Kantara Chapter 1 Movie Review: Rishab Shetty & Rukmini Vasanth’s Brilliance In A 15-Minute Climax Is Benchmark For The Decade, That’s How You Create Universes!
Director: Rishab Shetty
Star Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and others
Language: Kannada (Dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam)
Genre: Mythological Action Drama
Runtime: 158 minutes
Where to Watch: Only in Theatres
Introduction
After the massive success of Kantara (2022), fans were eagerly waiting for its prequel — Kantara Chapter 1. Once again, Rishab Shetty returns not only as the lead actor but also as the writer and director, taking the universe of Kantara to an even grander, deeper, and more spiritual level.
The question is — does Kantara Chapter 1 live up to the legacy of the first film? The short answer is YES! Not only does it live up to the expectations, but it also sets a new benchmark for Indian cinema. The movie is a visual, emotional, and spiritual rollercoaster that’ll leave you stunned in your seat, especially during its mind-blowing 15-minute climax — one that’ll go down as one of the best ever in Indian film history.
Storyline (Without Spoilers)
Set in a time much before the events of the first film, Kantara Chapter 1 explores the origin story of the mystical forest, the divine Daiva, and the ancient secrets behind the deity’s wrath and blessings.
The story revolves around a powerful king who once made a pact with the gods — a promise that brought peace to his kingdom but at a cost. Generations later, when greed and corruption rise again, the balance of nature begins to collapse, and the gods demand justice.
Rishab Shetty plays Bhairava, a fierce warrior chosen by destiny to restore the balance between man and nature. But Bhairava is unaware of his true connection with the divine forces that rule Kantara.
The first half focuses on world-building — introducing us to royal politics, ancient rituals, and the socio-religious dynamics of that era. The second half, however, explodes into pure cinematic madness — with mythology, emotion, spirituality, and breathtaking action blending seamlessly.
Direction & Storytelling
Rishab Shetty once again proves why he’s one of the most visionary filmmakers of this generation. His storytelling is poetic yet raw. The way he balances mythological symbolism with modern cinematic craft is extraordinary.
Yes, the first half may feel a bit scattered and slow, but it’s all part of a grand setup. Once the film enters its second half, it’s pure magic. Every frame feels like a painting; every scene carries weight.
Rishab has expanded the Kantara universe beautifully — connecting the dots, deepening the lore, and answering questions that fans have been asking for three years. He doesn’t just make a sequel (or prequel); he builds a spiritual cinematic universe that rivals even Hollywood’s best world-building.
Performance Review
Rishab Shetty as Bhairava
Once again, Rishab Shetty is the soul of the movie. His performance as Bhairava is intense, fierce, and divine. You can feel his transformation — from a mere mortal to something beyond human comprehension.
In the first half, Rishab shows restraint — calm, composed, and controlled. But in the climax, he unleashes a storm. The last 15 minutes are so powerful that the audience in theatres actually forgets to breathe. It’s not just acting — it’s spiritual possession captured on camera.
He doesn’t just perform the role; he becomes it. This is cinema’s true divinity in motion.
Rukmini Vasanth as Devi
If Rishab Shetty is the fire, Rukmini Vasanth is the calm river that cools it. Her performance is both emotional and commanding. She portrays her role with grace, strength, and a deep spiritual aura.
Her chemistry with Rishab is mesmerizing — not romantic in the conventional sense, but deeply spiritual. She’s the emotional anchor of the film. Some of her scenes, especially post-interval, will make you tear up.
Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah & Others
Jayaram delivers a solid performance as the wise yet conflicted mentor. Gulshan Devaiah, as always, brings intensity and unpredictability to his role. Both add significant weight to the narrative.
Every supporting character — from the villagers to the royal guards — feels real and authentic. The casting department deserves full marks for making this world feel lived-in and believable.
Cinematography & Visuals
The cinematography by Arvind S Kashyap is nothing short of breathtaking. Each frame looks like it belongs in an art gallery. The dense forests, the flickering firelight, the misty landscapes — every shot immerses you in the spiritual world of Kantara.
