Entertainment

Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Rishab Shetty Has Delivered Another National Award film

Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Rishab Shetty Has Delivered Another National Award film : After watching *Kantara Chapter 1*, I’m convinced Rishab Shetty is a force to be reckoned with. This film feels destined to be another National Award-winning project for him, and Shetty himself is a strong contender for the Best Actor award. Following the massive success of *Kantara* (2022), he spent three years in deep research, and that dedication shines through in every frame of this prequel. The sheer level of thought he has put into this film is evident from the phenomenal climax, the powerful introduction, the mind-blowing action, and the flawless VFX. It’s a masterclass in bringing Indian mythology to the big screen.

What makes South Indian films so captivating is their unpredictability, and *Kantara Chapter 1* is no exception. The narrative is a tapestry of interwoven tales that will keep you guessing. The story is set 1500 years ago during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty and explores the origins of the Panjurli and Guliga Daiva traditions. It begins with a tyrannical Kadamba king who learns of the divine world of Kantara and sets out to seize its land. However, he is stopped by the divine protectors—Panjurli Daiva, Guliga Daiva, and the Varaha form—and is ultimately killed by their supernatural wrath. Only his son, Vijayendra (played by Jayaram), survives. Having witnessed this divine power, Vijayendra maintains a respectful distance from Kantara. Years later, Vijayendra has two children: a son, Kulasekhara, and a daughter, Kanakavathi, who is born with a disability. Desperate, Vijayendra entrusts her to the Kadapa tribe, who are known for binding divine energies through dark magic. A Kadapa woman nurses the princess, and miraculously, she is healed. Fast forward a few decades, and Vijayendra has crowned his ruthless son, Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah), as the king of the Bhangra kingdom, while his capable daughter, Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth), manages the treasury. Meanwhile, Berme (Rishab Shetty) leads the Kantara tribe. The conflict reignites when Kulasekhara attempts to uncover Kantara’s secrets, only to be driven away by Berme and his men. Later, Berme secretly enters the Bhangra kingdom and meets Princess Kanakavathi. He is captured but soon discovers a bustling trade port called Bandarbur within the kingdom. After returning to his village, he starts trading there. Tensions escalate due to Kulasekhara’s cruel politics, leading him to attack and burn the Kantara village, where he is eventually killed by Berme. From there, the story takes a series of electrifying twists, delivering a potent mix of high-octane action, stunning VFX, and a heart-pounding background score.

Rishab Shetty, who serves as the film’s writer, director, and lead actor, is simply divine. Watching him on screen feels like witnessing something truly special. Bollywood should take notes; they should be putting up his picture and worshipping it. The film doesn’t rely on cheap sentimentality. Shetty has crafted a story so gripping that you won’t want to leave your seat, not even for a second. Even during the intermission, you’ll be counting down the minutes until the second half begins. The plot is packed with so many turning points that the excitement for what’s next never fades. The VFX is spectacular, with no hint of artificiality. The cinematography is crisp, perfectly capturing the essence of an ancient era. As for acting, Rishab Shetty was born for this role. His personality, performance, and style are unmatched. He even puts characters like Ragnar from *Vikings* and Uhtred from *The Last Kingdom* to shame. Unlike many films where the heroine is just a placeholder, Rukmini Vasanth’s character, Kanakavathi, is the linchpin of the story. Every actor gives their 100%, making the film feel flawless. The first half perfectly balances comedy, action, and story setup. You’ll see action sequences that rival Marvel’s Hulk and battles reminiscent of *Vikings*. Throughout the film, you get glimpses of the Guliga deity. While the first *Kantara* saved the grand reveal for the final fight, this prequel offers several moments of divine presence. And the climax? It’s a life-altering experience that will leave you feeling completely fulfilled. 125 Cr. Budget film undoubtedly will cross 1000 cr on box office.

This film is worth every penny. Every Indian should watch it at least once.


Google – 4.8/5.0

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