KANTARA A LEGEND: CHAPTER 1
ONE WORD: Rishab Shetty Crafts a Visionary Epic: The Prequel of Kantara is Fully Entertaining and Visually Grand
A Review by Arunjyothi R
LANGUAGE: Malayalam Dubbed
DURATION: 02 Hours 48 Minutes
DIRECTOR: Rishab Shetty
GENRE: Period Mythological Action Drama
•POSITIVES:
1: Direction
2: Story, Screenplay and Dialogues
3: Performance of Rishab Shetty
4: Cinematography
5: Music and Background Score
6: VFX
7: Production Design
8: Action Sequences
9: Last 30 Minutes and Second Half
10: Editing
•NEGATIVES:
1: Comedies felt forceful
2: Pacing issues in the first half
3: Climax is engaging but misses the first film’s punch.
STORY:
The tale begins with King Vijayendra (Jayaram), a seasoned ruler who chooses to pass the crown to Kulasekhar (Gulshan Devaiah). But what the king envisions as continuity turns into chaos—Kulasekhar lacks the discipline and foresight needed to lead. The real brilliance in the royal household lies with his sister, Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth), whose intelligence and intuition set her apart.
Far from the palace walls lies the sacred land of Kantara, where no monarch dares to exercise authority. Here lives Berme (Rishab Shetty), the formidable leader of the tribes. His strength and integrity earn Kanakavathi’s admiration, eventually securing his people trading rights at Bandar Port—a rare triumph for the marginalized. Yet, peace is shattered when Kulasekhar, hungry for dominance, turns his wrath on the tribe. The massacre claims countless lives, including Berme’s mother, pushing him into a state where he becomes the vessel of divine forces—no longer just a man, but the very embodiment of his people’s gods.
But the fire of faith is tested by betrayal. Someone close delivers the deepest wound, forcing Berme to confront not only his enemies but also treachery within. What unfolds is a tale of vengeance, faith, and the ultimate fight to restore dharma to a land broken by greed.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS OF THE FILM:
WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES:
1: Rishab Shetty is the heartbeat of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, carrying the film with unmatched vision and conviction. What he delivers here is not just another performance, but a complete cinematic craft that blends myth, folklore, and high-octane action into something extraordinary. His confidence to attempt a mythological action saga of this magnitude deserves applause, and the way he has executed the script with striking direction and technical finesse makes the film stand out as a true pan-Indian spectacle. The large-scale production, rooted storytelling, and sheer technical brilliance elevate the experience into something rare and unforgettable. Following the phenomenon of Kantara (2022), expectations for this prequel were nothing short of massive. Living up to that pressure, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 not only matches the emotional and spiritual depth of its predecessor but also expands its universe with grandeur and conviction.
What makes Rishab Shetty’s filmmaking so compelling is his deep understanding of audience engagement. He knows how to balance raw action, emotional resonance, and spiritual undertones, keeping viewers invested throughout. His pattern of weaving mythological and cultural narratives into an imaginative cinematic structure transforms traditional folklore into a vibrant visual experience. Every sequence is carefully paced, every moment of tension meticulously designed, and the spiritual-mythological elements are translated into a cinematic language that feels both epic and accessible. By intuitively grasping what audiences seek—be it adrenaline, emotion, or cultural pride—he creates a narrative that resonates on multiple levels. This chapter confirms Rishab Shetty’s place as one of the most visionary storytellers in Indian cinema today, and without doubt, it stands as one of the year’s finest and most satisfying entertainers.
2: Another standout strength of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 lies in its writing. Rishab Shetty not only leads on screen but also pens the script, and his brilliance as a storyteller shines through every frame. The narrative is layered with elements that both surprise and captivate, while the screenplay is designed to keep viewers hooked with seamless scene progressions and cleverly placed turns. Even when the pace dips in the early portions, the underlying conflicts and striking occurrences provide enough weight to sustain engagement, ensuring that the film never loses its grip on the audience. It is in the second half, however, that the script truly reaches another level. The writing blossoms into something extraordinary—magical in its sweep and intensity. Shocking twists, suspenseful reveals, and a masterfully woven sense of unpredictability push the drama into powerful territory. What makes these moments even more effective is Shetty’s direction, which refuses to give the audience time to predict or overthink the turns ahead. The dialogues deserve special mention too—divine, spiritual, and hauntingly poetic, especially during the transformation sequences where Berme inherits the presence of gods. These lines not only intensify the emotions but also root the experience in something profound and larger than life. At its peak, the writing grips so hard that it becomes impossible to look away, confirming once again that Rishab Shetty’s pen is as commanding as his presence on screen.