The lighting and camera movements enhance the mystical vibe of the movie. The use of natural light during rituals, the close-up shots during possession sequences, and the wide shots of nature all combine to create a visual poem.
The VFX work is subtle yet stunning. The divine transformation scenes, the supernatural storm sequences, and the celestial visuals during the climax — all feel organic and powerful. Nothing looks fake or overdone.
Music & Background Score
If Kantara (2022) gave us a divine soundscape, Kantara Chapter 1 takes it to another universe altogether. The background score by B Ajaneesh Loknath is an emotion in itself.
From the sound of conch shells and temple bells to the powerful tribal drums — every note gives you goosebumps. The music doesn’t just play behind the story; it becomes part of it.
The 15-minute climax sequence is carried entirely by Rishab’s performance and Ajaneesh’s thunderous BGM. It feels like the gods themselves are orchestrating it.
This is not just music — this is divine energy vibrating through the speakers.
Screenplay & Writing
The screenplay is ambitious and layered. It moves between mythology, fantasy, and realism effortlessly.
The dialogues are poetic yet simple. Lines like “The forest doesn’t belong to man; man belongs to the forest” or “When the gods sleep, demons rise from within us” stay with you long after you leave the theatre.
The first half, though a bit uneven, focuses on setup — explaining the roots of the story and the history of Kantara. But once the interval hits, it transforms into a beast of a movie.
Rishab Shetty’s writing shines in his ability to merge religion, spirituality, and humanity into one cohesive narrative.
Action Sequences
Let’s talk about action — because, oh boy, this film redefines it. The climax battle sequence is easily one of the most powerful, emotional, and technically flawless action scenes ever filmed in Indian cinema.
There’s no overuse of slow motion or fake heroism. It’s raw, primal, and spiritual. Every strike, every scream, every drop of blood feels earned.
You’ll feel the energy rising in your body as the divine power awakens. Audiences literally stood up and applauded in theatres during the final act. It’s that impactful.
Symbolism & Themes
Kantara Chapter 1 isn’t just a story — it’s an experience that blends philosophy, folklore, and faith.
- It explores the relationship between man, nature, and divinity.
- It questions the corruption of power and how greed destroys balance.
- It celebrates devotion and dharma while highlighting the consequences of ignoring them.
Rishab Shetty uses mythological metaphors to talk about real-world issues like inequality, environmental destruction, and spiritual loss.
The Downsides
Even masterpieces have flaws, and Kantara Chapter 1 isn’t perfect.
- The first half feels slightly disjointed with too many subplots.
- A few comedic scenes break the tension unnecessarily.
- The runtime could’ve been trimmed by 10–15 minutes for a tighter experience.
But these are minor issues in an otherwise monumental film.
Highlights You’ll Remember Forever
✅ The breathtaking 15-minute climax – easily one of the greatest sequences in Indian cinema history.
✅ Rishab Shetty’s unreal transformation — a performance that feels possessed by divine energy.
✅ Ajaneesh Loknath’s soul-shaking BGM.
✅ Rukmini Vasanth’s elegance and emotional brilliance.
✅ The unseen twist at the end that connects directly to Kantara 2 (Part 3).
The Universe of Kantara
Rishab Shetty isn’t just making movies anymore — he’s building a mythological cinematic universe. With Kantara Chapter 1, he’s laid the foundation for something truly historic.
By connecting spiritual philosophy, ancient Indian legends, and modern storytelling, he’s created what can only be described as India’s answer to Marvel’s mythic universe — but rooted in divinity, not fantasy.
And yes, don’t leave after the end credits — there’s a massive post-credit scene that announces Kantara Chapter 2 (Part 3) officially!
Final Verdict
Kantara Chapter 1 is not just a movie — it’s a spiritual event. It’s rare when cinema, mythology, and emotion merge this perfectly. Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth have delivered performances that will be studied for years.
If Kantara (2022) turned theatres into temples, Kantara Chapter 1 turns cinema itself into divinity.
So yes — don’t judge it by its trailer. Watch it. Feel it. Experience it.
Because once you do, you won’t be the same person again.
Rating: 5/5 (Masterpiece)
Acting: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Direction: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cinematography: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Music/BGM: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story & Screenplay: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
