 "Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ Movie Review: A perfect blend of social commentary & tribal folklore")
Cast: Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojary, Prakash Thuminad
Director: Rishab Shetty
Based on ‘Kantara’ land which has a backstory is a perfect cinematic experience. Though the first half is unnecessarily over stretched and takes time to establish the characters. It is the second half which is filled with surprises and stunts that will keep you glued to the screen. The film revolves around how Shiva’s father, the Bhoota Kola performer vanishes and the mystery around it.
The film starts with Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) becoming the new king who neither has the physical strength or the physical capability to run a kingdom. The only thing that he has inherited is cruelty with loads of arrogance. Since, from an early age everything was served on a platter for him, he has developed no skills too. He is perpetually drunk the whole day and listens to music, but his attitude and male ego is at the tip of his nose. And that becomes the cause of his downfall.
On the other hand, Berme (Rishab Shetty) is the head of the Kantara tribe. He is grounded, powerful and hard working. He along with his people enters Bangra and from there the real story begins. Kantara Chapter 1 shows the clash between Bangra and the people from the kingdom. The king and his family are shown to be racist and classists who have taken away everything from the tribes that Berme belongs to. They treat them like animals. There is an imaginary wall between the two created by the king and his people.
After a long time, you will see a film where the heroine is not just an ornament and the love interest of the hero. Rather Rukmini Vasanth plays a powerful role and it is she who has a dual character. She is charming, but a true warrior at the same time. Unlike his brother she understands politics and is way more intelligent than Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah). She knows when to use her charm at the right time and the right place. Rukmini is the one who has the most substantial character graph.
It is only after the interval that the film really picks up. The action sequences are terrific and the cinematography is brilliant. The trance sequences played by Rishab Shetty will win your heart.
The only drawback of the film is the first half, when the enthusiasm dips every now and then. It is only in the second half that the film throws up some interesting turns. The visuals are brilliant throughout the film without an ounce of doubt. On the whole, the action sequences and the depth in the story has set the mood right for Kantara Chapter 1 ’s overall impact. Though it is a one-time watch, it is definitely a must-watch if you are a fan of folklore!
Rating: 3 and half out of 5
WATCH the trailer of Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ here:
Lachmi Deb Roy is the Entertainment Editor of Firstpost, Network18. She reviews films and series with a gender lens. She is a 'Rotten Tomatoes' certified critic. Her interviews are called 'Not Just Bollywood' because she takes a huge interest in world cinema. She has been the winner of the prestigious Laadli Media and Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. OTT over theatrical releases is her preference unless and until it's a King Khan film. She takes interest in fashion, food and art reviews too.