived reality. Every frame is soaked in cultural authenticity — the rustle of forest leaves, the rhythmic clang of ritual drums, and the flicker of firelight all feel organic to the story’s soul. The screenplay unfolds patiently, revealing not only the folklore but also the human emotions buried within it.

Direction and Vision

Rishab Shetty once again proves that he is a rare storyteller who can merge raw emotion with visual grandeur. As both writer and director, he takes complete control of his material, never letting spectacle overshadow sentiment. He builds tension slowly, relying on mood and rhythm rather than jump cuts or clichés. The film’s pacing mirrors the heartbeat of the land it portrays — sometimes calm, sometimes explosive.

As an actor, Shetty’s performance is magnetic. His portrayal of Berme, the chosen one torn between divine duty and human instinct, is as primal as it is poetic. His eyes speak more than his dialogue; his silence often carries the weight of an ancient curse.

Performances

Rukmini Vasanth, as Kanakavathi, shines in a role that demands both restraint and emotional depth. She embodies faith without submission and adds balance to Shetty’s fiery energy. Her presence softens the narrative without diluting its strength.

Gulshan Devaiah brings a subtle menace to the antagonist Kulashekara. Instead of being a one-note villain, he adds layers of belief, ambition, and inner conflict, making his character feel dangerously human.

Supporting actors Jayaram, Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojary, and Prakash Thuminad inhabit their parts naturally, enhancing the immersive texture of the world. Each feels like a piece of the story’s landscape — essential and believable.

Technical Excellence

Visually, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a feast. Arvind Kashyap’s cinematography captures the forest as both sanctuary and battleground. The interplay of light and shadow gives the film an almost spiritual rhythm. The action sequences — though raw and intense — never lose their sense of purpose.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music is spine-tingling. His score moves between haunting chants and thunderous percussion, guiding the audience’s emotions without overwhelming them. The background score becomes the heartbeat of the narrative, especially during the climactic sequences where divine energy erupts onscreen.

The production design, costumes, and VFX work together seamlessly to bring Shetty’s vision to life. There’s a noticeable respect for regional aesthetics — nothing feels artificial or exaggerated.

Climax and Writing

The climax is one of the film’s most striking achievements. It ties faith, fate, and folklore into a single breathtaking moment of revelation. Without venturing into spoilers, it’s safe to say that the twist is unpredictable, deeply emotional, and thematically profound.

The writing maintains a delicate balance between myth and morality. Shetty doesn’t just glorify tradition; he questions the cost of devotion, the greed for power, and the thin line between godliness and arrogance. This moral complexity gives the film its lasting impact.

Where It Falters (Slightly)

The film’s only drawback lies in its pacing. The first half, while visually rich, occasionally lingers longer than necessary. Some ritualistic scenes, though beautiful, could feel extended for mainstream audiences. However, the payoff in the second half — especially the explosive climax — justifies the patience.

Verdict

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a cinema that breathes. It’s rooted in Indian soil yet universal in spirit. Rishab Shetty’s vision combines folklore, devotion, and human drama into a cinematic experience that feels timeless.

It’s a film that asks not to be watched but felt. From its thunderous score to its quiet moments of faith, it reminds us why storytelling still matters — because stories, like gods, are born from belief.