Director, writer and actor Rishabh Shetty saves the best for the latter half. The devotional elements with Rishabh in a possessed state makes for a fantastic watch especially if it’s the big screen. The twist around the gorgeous Rukmini Vasanth catches the viewers unawares. Much like the 2022 Kantara this one also explores the importance of ecological conservation and not taking the downtrodden for granted among others. Only the scale is much bigger this time around
Starcast: Rishabh Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaih, Jayaram and others
Genre: Action/devotional
Director and writer: Rishabh Shetty
Producers: Vijay Kirangadur and Chaluve Gowda
Production Company: Hombale Films
Music: B Ajaneeth Loknath
Cinematography: Aravind S Kashyap
Running time: 2 hours and 48 minutes
The 2022 Kantara released with less expectations but surprised everyone. In spite of the problematic elements like the romantic track the Karnataka folklore coupled with Rishabh Shetty’s committed performance made it sail through. The movie became a national wide success making Rishabh a breakthrough star director and actor.
Expectations with Kantara (Chapter 1) is huge given the massive success of the first part. In simple terms the plot of this one is an origin story connected to the divine protectors of the mythical forest. The guardians include Panjurli Daiva, Guliga Davia and Varaha Roopam. Each of this symbolizes a divine power. The period is Kadamba dynasty.
The first half of Kantara (Chapter 1) has a slow build up. A lot of time is spent on world building with comedic episodes and side characters occupying more space than required. This does test the viewers patience making the viewers wish that Rishabh speeds up the proceedings. Even the very talented Gulshan Devaih starts off as a caricature. Thankfully though the film picks up pace towards the interval.
Things really start moving once the central conflict is introduced. The hidden riches of the Kadamba Forest and how this triggers a chain of events. The second half has many engaging moments especially the sequences where Rishabh Shetty goes into a trance like state. The sheer physical energy that the actor brings to the table is extremely commendable.
Gulshan Devaih also comes into his own during the second half. He is successful in making the viewers hate him. Mention must also be made of the twists and turns connected to Jayaram and Rukmini Vasanth’s roles. Without giving much away how they eventually shape up takes the viewers by surprise especially in the case of Rukmini Vasanth as Princess Kanakavathi. Until the midway mark Princess Kanakavathi is presented as a love interest but there is a surprise twist connected to her birth. This changes the graph of the movie completely. Rukmini Vasanth not looks gorgeous but also leaves a strong mark in portraying the duality of her role. Jayaram also leaves a significant mark in a grey shaded role.
Apart from a strong second half the technical values also enhance the film specially in the large action set pieces. Cinematographer Aravind S Kashyap does a very fine job in capturing the massive scale through his lens. The picturization of the Kadamba forests has the required eeriness. The background score by Ajaneesh Loknath is also rousing. His work enhances the trance portions of Rishabh Shetty. The songs have the right devotional flavor for deep believers in God.
Underneath all the mysticism Kantara Chapter 1 has important socio-political commentary too. Specifically, the need for ecological balance and how not to take the downtrodden for granted. These portions are definitely relevant and some of Rishabh Shetty’s dialogues do pack a punch as well: however, the overreliance on divine intervention and mythological folklore makes the film simplistic.
Final word: Kantara (Chapter 1) will be a delight for hard core Rishabh Shetty fans and also those who enjoy mythical mixed with devotion.
