After the phenomenal success of Kantara (2022), expectations for its prequel soared sky-high. “Kantara Chapter 1” finally hit theaters on October 2, 2025, promising to unveil the mystical origins of the Kantara land. Does Rishab Shetty’s ambitious prequel live up to the hype? Here’s our complete verdict.
Table of Contents
Kantara Movie Information at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie | Kantara Chapter 1 |
| Release Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Rating | 3.25/5 ⭐ |
| Director | Rishab Shetty |
| Lead Cast | Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah |
| Music | B. Ajaneesh Loknath |
| Cinematography | Arvind S. Kashyap |
| Production Banner | Hombale Films |
| Runtime | Approximately 150 minutes |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Folklore |
What’s the Story About?
Set centuries before the events of the original Kantara, Chapter 1 explores the deep-rooted conflict between the Kantara tribe and the Bangra kingdom. When Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah) ascends as the new king of Bangra, tensions escalate with Berme (Rishab Shetty), the leader of the indigenous Kantara tribe.
The narrative chronicles how these differences transform into an all-out confrontation, revealing the divine origins and spiritual essence that make Kantara land sacred. It’s a tale of territory, tradition, and transcendence.
What Works: The Highs
Technical Brilliance That Stuns
Kantara Chapter 1 is a visual masterpiece. Hombale Films spared no expense, and every rupee spent shows on screen. The VFX work, particularly sequences featuring animals, is breathtaking—matching international standards. Cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap captures the lush forest landscapes and intense action with remarkable precision.
For those seeking cutting-edge cinema and technical excellence, this film sets new benchmarks for regional Indian cinema.
Rishab Shetty’s National Award-Worthy Performance
More than his directorial vision, Rishab’s acting steals the show. His portrayal during divine possession and trance sequences showcases extraordinary depth. The National Award winner proves he’s not resting on past laurels—he’s pushing boundaries. His physicality, emotional range, and commitment make Berme unforgettable.
Rukmini Vasanth: The Surprise Package
Unlike typical female leads reduced to romantic subplots, Rukmini Vasanth’s character gains prominence as the film progresses. Her role becomes crucial during the climax, and she delivers convincingly. This nuanced character writing elevates the narrative beyond predictable patterns.
Goosebump-Inducing Climax
The extended climax war sequences infused with divine elements will make audiences erupt. The interval block sets up this madness perfectly. Rishab Shetty magnified both budget and ambition, creating moments of pure cinematic euphoria. The chariot chase sequence stands out with high-quality choreography and VFX.
What Doesn’t Work: The Lows
Pacing Issues in the First Half
While world-building is essential, the first half takes excessive time establishing characters and settings. Several sequences drag, testing viewer patience. Tighter editing could have significantly improved flow without sacrificing storytelling.
Information Overload
The film ambitiously showcases multiple tribes, deity forms, and the barter system. However, cramming extensive research into limited screen time makes things feel rushed. This imbalance is frustrating—unnecessary scenes are prolonged while important cultural details feel hurried.
Underutilized Antagonist
Gulshan Devaiah is talented, but his role as King Kulasekhara doesn’t quite land. The character needed stronger writing and more screen time to establish him as a formidable opponent worthy of Berme’s might.
Loud Background Score
Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score enhances drama but occasionally becomes overpowering. Subtle moments lose impact when drowned in loud orchestration. The songs are serviceable but nothing memorable.
Technical Verdict
Production values are stupendous. From costume design reflecting historical accuracy to set construction recreating ancient kingdoms, every department delivered. The action choreography deserves special mention—brutal, realistic, and thrilling. For updates on cinema technology and filmmaking excellence, this film offers masterclass moments.
Should You Watch It?
Absolutely—especially in theaters. “Kantara Chapter 1” is designed for the big-screen experience. The visual grandeur, divine sequences, and action set pieces lose impact on smaller screens. Despite pacing hiccups, the film’s technical brilliance and Rishab Shetty’s outstanding performance make it worth your time.
If you loved the original Kantara’s blend of folklore and spirituality, the prequel expands that universe magnificently. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably ambitious and mostly successful in delivering what fans craved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to watch the original Kantara before Chapter 1?
No, “Kantara Chapter 1” is a prequel set centuries before the original film, making it a standalone story. However, watching the original Kantara (2022) enhances your experience as you’ll appreciate the connections, understand the divine mythology better, and recognize how the prequel sets up elements that pay off in the first film. For newcomers, Chapter 1 works independently with its self-contained narrative.
Q2: Is Kantara Chapter 1 worth watching in theaters or should I wait for OTT?
Definitely watch it in theaters! The film’s biggest strengths are its jaw-dropping visuals, spectacular VFX, and large-scale action sequences designed specifically for the theatrical experience. The divine trance sequences, climax war portions, and chariot chase scenes lose significant impact on smaller screens. The technical brilliance and immersive cinematography justify the theater ticket price, making it one of those films where the big-screen experience is essential.
