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Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has been released in theaters. Some films entertain, some make us deeply contemplate, and some leave us applauding. When a film encompasses all these aspects, it’s called a masterpiece, and Rishab Shetty’s film is exactly that. Initially, there was a hint of disappointment upon seeing the prequel’s trailer. There was a fear that the story’s essence might be lost due to the pressure of a pan-Indian release and a large budget. However, the film dispelled this fear.
Three years ago, Rishab Shetty dared to narrate a folk tale rooted in the soil of India, a tale upon which millions residing along the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka have placed their faith for generations. To discover what makes this prequel so special, a full review is a must-read.
The film begins with a cruel king from the Kadamba Sultanate, consumed by greed. His sole desire was to possess every river, stream, field, and mountain. He showed no regard for anyone, killing all and seizing their lands.
One day, his gaze fell upon an old man fishing by the sea. The king immediately ordered his capture. When the old man was dragged, strange objects fell from his dhoti pocket. The king was mesmerized! He resolved to reach the source of the treasure, leading him to Kantara’s sacred land, where people lived in harmony with nature. But when the king cast his evil eye on the area, he unknowingly challenged the deity residing there.
Decades later, the story shifts to the Bhangra kingdom. The king’s son, Vijendra (Jayaram), is now old and has handed over the reins to his son, Kulashekhara (Gulshan Devaiah), while his daughter, Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasant), manages the treasury. Meanwhile, in Kantara, Barme (Rishab Shetty) leads the village in enhancing its glory and changing the people’s destinies.
When the people of Kantara approach the Bhangra court with their grievances, chaos ensues. Whose land is Kantara? Who will protect it? And who is plotting to destroy it? A fierce battle erupts, not just between humans but for faith and rights, leading to a chilling outcome. To experience this drama, one must watch Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 in theaters.
If the 2022 Kantara left you breathless, this prequel surpasses it tenfold. In the villages of Konkan, Karnataka, and Goa, deities and their attendants, known as Tulunadu Daivas, are worshipped. These Daivas are often worshipped in the form of rocks. We learned about them in Kantara, and Chapter 1 presents the beginning of their story in a fascinating way. From the start, the story is so engaging that you get lost in its world without blinking.
The film’s every scene is meticulously crafted, mind-boggling in detail. It’s not just entertainment or storytelling; it addresses the centuries-old exploitation of the poor, discussing equality. The film depicts how no one was allowed to touch the king’s horses, with those who did being killed. But Rishab Shetty’s rebellious character rides the horse, romances the king’s daughter, and also races the chariot for the king. These scenes, breaking social norms, are woven into the story so seamlessly that they don’t feel forced. The first half is power-packed, and the second half surprises with twists and turns. It proves Rishab’s dedication, making it a must-watch.
Rishab Shetty not only acted in this film but also directed it, creating a sensation. Along with drama and entertainment, he attempts to present aspects like the struggles of tribal communities and their internal conflicts, which we are unaware of. Rishab, as a director, played a big game. The Guliga’s scream from the previous Kantara, which gave us goosebumps, seems like a mere trailer compared to this prequel! Barme’s (Rishab) scream varies, expressing different pains. Chilling moments don’t cease but keep coming. Technically, the cinematography by Arvind Kashyap and the music by Anjaneesh Loknath are outstanding. Visual effects are also great, but some graphics in the second half seem a little weak, although this minor flaw doesn’t matter much.
If Rishab Shetty is the spine of this film, Rukmini Vasant (Kanakavathi) is its soul. Rukmini has been given a powerful role in this film, and she has played it with full force. Her acting is powerful. Jayaram has also added color with his experienced acting. As for Gulshan Devaiah, he played the role of the incompetent king Kulashekhara so beautifully that you will truly be angered by seeing him on screen, and that is his victory! But the real game-changer is Rishab Shetty! In the climax and Guliga scenes, he doesn’t seem like just an actor; we feel the deity is delivering justice.
If, like me, you felt we’d seen something in Kantara, this prequel tells us how much strength is in the roots! With powerful visuals and a heartwarming story, the biggest thing about this film is its honesty. Kantara’s response to the question of why you worship stones is resounding. This film is not just a money-spinner; it’s a cinematic experience that will be remembered for a long time. So buckle up and get lost in the world of Kantara, because this is the best film of the year. We give this film 4 stars.
