Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 REVIEW: Rishab Shetty Delivers A Goosebump-Inducing Dive Into Divine Folklore

Film:
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1

Director: Rishab Shetty

Writers: Rishab Shetty, Anirudh Mahesh, Shanil Guru

Cast: Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah

Platform: In Theatres

Runtime: 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Review

Rishab Shetty once again proves he’s not just a filmmaker, he’s a force of nature. After shaking the nation with Kantara (2022), he returns with Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1, a mythological prequel that’s even more intense, spiritual, and emotionally resonant. If the original left you breathless, this chapter takes you deeper into the roots of that divine world and leaves you with goosebumps that don’t fade after the credits roll. The grandeur, action, humour, romance, Kantara: Chapter 1 blends every entertainment element perfectly.

The story opens in the era of the Kadamba dynasty, with a ruthless ruler who has a greed for everything. While expanding his territory, he encounters a mysterious old fisherman. Intrigued by the sacred objects found in the old man’s bag, the ruler embarks on a journey that leads him to the mystical land of Kantara, where tribes live in perfect harmony with nature and the divine, but this harmony is short-lived.

Soon, the narrative shifts decades ahead. We meet Vijayendra (Jayaram), the King of Bhangra, and his children Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah), who ascends the throne, and Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth), who takes charge of the royal treasury. On the other side stands Berme (Rishab Shetty), the revered leader of Kantara, deeply devoted to his people and their sacred land. What begins as a cultural and territorial dispute soon escalates into a divine war of values, traditions, and greed. As Eeswara Poondhottam, a spiritual sanctum becomes the centre of conflict, the film reaches a soul-stirring climax where the divine finally takes form. And when the god himself takes his avatar, you’re not just watching cinema, you’re feeling something ancient and sacred come alive.

By the end, you’re left with one haunting question: “Where does one disappears when the line between man and god blurs?” A must-watch for anyone who believes cinema can still be a medium of soul, spirit, and storytelling.

What Works

The second half is packed with high-octane sequences from chariots and horseback chases to raw, visceral action in the forest. The scale is massive, but never at the cost of soul. The climax is surreal and will leave you speechless. It’s not just action; it’s ritualistic, spiritual, and symbolic.

Rishab Shetty delivers another unforgettable performance, not just as an actor but as a director who understands the weight of mythology and its place in modern storytelling. The background score music elevates every frame, especially in the ritual and fight sequences. The sound design immerses you in a world that feels otherworldly yet grounded.

What Doesn’t Work

The first half takes a slightly slower pace and may feel stretched in parts. The certain subplots and characters could have been fleshed out more, particularly the backstory of the Kadamba ruler and the mystic fisherman. Some viewers might find the heavy reliance on divine lore confusing without context from the first film.

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Technical Analysis

Rishab Shetty, not only as an actor but as a director too, will amaze the audience. He delivers on every front, whether it’s craft, culture or conviction. The cinematography is breathtaking, the visuals captured in the forest, rituals, and action with raw intensity. The transitions between reality and divinity are seamless. The editing is crisp in the second half, though slightly stretched in the first. The temples, palaces and tribal settings are all meticulously detailed.

Star Performances

Rishab Shetty as Berme is commanding, spiritual, and emotionally charged. He is the soul of this film and makes Berme an unforgettable experience for the audience. His expressive range, especially in the film’s more meditative and emotionally intense moments, is extraordinary.

Rukmini Vasanth as Kanakavathi is definitely the surprise package. Her eyes speak volumes, conveying love, fear, and steely resolve with remarkable restraint. Whether she’s confronting personal loss or making courageous decisions, Vasanth’s portrayal is layered, emotionally rich, and deeply affecting.

Jayaram as King Vijayendra brings dignity and gravitas to his role with a subtle blend of wisdom, restraint, and inner strength. He gives the seasoned ruler a dignified presence. His scenes resonate not through overt drama but through layered expressions and unspoken grief, especially in his interactions with his family and advisors.

Gulshan Devaiah shines as the ambitious prince Kulasekhara. He plays the ambitious son with the perfect blend of arrogance and vulnerability. His performance is nuanced, powerful, and rich.

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Conclusion

Rishab Shetty doesn’t just make you watch this film; he makes you feel every drumbeat, every chant, every scream of the forest. Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 is not just a movie; it’s a spiritual experience. It digs deep into the roots of folklore, explores man’s eternal greed, and reminds us that the line between the divine and the mortal is often thin, and sometimes, it disappears altogether.

Watch the trailer of Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 here:

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Manisha Karki

Manisha has established a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling with over six years of expertise in the industry. With a deep passion for cinema, she brings a unique perspective to her coverage, making it a trusted voice in the entertainment world.