Film Review: Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1

Production: Hombale FilmsDirector: Rishab ShettyCast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, Pramod Shetty, Prakash ThuminadGenre: Mythological Period Action DramaLanguage: Kannada (Dubbed in Hindi)Certificate: U/ARuntime: 158 minutes

One-liner:

A spellbinding fusion of myth, might, and mysticism Rishab Shetty’s Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 is a visually majestic and spiritually charged epic that deepens the legacy of the original while roaring with primal power.

Introduction

When Kantara released in 2022, it wasn’t merely a film it became a phenomenon. A visceral blend of folklore, devotion, and action, it transcended linguistic and regional barriers to become one of Indian cinema’s most talked-about spiritual thrillers. Rishab Shetty’s storytelling, anchored in the coastal culture of Karnataka and the divine tradition of Daiva Kola, connected deeply with audiences hungry for rooted, authentic stories.

Now, Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 takes us further back into the origins of the myth, the man, and the divinity that shaped the universe of Kantara. Set in pre-colonial Karnataka, this prequel serves as both an expansion of the lore and a deep-dive into the spiritual fabric of the land.

With Rishab Shetty once again wearing multiple hats as writer, director, and lead actor, Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 is a cinematic ritual a grand invocation of nature, faith, and rebellion. It explores the eternal struggle between the oppressed and the powerful, man and divinity, and the timeless cycle of karma that binds them.

Unlike the first film, which had a contemporary setting intertwined with myth, Chapter 1 is drenched in ancient mysticism. It’s both a spectacle and a sermon a primal cry that bridges the human and the divine through the rhythm of the land, the roar of the tiger, and the dance of the Daiva.

Screenplay & Script Sense

The screenplay penned by Rishab Shetty, Anirudh Mahesh, and Shaneel Gautham is a masterclass in mythic storytelling. Rooted deeply in the cultural soil of Tulunadu, the film draws inspiration from local folklore and expands it into a sweeping narrative of love, rebellion, and divine justice.

The story follows Berma (Rishab Shetty), a fiery, fearless man from the land of Kantara. The neighboring kingdom of Bandarga, ruled by the arrogant King Kulshekar (Gulshan Devaiah), exploits the villagers mercilessly. Berma, driven by an unyielding sense of justice and divine protection, rises against tyranny. But his fight isn’t merely political it’s spiritual. When the king insults Kantara’s sacred Daiva, the conflict transcends man and becomes myth.

The narrative unfolds like an ancient legend told by the flicker of firelight rhythmic, ritualistic, and riveting. The screenplay balances spectacle and philosophy, weaving thrilling action with profound spiritual metaphors. The scenes depicting the Bhuta Kola ritual, Berma’s communion with the divine, and the emergence of supernatural powers elevate the film from historical fiction to mythic poetry.

What truly stands out is how the writers maintain relentless pace and momentum. There’s hardly a dull moment every act escalates the stakes, leading to a magnificent, cathartic climax. The screenplay keeps the audience’s pulse racing, while also making them ponder questions of fate, faith, and freedom.

However, some moments may feel dense or confusing especially for viewers unfamiliar with the local mythos. The complexity of the ritual language, and the subtitling issues (small font, unreadable shlokas), slightly hamper comprehension in the Hindi version. Yet the emotional gravity of each moment remains intact through visual storytelling.

At its core, the script is a spiritual allegory about a man becoming a medium of divinity, about how belief empowers resistance, and how legends are born from blood, sweat, and faith.

Direction

Rishab Shetty’s direction in Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 is nothing short of transcendental. Having already proven his mastery in the original film, here he expands his cinematic canvas to mythical proportions without losing emotional intimacy.

Every frame feels like a painting soaked in earthy colors, tribal chants, and divine fury. Shetty orchestrates the film with the precision of a storyteller and the passion of a devotee. His vision fierce, poetic, and grounded makes the film a spiritual experience rather than just a cinematic one.

His biggest triumph lies in how he marries folklore and filmmaking. He doesn’t treat mythology as fantasy but as lived culture. His depiction of the Daiva Kola ritual, the invocation sequences, and Berma’s divine transformation pulsate with authenticity. The audience doesn’t just watch; they feel as if they are witnessing an ancient ritual unfold.

Shetty’s control over tone is immaculate. He balances moments of tenderness (Berma and Kanakavathi’s doomed romance) with scenes of raw intensity (the tiger sequences and divine wrath). His direction captures both the brutality of man’s greed and the beauty of his faith.

In several moments especially the scenes of Berma channeling the divine, or confronting Kulshekar’s army Shetty transcends filmmaking and enters the realm of visual theology. It’s a director’s prayer, painted in sweat, soil, and sacrifice.

This is world-building at its finest Indian cinema rarely sees such conviction and scale handled with such rootedness.

Acting

Rishab Shetty delivers one of the finest performances of his career perhaps even better than his acclaimed act in the first Kantara. As Berma, he embodies courage, agony, devotion, and madness. His portrayal oscillates between human vulnerability and divine rage. When Berma channels the deity roaring, trembling, eyes aflame Shetty doesn’t act; he becomes possessed. It’s a performance that sends chills down the spine and commands reverence.

