Rishab Shetty’s 2022 phenomenon, Kantara, was an unexpected underdog that resonated deeply, winning hearts and awards with its grounded portrayal of a local conflict steeped in powerful folklore. Its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1 (transl. Mysterious forest: Chapter 1), is a sprawling, ambitious attempt to build on that lore, setting its origins centuries before the events of the first film during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. It tells the story of Berme (Rishab Shetty), a young man of divine origin adopted by the Kantara tribe, and his clash with the greedy Bangra royalty, primarily the reckless King Kulashekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) and his cunning sister, Princess Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth). The film is an undeniable visual feast, but in its zeal for grand-scale epic filmmaking, it often loses the philosophical grounding and emotional coherence that made the original a masterpiece.
The film’s technical brilliance is its undisputed strength. Cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap and production designer Banglan craft a world of stunning authenticity—from the dense, atmospheric jungle of Kantara to the rich, bustling markets of the Bangra kingdom. The scale and detail are on par with larger global productions, ensuring that every frame is a visual treat. The action choreography, especially the high-octane sequences in the city market and the final confrontation, is majestic and technically flawless. Furthermore, the VFX and sound design team deserve high commendation; their work enhances the film’s mystical layers without overwhelming its earthy core. Yet, while B Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score elevates the high-stakes moments, it misses the mark compared to his evocative work in the predecessor.
Spectacle vs. Substance: The Narrative Flaw
The core narrative explores themes central to the franchise: power, oppression, survival, and the sacred connection between natives and their land, protected by the Daivas, Panjurli and Guliga. However, the screenplay, penned by Shetty, is burdened by an excessive focus on spectacle and an over-reliance on subplots that distract rather than enrich the main story. The first half is heavily dedicated to world-building that, at times, feels unnecessarily dragged out, and the narrative flow is broken by chaotic, time-consuming sequences, like the market chase, which serve little purpose beyond highlighting production grandeur.
A significant issue is the script’s failure to fully personify the setting. The crucial theme of land rights and the community’s deep-rooted connection to the environment are often overlooked, rendering the struggle as merely a battle for survival rather than a profound fight for a philosophical way of life. Furthermore, the film introduces too many elements—the royal feud, the spice trade exploitation, the appearance of the black-magic-wielding Kadapa tribe, and the celestial sub-plot—that pile up, causing the narrative structure to become haywire. The film’s attempts at comic relief through certain supporting characters also fall flat, jarring with the epic, mythic tone.
Performances and The Hero Worship Trap
Rishab Shetty once again anchors the film with a physically demanding and intense performance. As Berme, the actor excels in the action sequences, particularly when possessed by the powerful spirits of Guliga and Chavundi. The climactic possession sequences are an electric, visceral experience, carrying the same awe-inspiring force that defined the first film. However, the character arc of Berme, unlike the flawed and redemptive journey of Shiva in Kantara, is one-dimensionally deified from the start. This pervasive hero worship turns the film into a vehicle for Shetty’s acting and directing potential, eclipsing the ensemble and the foundational philosophical questions.
Among the supporting cast, Rukmini Vasanth is a standout. Her Princess Kanakavathi is a compelling character, beautifully balancing grace with a hidden, treacherous ambition, making her unexpected twist arc one of the narrative’s more effective moments. Gulshan Devaiah delivers an adequate performance as the loafer King Kulashekhara, embodying the generic archetype of the privileged, power-drunk villain. Unfortunately, many of the other characters from the Kantara tribe remain peripheral, their stories underdeveloped in Berme’s massive shadow.
In its earnest attempt to recreate and capitalize on the phenomenon of its predecessor, Kantara: Chapter 1 sprinkles familiar elements throughout—the Guliga possession, the blend of indigenous ritual with mainstream mythology, and high-octane action. While the film retains its core integrity and never compromises on its visual scope, its tendency to pander to audience expectations and prioritize violent spectacle over a quiet, philosophical rumination on “Who owns nature?” prevents it from achieving the same cinematic transcendence. It’s a visually stunning, culturally rich experience that thrives on atmosphere and strong performances, but its narrative fragmentation leaves the audience admiring the spectacle while longing for the soul.
CINEMA SPICE RATING: ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)
