Kantara – Chapter 1′ Movie Review: A Grand Prequel
Emotional Engagement Emoji
Storyline
The film opens with a young Shiva (Rishab Shetty) seeking answers about his father, who disappeared in the forest after the Panjurli Jathara (festival). This search uncovers a history spanning decades.
The central conflict revolves around the Eeshwaruni Poodota (God Shiva’s Garden) in the Kantara region. Rajasekhar’s (Jayaram) father loses his life while attempting to encroach upon this sacred land, protected by the Kantara tribe. Years later, Kulashekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) is determined to seize the garden.
Meanwhile, Bermi (Rishab Shetty), a local from the region, conducts business right inside Kulashekhara’s kingdom to support his people. Amidst these dramatic developments, Bermi and Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth) grow close.
The core mystery remains: What happens next? What steps does Bermi take to protect his Kantara? Who exactly is Bermi, and where does he come from? What is the significance of Kanakavathi’s character and what is her ultimate goal? To unlock these secrets, the film must be watched.
Analysis: The Core Theme
The film strongly reiterates the age-old concept that when injustice prevails, a divine power descends to protect righteousness.
Artistes’ Performance
Kantara is synonymous with Rishab Shetty, and he has delivered a performance that cements this identity. Shetty excels both as a director and as an actor, showcasing different variations in his powerful performance that captivates the audience. His acting in the crucial emotional sequences stands out as a major highlight of the film.
Rukmini Vasanth performs exceptionally well in the role of Kanakavathi. She brings a stunning screen presence and holds her own. Gulshan Devaiah is brilliant as the antagonist Kulashekhara. Jayaram completely immerses himself in the role of the King, delivering a strong and memorable performance in several key scenes.
Technical Review
Rishab Shetty’s direction is commendable. He has effectively showcased the perfect balance of intense action elements and strong emotional depth. Cinematographer Aravind S. Kashyap provides stunning visuals and cinematography that elevate the narrative.
B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music is very good; both the songs and their picturization are beautiful. The background music significantly boosts the film’s impact. Suresh Mallayya’s editing is sharp and effective. Producer Vijay Kiragandur has spared no expense in making this film, ensuring magnificent production values throughout.
