Kantara Chapter 1 Review: Rishab Shetty delivers a heavy prequel on Divine Drama
Kantara: Chapter 1 the blockbuster entry in the emergent landscape of pan-Indian cinematic epics, serving as a high-stakes prequel to the unexpected 2022 phenomenon.
Kantara: Chapter 1 stands as a pivotal entry in the emergent landscape of pan-Indian cinematic epics, serving as a high-stakes prequel to the unexpected 2022 phenomenon. The film, written, directed, and led by Rishab Shetty, was released globally on October 2, 2025, strategically coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami. Produced by Hombale Films, the prequel represents a monumental step up in scale, evidenced by its substantial production budget, reportedly reaching ₹125 crore, and an extended running time of 168 minutes.
The production firm’s choice to make such a large financial commitment turns the franchise from a little surprise hit into a big, well-thought-out endeavor. With a very small budget of about ₹15 crore, the original Kantara made nearly ₹310 crore globally. The eight-fold rise in funding for
A Technical Marvel: Spectacle Over Structure
Kantara: Chapter 1 is characterized critically by a contradiction: while it is universally praised as a technical marvel and visual spectacular, its narrative structure has drawn significant criticism.
The Grandeur: The 168-minute movie is commended for its exceptional technical excellence. Arvind Kashyap’s “sweeping cinematography” and the striking set designs that transport viewers to the pre-colonial Kadamba empire were praised by both viewers and critics. The original music, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, effectively “elevated the atmosphere” and gave viewers “goosebumps” during significant spiritual scenes.
Highlighted as “theatre-worthy spectacles” were the action scenes and visual effects, especially the dramatic tiger scene and the intense last half hour. A “force of nature” was used to characterize Rishab Shetty’s portrayal of the superhuman-powered Naga Sadhu.
The review said that the movie felt “cluttered in execution” and “largely bogged down by the pressure laid on it” despite its magnificence. The necessity to distill extensive mythical history and world-building into a single feature gave rise to this structural tension.
Specific criticisms included:
- Pacing problems: There were “slower or less impactful” parts in the first half, such as “overstretched” humorous interludes and supporting characters.
- Hasty World-Building: A “hasty and nervy” pace resulted from the narrative’s frequent attempts to connect too much information—origins, mythology, and kingdom politics—quickly, often through explanatory voiceover.
- Underdeveloped Characters: The romance between Berme and Kanakavathi and other subplots were considered “undercooked,” and the motivations of supporting characters were “clubbed” into their entrances, which limited viewer interest.
- In the end, the general judgment is that the movie “barters narrative tension and composure for showmanship,” giving heavenly spectacle and frenetic visual reports precedence over methodical narrative.
Mythology and The Climax as Redemption
The prequel, which takes place 10 centuries before the first Kantara, effectively delves into the rich mythical roots of the Daiva tradition, which serves as the franchise’s spiritual core. The story delves deeply into the origins of Panjurli Daiva (balance) and Guliga Daiva (fierce justice), connecting these regional customs to a larger Puranic framework by including Varaha Roopam (Lord Vishnu’s boar avatar).
Critics pointed out that despite the first half’s structural difficulties, the audience’s patience is well rewarded with a strong second half and an enormous finale. The film’s closing thirty minutes, especially the breathtaking Guliga scenes, are sometimes referred to be its summit because they successfully convey the tremendous spectacle of divine justice and cultural heritage.
The movie, which was released in seven dubbed languages, including Spanish—a first for a Kannada movie—confirmed the Kantara franchise’s position as a major force in the country. To properly grasp the intended “dialect, humour, and cultural nuances,” critics recommended watching the movie in its native Kannada language.
Conclusion
The awe-inspiring climax and Shetty’s commanding presence ensure the film remains “imperfect yet unforgettable,” cementing the franchise’s position at the forefront of pan-Indian cinema and confirming that the deep spiritual roots of the forest have successfully birthed another definitive, must-watch blockbuster.
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