Kantara Movie Review | Anupama Chopra | THR India

In her review for The Hollywood Reporter India, Anupama Chopra describes Kantara Chapter 1 as a sprawling epic set nearly 1,600 years ago during the Kadamba dynasty. The narrative encompasses power-hungry kings, tribal communities devoted to deities such as Purili and Guliga, and the eternal struggle between human greed and divine justice. Rishab Shetty, as writer, director, and actor, crafts a visually stunning prequel to the 2022 phenomenon, weaving a tale of tribals living in harmony with nature until outside forces threaten their way of life. Anupama notes that while the film occasionally sags under its near three-hour runtime and ambitious scope, it also delivers goosebump-inducing moments of primal intensity, particularly in scenes where Rishab’s character Berme is possessed by the daivas.

The review highlights the performances of Rukmini Vasanth as the regal princess Kanakavathi and Gulshan Devaiah as the decadent Kulasekara, praising their depth and presence. Anupama lauds the audacious action set pieces—such as a chariot rampage through a crowded market—brought to life through Arvind Kashyap’s camerawork and skillful blending of CGI and in-camera effects. She also commends Ajaneesh Lokanath’s powerful score and Vinesh Banglan’s immersive production design, which together heighten the film’s grand scale. While Kantara Chapter 1 may at times be unwieldy in its ambition, Anupama concludes that Rishab Shetty’s conviction and daring vision triumph, making the film a breathtaking big-screen experience that must not be missed.