There is a clash between Kantara The Legend Chapter 1 vs Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari at the cinema halls this weekend on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra holiday. Rishab Shetty’s Kantara (2022) created history with its divine folklore, raw storytelling, and magical connection with the audience. Now, Kantara Chapter 1 arrives as a prequel, set centuries before the original tale, with sky-high expectations. Backed by Hombale Films, this ambitious project takes us into the roots of Kantara’s mystical land, its spiritual guardians, and the eternal clash between greed and faith. But does it live up to the massive hype? Let’s dive into the review.
Kantara Chapter 1 Story
Set in the 4th century, India, during the reign of the Kadambas, the story begins with an evil king trying to seize Eeswarana hoodota (Shiva’s sacred garden) in Kantara. But the Guliga, a guardian spirit, rises to protect the forest and slays him. The king’s son, Rajashekara (Jayaram), is spared and taken in by a tribe from Kadaba dikku.
Years later, Rajashekara’s son, Kulashekara (Gulshan Devaiah), returns with his eyes on Kantara’s mystical power. Standing in his way is Berme (Rishab Shetty), protector of the tribe and the forest. Their conflict unravels the secrets of Kantara, its divine connection, and the ultimate battle between greed and guardianship.
The film also explores tribal culture, barter systems, and ancient beliefs in a world that feels authentic and deeply researched.
Kantara Chapter 1 Movie Review
From the very first frame, it’s clear that Rishab Shetty has scaled up everything—the world-building, the visuals, the action, and the ambition. The production values are top-notch, and the budget is visible in every scene.
The VFX and CGI are jaw-dropping, particularly the animal sequences and divine elements, which deserve to be experienced on the big screen. The chariot chase in the first half is a visual marvel, and the interval block sets the stage for an electrifying second half.
The climax is good—a mix of divine possession, tribal rage, and folklore brought alive with cinematic grandeur. The extended war sequences are designed to give goosebumps and succeed brilliantly.
However, the narrative does stumble. The first half takes too long to establish characters, and some portions feel dragged out. The screenplay occasionally tries to juggle too many elements—multiple tribes, deities, rituals, and traditions—which makes certain sequences overwhelming. At times, the storytelling feels rushed in parts that needed more depth, while unnecessary moments stretch longer than required.
Despite these flaws, the visual brilliance and emotional intensity outweigh the shortcomings. The film truly soars in its high points, especially in the second half.
Kantara Chapter 1 Performances
Rishab Shetty is the heart and soul of this film. More than the director, the actor in him shines brighter than ever. His portrayal of Berme, especially in trance and divine possession sequences, is spine-chilling and a testament to his acting prowess. He delivers a performance that lingers long after the film ends.
Rukmini Vasanth is the film’s biggest surprise. Not just a love interest, her role is layered and gains huge importance in the climax. She delivers with grace and intensity, making her performance a standout.
Gulshan Devaiah plays Kulashekara with conviction, but his character feels underdeveloped compared to Rishab’s. He could have been given more depth to truly match Berme’s presence. Jayaram does justice to his role as Rajashekara, though he doesn’t get much screen time.
On the technical side, Arvind S Kashyap’s cinematography is extraordinary, capturing both action and spiritual grandeur with finesse. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score, while powerful in many sequences, sometimes comes across as overly loud. Editing could have been sharper, as several stretched-out portions slow the pace.
Final Verdict
On the whole, Kantara Chapter 1 is a visually spectacular prequel that dives deep into the mystical roots of Kantara. While the first half struggles with pacing and cluttered storytelling, the interval, climax, and Rishab Shetty’s powerhouse performance elevate it.
The film isn’t flawless, but it remains a big-screen experience filled with goosebumps, divine energy, and breathtaking visuals.
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ½ (3.5/5)
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