Kantara Chapter 1 Sets New Standard for Indian Epic Cinema

Kantara Chapter 1: Folklore and Spectacle in a Cinematic Origin Story

When a film returns to its roots, the stakes are always higher. For Rishab Shetty, the director and lead of Kantara Chapter 1, revisiting the mystical forests and legends of Tulunadu meant more than just delivering a prequel—it meant deepening a national conversation on culture, faith, and land. Released on October 2, 2025, the film instantly became one of the year’s most anticipated Indian movies, drawing crowds and critics alike into its immersive world.

Box Office Impact: A Roaring Start

Within hours of its release, Kantara Chapter 1 was making headlines for its financial success. By just 4 pm on opening day, the film had collected ₹33.25 crore across all languages, with advance bookings reaching ₹12 crore before release, and trade experts predicting a ₹30–40 crore net opening in India (Hindustan Times). The Kannada version led the charge, while Hindi and other language releases contributed to its pan-Indian appeal. Overseas, the film crossed the $500,000 mark in North America, signaling strong international interest (Indian Express).

Storytelling at Scale: The Roots of Kantara

Set in a sacred forest, the film explores the origins of daivas (holy spirits) and the spiritual beliefs of the indigenous people of Tulunadu. The plot centers on Berme (Rishab Shetty), a fearless, eccentric tribal leader who becomes the barrier between his people and the encroaching Kadamba dynasty. While the first Kantara dealt with landlords driven by greed, the prequel ups the ante—here, royalty seeks to seize the ‘God’s Garden’ not merely for wealth, but for prestige. The tension between Berme and the prince Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) forms the crux of the drama, weaving together themes of resistance, faith, and ecological preservation (The Hindu).

In a pivotal scene, Berme explains to his mother the significance of business and achievement for their marginalized group—a nod to the film’s underlying social critique. The narrative dives into questions of greed and the necessity of balance, echoing concerns that made the original Kantara resonate with audiences nationwide.

Visual Brilliance: From VFX to Cinematography

The scale of Kantara Chapter 1 is staggering. More than 500 fighters, 1,000 extras, and a war sequence curated with national and international specialists give the film a grand, almost mythic feel. Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap’s creative shots transform the forest into a living, breathing character. The film’s technical excellence is further amplified by Ajaneesh Loknath’s music, especially the battle themes and the ‘Brahmakalasha’ song, which elevate key moments to near-operatic intensity (The Hindu).

The costumes, sets, and make-up pay meticulous homage to the region’s folklore, grounding the spectacle in authenticity. Critics and audiences alike have praised the film’s VFX, especially scenes featuring animals, calling them “mind-boggling” and potentially the best ever seen in Indian cinema.

Performances: Commanding Presence and Emotional Depth

Rishab Shetty shines in his dual role as actor and director, delivering a performance that critics describe as “commanding” and “a lifetime achievement.” His portrayal of divine possession is both haunting and powerful, anchoring the film’s spiritual undertones. Rukmini Vasanth, as Princess Kanakavathi, brings vulnerability and strength, her dialogue delivery standing out in her most challenging role to date. Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah round out the cast, their characters contributing to the film’s sense of scale and urgency.

Off-screen, the cast’s reflections on their journey with Kantara add another layer to the story. Rukmini Vasanth describes her role as “carrying a piece of our land, our folklore, and our faith in every movement,” underscoring the personal and cultural stakes involved.

Critical Reception: Divided Yet Enthralled

The film’s reception has been largely positive, though not without critique. Social media erupted with praise for its climax, calling it “surreal” and “theatre-erupting.” Many reviewers highlight the second half and the pre-interval sequences as peak cinematic experiences. The action, music, and visuals consistently draw accolades, with several calling it a “divine blockbuster.”

However, some critics note flaws in the storytelling, particularly in the first half, which suffers from pacing issues and abrupt transitions. The attempt to inject humor into intense moments occasionally backfires, and the emotional undercurrent about tribal inclusivity sometimes gets overshadowed by spectacle. Yet, most agree that the film’s commitment to scale and its visual achievements more than compensate for these drawbacks.

Cultural Impact: Pride and Pan-Indian Appeal

Kantara Chapter 1’s release has sparked pride in regional cinema, with many celebrating its global recognition and its role in showcasing Kannada filmmaking prowess. The film is available in multiple languages—Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English—ensuring its story reaches diverse audiences. Actor Varun Dhawan, whose film clashed at the box office, expressed admiration for Kantara and South Indian cinema, emphasizing its place as “our cinema” and a source of national pride.

The film’s exploration of folklore and faith, coupled with its critique of consumerism and land rights, invites viewers to consider the deeper meanings behind its spectacle. As one trade expert put it, “This is not just a film, it’s a pure divine ride.”

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Kantara

With its massive opening, technical brilliance, and strong performances, Kantara Chapter 1 sets a new standard for Indian epic cinema. It builds on the legacy of its predecessor while expanding the narrative canvas, inviting audiences to revisit the origins of legends and the ongoing struggle between tradition and modernity.

Assessment: Kantara Chapter 1 is a triumph of ambition and craft—a film that dares to expand the boundaries of Indian cinema. While its narrative may stumble at times, its visual and emotional resonance ensures that its legacy will endure, inspiring both filmmakers and audiences to seek stories rooted in culture and spectacle.