Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has arrived in cinemas, and is set to provide a captivating and immersive cinematic experience. The film aims to deliver on multiple fronts, striving to entertain, provoke thought, and make a lasting impression – hallmarks of a true cinematic masterpiece. The original ‘Kantara’ set a high bar, and this prequel attempts to build upon that success.
Initial reactions to the prequel’s trailer were met with a measure of uncertainty, born from concerns about the challenges of translating a localized narrative to a broader, pan-Indian audience, particularly with a larger budget. However, the film successfully addresses and alleviates these concerns.
Three years prior, Rishab Shetty took on the challenge of bringing to life a local story rooted in the Indian soil. This narrative is deeply interwoven with the beliefs and traditions of millions of people living along the coasts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. These communities have maintained these traditions for generations. To understand what makes this prequel so compelling, a thorough review is essential.
The narrative commences with a ruthless king from the Kadamba Sultanate, driven by insatiable greed. His sole ambition is to control every aspect of the land: rivers, streams, fields, and mountains. He has complete disregard for human life, eliminating anyone who stands in his way and seizing their lands.
One day, the king’s attention is drawn to an elderly fisherman near the sea. He immediately orders the fisherman’s capture. As the old man is brought before the king, curious objects spill from his pocket. The king is immediately captivated! He resolves to discover the source of this treasure, leading him to the sacred land of Kantara, where the inhabitants live in harmony with nature. However, when the king casts an evil eye on the area, he unwittingly provokes the deity that resides there.
As the story progresses through time, the setting shifts to the Bhangra kingdom. Here, the king’s son, Vijendra (played by Jayaram), has grown old and transferred his responsibilities to his son, Kulashekhara (played by Gulshan Devaiah). His daughter, Kanakavathi (played by Rukmini Vasant), takes charge of the treasury. In Kantara, Barme (played by Rishab Shetty) takes on a leadership role, dedicated to enhancing the village’s status and transforming the lives of its people.
When the people of Kantara approach the Bhangra court with their grievances, events take an unexpected turn. The central questions arise: Whose land is Kantara? Who will protect it? Who seeks to destroy it? A fierce conflict erupts, going beyond human struggles and evolving into a fight for faith and rights, with devastating results. To experience this compelling drama, one must see Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 in theaters.
If you found the 2022 Kantara to be a breathtaking experience, this prequel takes it to another level. In the villages of Konkan, Karnataka, and Goa, the deities and their attendants, the Tulunadu Daivas, are revered. The Daivas are frequently worshipped in the form of rocks. In Kantara, we learned about their significance, and this Chapter 1 tells their story in a very interesting way. From the beginning, the story is so engaging that you lose yourself in this world completely.
The meticulous crafting extends to every scene. It goes beyond entertainment and storytelling to address the centuries-long exploitation of the poor. The film illustrates how no one was allowed to touch the king’s horses, with those who did facing immediate execution. However, Rishab Shetty’s rebellious character rides the horse, romances the king’s daughter, and also races the chariot for the king. These scenes, which defy social norms, are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The first half is full of action, and the second half features numerous twists and turns. This illustrates Rishab’s dedication, making this a must-watch.
Rishab Shetty not only acts in this film but also directs 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 often unaware of. As a director, Rishab 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 backbone 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 you felt that Kantara was a defining cinematic experience, this prequel displays the strength found in tradition! With its compelling visuals and a heartfelt story, the most remarkable aspect of this film is its authenticity. Kantara’s response to the question of why you worship stones is a powerful one. This film is not just a box-office hit, it’s a cinematic experience that will be remembered for a long time. So, fasten your seatbelts and immerse yourself in the world of Kantara, because this is the best film of the year. We give this film 4 stars.