Rukmini Vasanth, as Kanakavathi, adds grace and emotion to the otherwise fierce narrative. Her romance with Berma is tender and tragic a brief respite in a world of violence and vengeance. She balances the traditional restraint of her royal background with the emotional depth of a woman torn between love and loyalty.

Gulshan Devaiah as King Kulshekar is a revelation. His portrayal of arrogance and insecurity humanizes the antagonist without softening his evil. His face a blend of royal arrogance and moral decay brings gravitas to every frame. Devaiah’s command over his dialogue delivery, posture, and menace elevates the conflict.

Jayaram, as Rajshekar, lends dignity and quiet wisdom to the proceedings, while Pramod Shetty shines as Bhogendra, adding emotional weight and earthy authenticity.

Supporting actors like Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, and Rakesh Poojari contribute richly to the ensemble, grounding the mystical in human emotion. The performances, collectively, create a universe that feels lived-in and spiritually resonant.

Cinematography

Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography is the heartbeat of Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1. Every frame is drenched in visual poetry the mist-laden forests, the glow of ritual fires, the ferocity of battlefields, and the divine energy that shimmers through the landscapes.

Kashyap’s camera captures not just images but sensations the humid breath of the jungle, the sacred rhythm of the drums, the sweat on Berma’s brow before a divine trance. His lens treats nature as a living character the forests, rivers, and tigers breathe with narrative significance.

The lighting design, especially during the Bhuta Kola sequences and the night rituals, is extraordinary. The interplay of shadows, smoke, and sacred flames gives the film a surreal yet organic visual texture.

Wide-angle shots of coastal terrain contrast beautifully with intimate close-ups of faith and fury. The climax where Berma’s divinity bursts forth is captured with operatic grandeur, reminding one of ancient mythic frescoes come to life.

In short, Kashyap’s cinematography is not just beautiful it’s divine.

Music & Background Score

B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music is the soul of Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1. The soundtrack, steeped in tribal rhythms, chants, and folk instruments, connects deeply with the audience’s primal instincts.

The songs are not inserted for entertainment but serve as spiritual and narrative bridges each melody echoing the land’s voice. The rhythmic beats of Daiva Puje, the haunting lullaby of Kanakavathi’s Love Theme, and the thunderous war chants enhance the mythic atmosphere.

But it’s the background score that’s truly breathtaking. Loknath’s score moves like a heartbeat slow, meditative in emotional scenes, and pulsating with divine rage during battles. The percussive motifs and traditional instruments like chende, nadaswaram, and tavil lend authenticity and cinematic grandeur.

During Berma’s divine transformation, the fusion of chants, percussion, and silence creates an overwhelming, goosebump-inducing experience. Few Indian films have used sound as effectively as Kantara and now, Chapter 1 continues that legacy.

Editing

Suresh Mallaiah’s editing is taut, immersive, and rhythmically aligned with the narrative. Despite the film’s near 160-minute runtime, there’s rarely a slack moment. The pacing complements the film’s structure slow and meditative in its spiritual segments, swift and pulsating during the action.

The transitions between mythic visions and grounded human drama are seamless. The montage sequences particularly Berma’s training, the divine possession, and the final battle are edited with such finesse that they flow like a chant.

However, the subtitling issue in the Hindi dubbed version deserves mention. The fine print of the translations for shlokas and dialogues can make comprehension difficult for non-Kannada viewers. A better localization effort would have enhanced accessibility.

Nevertheless, the editing in terms of visual storytelling remains razor-sharp and emotionally coherent.

Final Verdict

Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 is not just a prequel it’s an origin myth, a cinematic scripture that expands and deepens the universe of Kantara. It reaffirms Rishab Shetty’s position as one of the most visionary filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema.

The film is a rare blend of folklore, faith, and fury a symphony of sight and sound that immerses you completely. It respects its roots, glorifies its land, and elevates its mythology to the level of timeless legend.

This is cinema that transcends entertainment it’s cultural preservation wrapped in powerful storytelling. Yes, it has minor flaws the occasional confusion, subtitle issues, and slightly overwhelming narrative density but they pale before its grandeur and conviction.

With Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1, Shetty doesn’t just make a film; he crafts a spiritual experience one that resonates long after the credits roll.

On the Plus Side:

• Rishab Shetty’s powerhouse performance visceral and divine.

• Outstanding direction mythic scale with emotional grounding.

• Magnificent cinematography by Arvind S. Kashyap.

• Spellbinding background score and authentic folk-based music.

• Gripping screenplay filled with action, emotion, and spirituality.

• Breathtaking Bhuta Kola and tiger sequences.

• Visual grandeur and cultural authenticity.

• Powerful supporting performances, especially Gulshan Devaiah and Rukmini Vasanth.

On the Minus Side:

• Complex mythological references may confuse some viewers.

• Subtitles (in Hindi version) are too small and unclear.

• Some expository scenes feel rushed or dense.

• Slightly long runtime that could challenge casual viewers.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

Verdict: “Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1” is a cinematic hymn fierce, faithful, and unforgettable. Rishab Shetty transforms folklore into fire, delivering an epic that roars with spirit, emotion, and divinity. A masterwork of Indian mythological storytelling.