Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1 Review

A film shoot usually wraps up in a few weeks, but Rishab Shetty spent over two years crafting "Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1" after the 2022 phenomenon Kantara. And the effort shows. The original had one of the most memorable climaxes in recent cinema, and now Shetty not only refuses to dilute that legacy but dares to raise the bar even higher. Watching this prequel is not like watching a movie - it feels closer to witnessing a ritual, a total surrender to the art of cinema.

The tale opens in a royal court where King Vijayendra (Jayaram) crowns Kulasekhar (Gulshan Devaiah) as heir. But Kulasekhar proves unworthy, while his sister Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth) shines with intelligence and foresight. In Kantara's sacred forest, a land where even kings fear to tread, Berme (Rishab Shetty), leader of the tribes, emerges as a man of strength and spirit. His bond with Kanakavathi and his efforts to secure trading rights for his people mark the calm before a storm. When Kulasekhar unleashes his cruelty on the Kantara tribe, Berme transforms - consumed by divine possession and rage.

Spectacles rarely happen, but here one does. Shetty has the ability to teleport you to the fictional world of Kantara - this time even more pronounced and grand. He builds the world of Kantara and makes it utterly immersive. What truly surprises is how Rishab Shetty managed to pull off a spectacle in under Rs 100 crore that Rajamouli would spend Rs 500 crore on.

The film opens with grandeur: forest chases, tiger sequences and a chariot spectacle that immediately showcase its ambition. But the first half on the whole falters, weighed down by flat comedy and sluggish pacing, especially for Telugu audiences unfamiliar with the Kannada flavour of humour. These portions feel more like filler than narrative necessity.

The interval build-up, however, reignites the momentum. Backed by Ajaneesh Loknath's stirring score and striking visuals, the sequence delivers a rush of energy. The second half sustains this tone, blending war, myth and mysticism. Here, Shetty reclaims his storytelling strength, with the last thirty minutes standing out as pure cinematic brilliance. From the ritual performance to Berme's divine eruption, the movie reaches a transcendental high.

Rishav Shetty once again shoulders the film as writer, director and lead. His portrayal of Berme, alternating between human vulnerability and divine fury, is commanding. Yet, it is Rukmini Vasanth who surprises the most. Regal, radiant and emotionally layered, she elevates her role. Jayaram is dignified as the weary king, while Gulshan Devaiah adds heft to his antagonist. Sadly, the supporting cast - especially the comedians - often undercut the drama with forced humour.

Technically, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a marvel. Arvind S Kashyap's cinematography captures the forests with haunting beauty, while the production design and visual effects elevate the spectacle. Though not all VFX shots are flawless, the scale and finesse are leagues above the original Kantara (2022). Loknath's score may not match the iconic Varaharoopam, but it enriches the spiritual tone and enhances key moments.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is bigger, bolder and technically superior to its predecessor. And it does recreate the raw, mystical energy that made the first film unforgettable. Rishab Shetty has crafted a prequel that feels both ambitious and devotional. Cinematically, it is a labour of love, and despite its flaws, it cements the Kantara universe as one of Indian cinema's most unique mythic sagas, and sets the stage for another chapter audiences will eagerly await. Don't miss this one - and it deserves a watch in a cinema.