Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Kantara (2022) created history in the Kannada film industry. Made on a modest budget of just ₹14 crores, it went on to collect a staggering ₹400 crores worldwide. Now, director and actor Rishab Shetty returns with Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to the blockbuster. But the big question is, does it live up to the massive expectations set by the first film? Let’s find out.
In the original Kantara, the hero’s father mysteriously disappeared. Kantara Chapter 1 explores the reasons behind that disappearance.
The film revolves around three tribes. Among them, the Kantara people worship and protect their deity, guarded by Kapari Barme (Rishab Shetty). The Bangra tribe, led by King Vijayendra (Jayaram), Prince Kulasekhar (Gulshan Devaiah), and Princess Kanakavati (Rukmini Vasanth), aim to raid Shiva’s temple and loot its treasures. The third tribe, the Kadapati Dikku, attempt to capture the Kantara deity using dark magic.
The narrative follows how these conflicts unfold, the challenges faced, and ultimately, why Shiva himself appears.
The original Kantara was a surprise hit, largely because audiences entered with zero expectations. But Kantara Chapter 1 carried massive hype, which made Rishab Shetty’s task as director and lead actor more challenging.
Surprisingly, he succeeds for the most part. While Kantara had only the last 30 minutes offering a true adrenaline rush, Chapter 1 delivers high-octane sequences throughout its second half. However, in some places, the intensity feels overdone, leading to slight confusion, especially in the climax where audiences are left questioning who is coming, why, and from where.
The first half, on the other hand, spends too much time introducing characters and tribes, slowing down the narrative. The interval block, however, is gripping and sets the stage for the real story.
For Telugu audiences, the tribal names and complex character details may feel overwhelming. Some sequences even remind viewers of recent horror films and other cinematic works, though this doesn’t take away from the film’s impact.
Rishab Shetty shines both as director and actor, delivering a powerful performance.
Rukmini Vasanth, as Princess Kanakavati, is outstanding—her acting, grace, and a surprising twist make her performance unforgettable.
Jayaram impresses in the climax, while Gulshan Devaiah plays his role convincingly.
Cinematography: Brilliant use of forest landscapes adds depth and authenticity.
Music: Perfectly timed, it elevates the mood and intensity.
Production Values: Top-notch, maintaining the scale of the original.
Editing: Could have been sharper, especially in the first half.
Rishab Shetty’s performance and direction
Strong second half with high moments
Interval block and climax sequences
Cinematography & music
Slow-paced first half
Climax confusion due to excessive layering
Kantara Chapter 1 may not surpass the raw magic of the original, but it still stands tall as a gripping, visually rich prequel. While Kannada audiences are likely to embrace it wholeheartedly, Telugu audiences may find the narrative slightly complex.
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