3: Rishab Shetty once again proves why he is the lifeline of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. His portrayal of Berme is a masterclass in transformation—moving from a grieving son to a divine force of nature with seamless conviction. The timing of his dialogue delivery is razor-sharp, especially during the spiritually charged moments, where every word carries weight and resonance. His intense facial expressions capture both the fury of a warrior and the trance-like aura of a man possessed by deities, making the transformation scenes absolutely spellbinding. These sequences are not just acted—they are lived, pulling the audience into an otherworldly experience. Equally captivating is his physicality on screen. Rishab brings a natural grace to the action sequences, combining raw power with precise control that makes every fight feel both authentic and cinematic. His body language mirrors the inner conflict of the character—human vulnerability giving way to divine rage. And when the film reaches its climax, Rishab delivers a staggering appearance that not only heightens the drama but also carries a twist that leaves audiences stunned. With his magnetic presence, flawless timing, and intense emotional depth, Rishab doesn’t just play Berme—he becomes the very spirit of the film.
4: To make a mythological thriller and to set the ambience of a mysterious world, visuals need to carry as much weight as the story—and here, Arvind S. Kashyap’s cinematography works at its absolute best. His wide-angle frames capture the vast, untamed beauty of Kantara, while every shot is meticulously composed to match the narrative—from serene landscapes to intense tribal confrontations. The lighting and framing perfectly enhance the spiritual and mystical undertones, and the visuals consistently drive us deeper into the world of Kantara, making it feel alive, immersive, and larger than life. Kashyap’s camera work also shines in action sequences, with dynamic movements and fluid tracking shots that amplify the thrill and intensity. Close-ups of Rishab Shetty during transformative and emotionally charged moments are framed with precision, capturing every subtle expression and flicker of intensity. From sweeping panoramas to intimate character moments, each frame feels purposeful, balancing spectacle with storytelling, and keeping the audience completely engaged in the mythological and mysterious world of the film.
5: The visual effects in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 are remarkable, perfectly complementing the film’s narrative and adding depth to its mythological and action-packed world. The tiger sequences are a standout—so lifelike and seamlessly integrated that every appearance feels real, commanding attention and often leaving the audience in awe. The precision in their movement, expressions, and interaction with the environment makes these scenes feel organic, eliciting both excitement and chills. In the climactic moments, the monstrous creatures protecting the divine realm, though slightly exaggerated for dramatic effect, maintain a strong impact, and the team ensures they feel rooted in the story’s spiritual context. Beyond these, the VFX in war and action sequences is visually striking, enhancing the scale, intensity, and energy of every encounter without ever feeling artificial or overdone. From the smallest details to large-scale effects, the visuals remain consistent with the narrative, making the world of Kantara immersive and believable. The craftsmanship and teamwork behind the VFX are evident in the quality of each shot, demonstrating meticulous planning and execution. Every effect—from the supernatural transformations to the grand battle sequences—serves the story, ensuring the audience stays fully engaged while appreciating the high level of technical expertise that brings this epic tale to life.
6: B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s music and background score in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 aren’t just accompaniments—they are the pulse of the film. Every scene, from heart-pounding action to tense suspense and Berme’s awe-inspiring spiritual transformations, is elevated by a soundscape that blends tribal rhythms, folk instruments, and mystical motifs. The music doesn’t just support the story—it pulls the audience straight into the world of Kantara, making every moment feel alive and larger than life. The songs are a treat for the senses, perfectly rooted in the film’s cultural and emotional fabric. Stirring folk numbers capture the essence of the tribe, while haunting melodies during divine and mystical sequences leave a lingering chill. The background score peaks brilliantly in the climax, intensifying the battles and emphasizing Berme’s transformation into a divine force. Even in the final moments, the music sets the stage for what’s next, keeping the anticipation alive and leaving audiences eager for the continuation. Loknath’s compositions are a perfect blend of emotion, drama, and spectacle, making the film not just a visual journey, but an unforgettable auditory experience as well.
