Kantara Chapter 1 Revue: the final transformation of Rishab Shetty as Chamundi will leave you out of breath, it is an epic saga full of power

Name: Kantara: Chapter 1

Director: Rishab Shetty

Casting: Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad

Writer: Rishab Shetty

Note: 4/5

Kantara: Chapter 1, with Rishab Shetty in the main role, released in theaters on October 2, 2025. Written and directed by Rishab himself, the film features Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah and Jayaram as co-chiefs.

If you plan to watch the film in theaters this week, here is IHNS’s criticism.

The intrigue

Kantara: Chapter 1 brings us back centuries from the first insligery. A crazy king of Bhangra wishes to conquer everything he puts his eyes on. However, when he orders the execution of an old fisherman, precious spices such as black pepper, cinnamon and more fall from his pocket.

While the mad king seeks the source, he realizes that she is from the land where the tribe of Kantara lies in peace, living harmoniously with nature and the divine. While entering an isolated forest and wreaking havoc on the tribal people, the Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva manifest themselves and put an end to his life.

His son, Vijayendra, traumatized by the death of his father, later became king and followed the way to Dharma. Years later, he has a son and a daughter, while a mysterious baby emerges from a sacred well among the Kantara people.

Like the son of King Vijayend, Kuashekara, is crowned king, he also turns out to have inherited the madness of his grandfather. The rest of the film focuses on the rivalry between the royal family and the tribal people, the divine intervening at the right time to protect the innocent people.

Good

At a time when many suites or prequels are not up to the original, Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a perfect predecessor to the Kantara tradition and the events that surround it. While we are entering centuries into the world in the past, we are initiated into the history of the Bhangra dynasty and its connection with the Kantara tribe.

The film deeply plunges into the account of action and adventure, balancing it with the elements of the divinity. It is not just a cash seizure on the success of the first film, but a story that adds more depth to the story and manages to raise it increased tenfold.

With impressive performance of the main distribution, Rishab Shetty also shines as director and writer. The filmmaker clearly understands the elements necessary to create such a story, and his treatment of history is breathtaking to experience.

The characterizations and dialogues of Kannada and Tulu add authenticity and wealth to the film, which makes it a cinematographic experience like no other. The execution and the narration offer a diaper experience to viewers, which makes it a film really meant for theaters.

In addition to the use of the divinity, Kantara: Chapter 1 also offers a comment on social difference, slavery and oppression.

From a technical point of view, Kantara: Chapter 1 is brilliant in almost all aspects. Despite the minor backhands in the design of the production of a particular scene, the film is technically strong and undoubtedly one of the best in recent times.

The musical tracks created by B. Ajaneesh Loknath mixes the soul with the depth. Even the background scores, mainly driven by the use of drums and collars, add intensity and emotional weight, often making the spectator sit on the edge of their seat.

The choreography of the action must be welcomed, in particular for the introduction and the war of Climax, which recalls the episode of the battle of Battle of Ba * Tard of Game of Thrones. In addition, cinematography, publishing and almost perfect use of visual effects contribute to the immersive experience of the film.

The bad

Although Kantara: Chapter 1 is a great theatrical experience, some parts are distinguished as weak, especially in the first half of the film. The excessive statement on the minor characters of Comicical Relief seemed sticky and out of words in this film.

There are also minor rhythm problems in the first half, but the film is quickly recovered, offering an intense experience of the pre-bonding segment to the epilogue.

Performance

Rishab Shetty, a bit like in the first episode, offers stellar performance. Its representation of Berme, the central figure which is possessed by Daivas, is both enigmatic and powerful.

What was a gentle surprise was the incredible performance of Rukmini Vasanth that Kanakavathi. She fully embodies the character and offers a deeply convincing performance.

Gulshan Devaiah impressed his explosive performance as a crazy king, while actor experience experienced Jayaram shines in the film’s film moments.

Here is Kantara’s trailer: Chapter 1

The verdict

Kantara: Chapter 1 is a perfect addition to the Kantara franchise, expanding tradition far beyond what the first film explored. With a larger and more epic tone, the film has moments that leave one speechless.

If you liked the first episode, this is undoubtedly intended for theaters.

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