Kaantha movie starring Dulquer Salmaan releases September 12, 2025. Gripping period drama set in 1950s Madras with Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse. Teaser out now!
The most anticipated period drama of 2025 is finally here! Kaantha, starring Dulquer Salmaan, has released its gripping teaser on the actor’s 42nd birthday, promising an intense cinematic experience set in 1950s Madras. Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and co-produced by Rana Daggubati, this Tamil-Telugu bilingual film captures a pivotal moment when tradition and modernity collide, creating stories that are both personal and profound.
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Kaantha: Dulquer Salmaan’s Birthday Gift to Cinema
Dulquer Salmaan’s period drama Kaantha will unveil its teaser on July 28, 2025, coinciding with the actor’s 42nd birthday. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, as fans receive this cinematic treat that showcases Dulquer Salmaan in a never-before-seen role.
Described as a gripping, dramatic thriller, ‘Kaantha’ promises to transport viewers into a pivotal era in Tamil cinema, where tradition clashed with modernity. The teaser reveals an emotionally charged narrative that explores complex family dynamics against the backdrop of changing times.
Teaser Breakdown: What We’ve Seen
The two-minute and twelve-second teaser features an estranged relationship between a father and son, portrayed by Samuthirakani and Salmaan, respectively. The visual storytelling immediately establishes the emotional core of the film while showcasing the period setting’s authenticity.
The Tamil movie’s teaser introduces Dulquer as a struggling star actor facing both personal and professional hurdles. This meta-narrative element adds layers to the storytelling, making it particularly relevant to cinema enthusiasts.
Cast and Crew: Star-Studded Period Epic
The film brings together exceptional talent both in front of and behind the camera, creating a formidable team for this ambitious period project.
Main Cast Details
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dulquer Salmaan | Lead Role | Struggling star actor |
| Samuthirakani | Father Figure | Dulquer’s on-screen father |
| Bhagyashri Borse | Female Lead | Period drama role |
| Supporting Cast | Various | 1950s ensemble |
Production Team Excellence
| Role | Professional | Notable Work |
|---|---|---|
| Director | Selvamani Selvaraj | Nila (2016) |
| Cinematography | Dani Sanchez-Lopez | International expertise |
| Producers | Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati | Star collaboration |
| Co-Producers | Prashanth Potluri, Jom Varghese | Industry veterans |
| Production Houses | Wayfarer Films, Spirit Media | Premium quality |
Release Strategy: Multi-Language Appeal
Kaantha is scheduled for a theatrical release on 12th September 2025. This strategic timing positions the film perfectly for the post-summer movie season when audiences are hungry for quality content.
Release Details Breakdown
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 12, 2025 |
| Languages | Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi |
| Genre | Period Drama Thriller |
| Setting | 1950s Madras |
| Runtime | To be announced |
| Format | Theatrical release |
Production Insights: Passion Project Realized
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Rana Daggubati opened up about his decision to co-produce the upcoming period drama Kaantha, revealing the project’s significance to the team.
The collaboration between Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati represents a meeting of two powerhouse talents committed to quality cinema. The film will be directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, whose debut feature “Nila” (2016) won the audience award at the Cinequest San Jose Film Festival.
Director’s Vision
‘Kaantha’ is written and directed by Selvamani Selvaraj. His approach to storytelling, demonstrated in his award-winning debut, suggests a mature and nuanced treatment of the subject matter.
Period Setting: 1950s Madras Authenticity
A gripping period drama thriller set in 1950s Madras, ‘Kaantha’ will look to transport the viewers to the soul of that era. It captures a moment in time when tradition and modernity collided, giving rise to stories both personal and profound.
Historical Context
- Period: 1950s post-independence India
- Location: Madras (present-day Chennai)
- Cultural Backdrop: Traditional vs. modern values
- Cinema Connection: Golden age of Tamil cinema
Technical Excellence: Visual Grandeur Promised
The film stars Bhagyashri Borse alongside Dulquer and is backed by a strong technical crew. Cinematography is handled by Dani Sanchez-Lopez, bringing international standards to this Indian period drama.
The technical team’s expertise ensures that the 1950s setting comes alive with authentic period details, from costumes to production design.
Industry Expectations and Box Office Potential
Following the blockbuster success of the Telugu film ‘Lucky Baskhar’, Dulquer Salmaan is returning in the lead with ‘Kaantha’. This momentum positions Kaantha as a potential major success.
Commercial Prospects
- Star Power: Dulquer’s pan-Indian appeal
- Producer Backing: Rana Daggubati’s market presence
- Genre Appeal: Period dramas’ recent success
- Multi-language Release: Broader audience reach
Character Dynamics: Father-Son Emotional Core
The teaser establishes the central conflict between Dulquer Salmaan and Samuthirakani’s characters, suggesting a deeply personal story within the larger historical context.
This emotional foundation provides the human element that makes period dramas resonate with contemporary audiences.
Marketing Strategy: Building Anticipation
The first-look poster of the multilingual film Dulquer Salmaan’s ‘Kaantha’ has been released on 3 February 2025. The special thing is that this first-look poster was released on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of Dulquer Salmaan’s debut in cinema.
The strategic release of promotional materials demonstrates careful planning to maximize audience engagement.
FAQs
When does Kaantha release in theaters?
Kaantha releases worldwide on September 12, 2025, in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.
Who directed Kaantha?
Selvamani Selvaraj directed Kaantha, known for his award-winning debut film “Nila” (2016).
Is this a multilingual film?
Yes, Kaantha releases in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi, making it a pan-Indian project.
Critical Reception Expectations
Given the pedigree of the cast and crew, industry experts anticipate a strong critical reception for Kaantha. The combination of:
- Period setting authenticity
- Strong performances
- Technical excellence
- Emotional storytelling
positions it as a potential award contender.
Cultural Impact: Cinema Within Cinema
The meta-narrative element of Dulquer playing a struggling actor in 1950s cinema industry adds cultural depth, potentially appealing to film historians and cinema enthusiasts.
Visual Treatment: Period Authenticity
Early glimpses suggest meticulous attention to period detail, from costumes to set design, promising an immersive 1950s experience.
Music and Background Score
While specific details about the music director haven’t been revealed, the period setting demands a score that complements the era’s musical sensibilities.
Final Verdict: Kaantha emerges as one of 2025’s most promising period dramas, combining star power, directorial vision, and production excellence. With its September 12, 2025, release, this film promises to transport audiences to 1950s Madras while exploring timeless themes of family, tradition, and change.
The teaser’s release on Dulquer Salmaan’s birthday marks the beginning of what could be a significant cinematic journey, offering both entertainment and artistic merit in equal measure.
Mark your calendars for September 12, 2025 – Kaantha promises to be a cinematic experience that honors the past while speaking to contemporary audiences.
