#### “Kantara Chapter 1 – A Divine Storm of Faith and Fury”
Now showing at INOX Udaipur
When Kantara (2022) arrived, it wasn’t just a film — it was an experience that left audiences spellbound with its blend of folklore, devotion, and raw intensity. Now, director and actor Rishab Shetty returns with Kantara Chapter 1, a monumental prequel that dives deeper into the roots of faith and the ancient battle between land, power, and divinity.
The film opens with breathtaking visuals of the lush green forests of Tulunadu — mysterious, sacred, and alive. These are not just landscapes; they are witnesses to centuries of devotion and bloodshed. The story revolves around Berme (Rishab Shetty), a tribal leader whose courage and conviction rise against the might of the Kadamba dynasty. The royals, led by King Jayaram and Prince Kulasekhara (played with finesse by Gulshan Devaiah), are drawn toward the Eshwarana Hoothota — a sacred forest that belongs to the local tribes and is believed to be protected by divine spirits or Daivas.
Berme’s resistance against royal oppression and his fight for the dignity and rights of his people form the emotional core of Kantara Chapter 1. In one touching scene, Berme explains to his mother (beautifully portrayed by Mangala) that business and prosperity are not merely about wealth — they symbolize recognition and self-worth for their marginalized community. This idea of self-respect and spiritual awakening defines the spirit of the film.
Visually, Kantara Chapter 1 is breathtaking. Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap transforms the screen into a moving painting — every frame soaked in mist, rain, fire, and sweat. The film’s grandeur is nothing short of spectacular — vast war scenes, dramatic rituals, and thunderous dances make this one of the most visually arresting Indian films in recent memory. The chariot action sequence, in particular, is jaw-dropping — a seamless blend of practical stunts and masterful CGI.
The music by Ajaneesh Loknath elevates the entire experience to a divine dimension. His tracks Brahmakalasha and Rebel pulse with energy and emotion — blending traditional tribal rhythms with cinematic orchestration. The background score often feels like a heartbeat beneath the narrative, echoing the tension between man and god.
As an actor, Rishab Shetty is outstanding. He embodies the raw, unpolished strength of Berme with such conviction that one almost forgets it’s a performance. His scenes of divine possession — where human rage meets spiritual surrender — are magnetic and haunting. Rukmini Vasanth, stepping out of her romantic roles, brings grace and power to her character, offering emotional stability to the chaotic world around Berme.
However, the film is not without flaws. The first half suffers from pacing issues and scattered editing, as Rishab tries to fit in too many storylines and mythological layers at once. The attempt to insert humour in some serious moments slightly weakens the intensity. But once the film settles into its rhythm, it becomes a sensory storm — fast, fiery, and full of heart.
What truly stands out in Kantara Chapter 1 is its authentic portrayal of indigenous culture. The film respects the traditions and rituals it represents. The costumes, ornaments, and dialects feel lived-in, not fabricated. Every scene seems to echo with spiritual reverence, as if the filmmakers have prayed before every shot.
Thematically, the movie explores how the divine and the human are inseparable — how faith can both heal and destroy. While Kantara (2022) was more emotional and intimate, Chapter 1 is larger, louder, and more ambitious. It may lose some of the soulful simplicity of the original, but what it gains in scale and spectacle is truly impressive.
In the end, Kantara Chapter 1 stands as a bold cinematic statement — one that blends devotion with dynamism and myth with meaning. It’s a film meant to be experienced, not just watched.
For Udaipur audiences, INOX offers the perfect space to witness this visual and spiritual marvel on the big screen. Watch it for its thunderous soundscape, dazzling visuals, and the sheer creative audacity of Rishab Shetty — a filmmaker who dares to dream in divine dimensions.
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