Kantara Chapter 1 (2025) Complete Review: Rishab Shetty’s Mythic Prequel Delivers Divine Spectacle Amidst Mixed Echoes

On the auspicious day of Dussehra 2025 (October 2), as the nation revels in the triumph of good over evil, Rishab Shetty unleashes Kantara: Chapter 1—a mythic prequel that roars back to the 4th-century Kadamba dynasty, unearthing the primal roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual that enchanted audiences in the 2022 blockbuster. This isn’t just a sequel; it’s a time-warped odyssey blending raw folklore, divine fury, and pulse-pounding action, all wrapped in the lush, untamed spirit of coastal Karnataka.

With a runtime of 2 hours 48 minutes, the film arrives as a pan-Indian behemoth, dubbed in multiple languages and poised to clash box-office thrones. But does it recapture the original’s soul-stirring magic, or does it stumble under its own epic ambitions? Our complete review breaks it down—spoiler-light for the uninitiated, with insights for die-hards.

Hombale Films’ Kantara: Chapter 1, written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, expands the universe of its predecessor. Here, Shetty doesn’t just helm the narrative—he embodies the fierce guardian Berme, a tribal warrior torn between ancestral devotion and encroaching tyranny. Set against the sacred lands of Kantara, the story probes the origins of the Daiva tradition, weaving themes of nature’s wrath, human greed, and the eternal dance between mortals and gods—resonating deeply with Hindu ethos of dharma’s unyielding guard. Advance bookings have already crossed ₹30 crore globally, signaling a blockbuster storm, but early verdicts paint a polarized canvas: goosebump-inducing highs laced with pacing lows. Let’s dissect this folklore saga frame by frame.

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Plot Summary: Forging Legends in the Fires of Divinity (Spoiler-Free)

Kantara: Chapter 1 transports us to 300 CE, the dawn of the Kadamba reign in Banavasi, where mist-shrouded forests and sacred groves pulse with otherworldly life. Our hero, Berme (Rishab Shetty), is a devoted son of the soil, bound to the enigmatic Panjurli Daiva—a boar-headed deity embodying fertility and fury. When a tyrannical king (Jayaram) casts a covetous eye on Kantara’s forbidden groves, threatening age-old pacts between tribes and the divine, Berme must awaken dormant powers to defend his realm. Enter Guliga (Gulshan Devaiah), the shape-shifting antagonist whose avatars of chaos test the boundaries of myth and mortality.

The narrative unfolds in three acts: a slow-burn setup introducing tribal lore and simmering conflicts, a mid-film eruption of visceral action, and a climactic divine showdown that echoes the original’s Bhoota Kola trance. Expect chariot chases through monsoons, forest ambushes lit by lightning, and rituals that blur the line between possession and prophecy. It’s less a linear tale and more a fever dream of oral epics—rooted in Tulu Nadu’s Bhuta Aradhane traditions, where gods walk among men. For Kantara OG fans, this prequel illuminates Shiva’s boon from the first film, but newcomers might need a quick recap to grasp the lore’s layers. Runtime drags in spots, yet the payoff is a visceral reminder: In the Kantara wilds, devotion is the ultimate weapon.

Pro Tip: Watch in IMAX or 4DX for the immersive forest roars and ritual drums—it’s a sensory assault worthy of Dussehra’s fiery spirit.

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Cast & Performances: Shetty’s Tour de Force, Ensemble Shines Bright

Rishab Shetty doesn’t just act; he transforms. As Berme, he channels the raw ferocity of a cornered tiger—eyes blazing with ancestral rage, body contorted in Kola possession scenes that rival the original’s climax. His dual role as director infuses every frame with authenticity, from dialect-infused dialogues to sweat-drenched fight choreography. Shetty’s physicality earns him National Award whispers anew, proving why he’s Kannada cinema’s new deity.

Rukmini Vasanth steals breaths as Kanakavathi, the fierce princess whose arc from sheltered royal to empowered ally adds emotional depth. Her chemistry with Shetty crackles, especially in tender forest interludes that humanize the mythos. Jayaram brings gravitas as the conflicted king Rajasekhara, his warnings of Kantara’s curse laced with paternal pathos. Gulshan Devaiah’s Guliga is a revelation—menacing in human form, terrifying in divine guises, his multiple avatars a VFX triumph that nods to Mahishasura’s slaying. The cast elevates a script heavy on spectacle, making Kantara: Chapter 1 a testament to regional talent going pan-India.

Actor	Role	Standout Moment	Verdict
Rishab Shetty	Berme / Director	Bhuta Kola possession climax	4.5/5 – Raw, riveting powerhouse
Rukmini Vasanth	Kanakavathi	Forest defiance sequence	4/5 – Meaty role, magnetic presence
Jayaram	Rajasekhara	Throne-room dilemma	3.5/5 – Seasoned subtlety
Gulshan Devaiah	Guliga	Multi-avatar transformations	4/5 – Chilling, shape-shifting menace

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Technical Brilliance: A Visual & Auditory Feast for the Senses

Shetty’s vision, backed by Hombale’s ₹100+ crore war chest, births a technical marvel. Cinematographer Ajane Elias paints Karnataka’s wilds in emerald greens and stormy grays—chariot pursuits through paddy fields feel alive, while cave rituals glow with bioluminescent mysticism. VFX by Red Chillies and local wizards shine in Daiva manifestations, blending CGI seamlessly with practical effects.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s score is the film’s heartbeat—tribal percussion builds to orchestral swells, with songs like a reimagined “Varaha Roopa” fusing folk chants and electronica for Dussehra-ready anthems. The interval block’s chase sequence, synced to thunderous drums, delivers pure adrenaline. Editing by Naveen Kumar tightens the chaos, though the first hour’s exposition tests patience. Sound design—rustling leaves to guttural roars—immerses you in Kantara’s primal pulse.

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Pros & Cons: Highs of Mythic Glory, Lows of Pacing Perils

Pros:

• Epic Action & Climax: Pre-interval forest brawl and finale’s Guliga showdown are breathtaking—goosebumps guaranteed, rivaling RRR‘s highs.
• Cultural Depth: A loving homage to Bhuta Kola and Hindu folklore, celebrating nature’s divinity amid modern eco-themes.
• Performances & VFX: Shetty’s tour de force and stunning visuals make it a theater must.
• Music Magic: Loknath’s BGM elevates every ritual to transcendent levels.

Cons:

• Slow First Half: Character intros drag, feeling like a history lesson before the myth ignites.
• Predictable Plot Twists: Echoes the original too closely; lacks fresh narrative fire for non-fans.
• Overlong Runtime: At 2:48, it tests attention—trim 20 minutes for tighter impact.
• Mixed Emotional Pull: Devotional drama shines, but romance subplot feels tacked-on.

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Overall Verdict & Rating: A Worthy Prequel for Folklore Faithfuls

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a bold swing at mythic grandeur—ambitious, visceral, and unapologetically rooted in Hindu coastal lore, perfect for Dussehra’s victory vibes. It doesn’t eclipse the 2022 original’s intimate magic but expands the universe with spectacle that demands the big screen. Rishab Shetty cements his legacy as a visionary, blending Baahubali-scale action with Jai Bhim-like cultural reverence. Fans of the first will revel; skeptics may yawn through the setup. Box-office wise, it’s gunning for ₹1,000 crore—early word signals pan-India fireworks.

Rating: 3.5/5 – Divine spectacle with devotional heart; watch for the Kola trance highs. Jai Shri Ram—may Panjurli’s blessings roar through your festive screens!

Did Kantara: Chapter 1 live up to the hype for you, or did the pacing hold it back? Share your thoughts below!