7: The production design of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is nothing short of spectacular, instantly drawing the audience into a world that feels alive and authentic. From the dense, untamed forests to the sacred temples and bustling tribal settlements, every set is crafted with painstaking detail, creating an environment that breathes life into the story. The spatial design, props, and textures not only establish the scale and grandeur of Kantara but also immerse the viewer fully, making the land itself feel like a living, dynamic character. Complementing the sets are the costumes, which brilliantly reflect the film’s cultural, spiritual, and mythological essence. The tribal attire, regal outfits, and divine-inspired garments are not just visually striking—they convey character, tradition, and story at a glance. Every look, from the simplest villager to the fiercest warrior, feels rooted in authenticity while adding cinematic flair. Combined with the immersive sets, the costume design elevates the narrative, ensuring that every scene—whether a quiet village moment or a high-stakes battle—feels visually rich, impactful, and deeply connected to the world of Kantara.
8: The action sequences in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 are a perfect balance of intensity and realism, never feeling exaggerated or over-the-top. Every fight, chase, and stunt is meticulously choreographed to feel grounded yet cinematic, keeping the audience hooked without ever losing credibility. Forest skirmishes, high-speed chases, and stunts are executed with precision, making the tribal setting feel authentic thrills. The war sequences, in particular, are crafted with a sense of scale and impact, giving each confrontation weight and tension. What elevates the action further is the integration of Berme’s spiritual powers. When he channels divine energy, the sequences become extraordinary, entertaining, and perfectly justified by the character’s arc. The timing, intensity, and choreography during these transformative battles are brilliant, keeping the audience fully engaged without feeling repetitive or tiring. The climax action sequences are a visual treat, showcasing clever takedowns, brutal confrontations, and the ultimate comeuppance of the villains, delivering satisfying payoffs. Overall, the film’s action blends realism, spectacle, and narrative purpose, making every sequence memorable, thrilling, and deeply connected to the story.
9: The editing in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, handled by Suresh Mallaiah, is precise and thoughtfully executed, ensuring the narrative flows seamlessly across its 168-minute runtime. The cuts are perfect, with brilliant transitions that maintain the engagement and rhythm of the story. Scenes move effortlessly from intense action to emotional or spiritual sequences, without any jarring mismatches or breaks in continuity. Even with the slightly long first half, Mallaiah’s editing manages to maintain momentum, keeping the audience invested in the unfolding drama. Complementing the cuts is the film’s exceptional colour grading, which enhances the ambience and atmosphere of Kantara. The earthy tones of the forests, the mystical glow during divine sequences, and the vibrant hues of the tribal settings all contribute to an immersive experience. In the climax and action sequences, the colour palette adds intensity and depth, making each fight and transformative moment visually striking. Overall, Suresh Mallaiah’s editing not only sustains the film’s pace and narrative clarity but also elevates its visual storytelling, blending perfectly with the cinematography, action, and music.
10: The second half of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 works like pure magic, transforming the film into a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat experience. Suspense unfolds masterfully, with spiritual sequences, heroic transformations, and intense hero-villain clashes keeping the audience completely engrossed. Each moment is a visual and cinematic treat, where breathtaking action, stunning VFX, and immersive cinematography come together seamlessly, creating a spectacle that’s as entertaining as it is emotionally charged. The first half, by contrast, takes a more measured approach, carefully establishing the characters, tribal dynamics, and the cultural landscape of Kantara. This slower build allows the audience to understand the stakes and connect with the characters, making the thrills and drama of the second half all the more impactful. Together, the pacing creates a balanced narrative arc, where the first half lays the groundwork and the second half delivers the full force of suspense, action, and spiritual intensity.
WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVES:
1: The film’s comedy, unfortunately, feels like it’s trying too hard. Instead of giving the story a breather, it often interrupts the flow, making the middle stretch drag and diluting the tension built in the earlier sequences. Some jokes land and bring genuine relief, but many feel shoehorned into scenes where they don’t belong—sometimes even in the middle of intense battle sequences or emotional moments—which makes them jarring and distracting. The sheer volume of comic relief creates a sense that humor was added for the sake of it, rather than as a natural extension of the story. This overstuffing pulls focus away from the film’s otherwise gripping mythology and high-stakes drama, breaking the immersive world the filmmakers worked hard to create. Had the comedic elements been used sparingly and strategically, they could have enhanced the story instead of clashing with it, keeping the audience invested in both the emotional and action-packed moments without feeling pulled in different directions.
