Rishab Shetty crafts a grand, visually stunning prequel that, despite narrative hiccups, thrives on its immersive world-building, spiritual undertones, and arresting performances.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
A Return to Kantara: Bigger, Louder, Grander
When Kantara (2022) first hit the screens, it was celebrated for its earthy storytelling, cultural authenticity, and spiritual fervor. With Kantara Chapter 1, Rishab Shetty goes back in time to explore the roots of this mystical world. This prequel is not just an origin story—it’s a bold attempt to expand the cinematic universe with sweeping ambition, visual richness, and intense emotional stakes.
If the original was a folklore-laced forest tale grounded in human drama, this chapter is a full-blown mythological epic. And while its scale is its biggest strength, it also becomes its occasional weakness.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
Plot: Of Power, Prestige, and the Sacred Grove
Set centuries before the events of the first film, Kantara Chapter 1 delves into the sacred conflict between the indigenous tribal community and the powerful Bangara dynasty. At the heart of this clash is the mystical forest of Kantara, specifically the revered Eshwarana Hoothota—God’s Garden—venerated by the tribals and desired by the royals.
Berme (Rishab Shetty), a bold and spirited tribal leader, emerges as the unlikely defender of this divine land. When the arrogant prince Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah in a standout performance) threatens to violate this sacred space, Berme rises—not just in rebellion, but as a symbol of resistance for a community long sidelined by history.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie review 2025
World-Building and Visual Brilliance
The prequel dazzles in its commitment to visual storytelling. Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap lends the film an epic texture—each frame oozes grandeur, whether it’s a chariot tearing through the forest or a night lit with sacred fire rituals. The elaborate sets, authentic costumes, and detailed makeup transport viewers deep into the soul of Tulunadu’s spiritual and cultural landscape.
Ajaneesh Loknath’s music amplifies the experience. The haunting ‘Brahmakalasha’ and the thunderous war anthem ‘Rebel’ enrich the emotional and dramatic highs. These songs don’t merely decorate the film—they elevate it, anchoring pivotal moments with visceral energy.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
Narrative Hiccups and Tonal Imbalance
Despite its many strengths, the film isn’t without flaws. The first act struggles under the weight of exposition. In his eagerness to establish multiple subplots and characters, Shetty sacrifices narrative flow. Abrupt cuts and uneven pacing affect immersion, particularly in the early portions.
Additionally, attempts to inject humor into intense or sacred moments often miss the mark. While the intention is to balance gravitas with levity, the tonal shifts occasionally feel jarring, undercutting dramatic tension.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
Performances: Holding the Center
Rishab Shetty commands the screen with his dual presence as both actor and director. His portrayal of Berme, a man torn between worldly resistance and divine duty, is compelling. His transformation during moments of divine possession is nothing short of electrifying—imbued with raw physicality and spiritual conviction.
Rukmini Vasanth delivers a quietly powerful performance. Her character, while not heavily written, stands tall in key emotional moments. She exudes strength, particularly through her articulate dialogue delivery and expressive subtlety. Gulshan Devaiah is magnetic as Kulasekhara—his portrayal of entitlement, rage, and cunning adds layers to what could have been a one-dimensional antagonist.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
Cultural Depth and Spiritual Undertones
One of the film’s more admirable achievements is its attempt to respectfully engage with Tulunadu’s folklore and spiritual traditions. There is evident research and reverence in the way daiva worship and rituals are depicted. The film doesn’t exoticize its subjects; instead, it immerses the audience into the lived realities and belief systems of the community it represents.
However, in its pursuit of spectacle, some of the emotional core that made the original Kantara resonate so deeply is diluted. While the story of the tribal fight for land and dignity is powerful, it occasionally gets overshadowed by visual bravado and cinematic flourishes.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
Final Verdict: A Grand Yet Imperfect Folkloric Epic
Kantara Chapter 1 is a film of ambition, reverence, and cinematic scale. It may not match the spiritual intimacy of its predecessor, but it compensates with an expansive vision and captivating world-building. Rishab Shetty proves once again that he’s not just a storyteller—he’s a world-builder, willing to take bold creative risks to bring local legends to the big screen.
Despite a few narrative missteps, the film delivers an immersive experience that will be remembered for its visuals, performances, and cultural authenticity. It sets the stage for an even more powerful continuation, and if this chapter is any indication, the Kantara saga is far from done.
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 Movie Review 2025
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