2: The first half of the film often feels slow, taking its time to establish the plot and build the world. While the spiritual and mythological sequences are visually stunning and hold attention, other parts—especially the romantic track and the scenes showing the hero asserting his strength to capture the port—stretch longer than necessary. These sequences, though important for context, slow the narrative’s momentum and make the first half feel uneven compared to the second half, which is taut, high-energy, and gripping. The first half truly deserves a tighter edit, trimming some of the less essential interactions and focusing on the hero’s rise and strategic moves. A more streamlined approach here would have kept the pacing consistent, allowing the story to flow seamlessly into the intense second half and making the overall experience more compelling for the audience.
3: Viewers may be willing to overlook the slower pacing in the first half just to fully immerse themselves in the last 30 minutes, where the film truly comes alive. However, for those who were captivated by the novelty and surprise of the original Kantara and came with high expectations to see something entirely new, the prequel may not offer many fresh revelations. The climax in this installment is grand and well-executed, yet it inevitably draws comparisons to the first film, where the small-scale, tightly crafted final moments delivered an unforgettable shock and kept audiences on edge. While the prequel follows a similar track—making the climax engaging and thrilling—it slightly lacks the jaw-dropping intensity and intimacy of the original. With such a large-scale production at his disposal, Rishab Shetty could have amplified these scenes further to create an even more monumental impact. Even so, the climax remains visually spectacular and exciting to watch, though it leaves a subtle sense of something just short of fully satisfying the expectations set by the groundbreaking finale of the first film.
PERFORMANCE OF ACTORS:
Rishab Shetty is the true heartbeat of Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1. He delivers a performance that is both commanding and deeply layered, effortlessly balancing heroism with vulnerability. From intense action sequences to quiet, emotionally charged moments, Shetty brings a sense of authenticity and gravitas that anchors the entire film. His portrayal ensures that every step of Berme’s journey—whether in battle or in personal struggle—resonates powerfully with the audience.
Rukmini Vasanth is a revelation as the heroine, combining stunning presence with remarkable intensity. She looks gorgeous on screen, but her performance goes far beyond appearances. Her portrayal captures the intelligence, strength, and emotional depth of her character, with her transformation and moments in the climax being particularly memorable. Her chemistry with Rishab Shetty adds an additional layer of depth to the narrative, making their pairing both believable and engaging.
Jayaram starts with a subtle screen presence, but gradually his character unfolds into one with multiple crucial moments. He delivers a measured and effective performance, shining in the action sequences and delivering significant impact in the climax. His ability to transition from quiet authority to commanding intensity adds weight to his role, making his presence felt throughout the film despite the initially restrained introduction.
Gulshan Devaiah excels as the antagonist, bringing the perfect mix of arrogance, cruelty, and menace to his role. His portrayal of Kulasekhar, a villain who kills without hesitation and exudes entitlement, is chillingly convincing. Devaiah’s performance heightens the stakes of the story, providing a formidable counterpoint to Berme’s heroism, and makes the conflicts feel genuinely dangerous and impactful.
CONCLUSION:
Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 is a spectacular blend of mythology, action, and emotion, anchored by Rishab Shetty’s extraordinary performance and vision. While the first half could have been tighter in pacing and some comedic moments feel forced, the film truly shines in its second half, with grand action sequences, spiritual depth, and engaging drama. The performances—from Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth’s powerful pairing to Jayaram’s commanding presence and Gulshan Devaiah’s chilling villainy—elevate the narrative, making it immersive and memorable. Though the climax, while thrilling, slightly lacks the intimate shock of the original Kantara, the film still delivers a visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and technically brilliant experience. Overall, it stands as one of the year’s finest entertainers, successfully expanding the universe of Kantara while reaffirming Rishab Shetty’s place as one of Indian cinema’s most visionary storytellers.
RATING: 3.5/5
A Review by Arunjyothi. R
