‘Kantara Chapter 1’: A Spectacle of Grandeur and Daring
Rishabh Shetty’s highly anticipated prequel, Kantara Chapter 1, makes its big screen debut with a bang, delivering a stunning visual and spectacle-filled experience that expands the universe of the 2022 blockbuster. While the film has been praised for its massive scale and high entertainment value, it overcomes some narrative hurdles along the way, ultimately emerging as a worthy, albeit flawed, addition to the saga.
At its core, the film delves deep into the origins of the daivas (holy spirits) and the spiritual lore of Tuluvanadu. The plot centers on the sacred forest known as Eeswaran Hoothota (God’s Garden), the land of a tribal community. The original conflict resurfaces between the indigenous people and the Kadamba dynasty. In contrast to the greed that drove the landlord in the first film, the prequel’s conflict stems from the wounded ego and prestige of the king (Jayaram), who, after being restrained by a divine force, patiently awaits his moment to strike back.
Rishabh Shetty reprises his directorial role and plays Barme, described as a goofy, eccentric, and fearless man who emerges as a bulwark against the royals. The antagonistic force is powerfully represented by the king’s son, Prince Kulasekhar, played by the brilliant Gulshan Devaiah. The film’s core theme is clearly evident in Barme’s decision to rebel, fighting on an epic scale for the rights and dignity of his marginalized people.
Visually, Kantara Chapter 1 is a phenomenal achievement. The production is so massive that the original film reportedly appears small in comparison. Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap has been praised for creating a compelling war drama atmosphere with spectacular and creative visuals. The action sequences are a major highlight, described as audacious and powerful, especially the chariot scene. These brilliantly choreographed, CGI-laden moments are designed for maximum adrenaline and visual impact, even if they sometimes prioritize ostentation over plot progression.
The acting is another key strength. Rishab Shetty’s powerful aura and his brilliant portrayal of a divine possessed person remain a captivating element. Rukmini Vasanth, in her first role since Sapta Sagardache Elo, delivers an excellent performance with powerful dialogue.
However, the film also has its share of criticisms. Reviews point to an uneven and disjointed first half, with abrupt cuts and a rush to conclude plot points. The attempt to inject humor into intense scenes has been described as counterproductive, disrupting the overall flow of the film. More importantly, some feel that this emphasis on spectacle comes at a price. The powerful emotional undercurrent of the tribal community’s struggle, which was the soul of the first film, is sometimes lost amidst the sheer grandeur, making the prequel feel “a little empty inside” despite its many poignant scenes.
Ultimately, Kantara Chapter 1 is a film whose ambitions are its greatest strength. The makers’ undeniable commitment to scale and entertainment makes the duller portions and narrative stumbles largely forgiven and forgotten. Rishab Shetty has successfully delivered a sweeping, spectacle-filled prequel that captivates with its technical prowess, powerful acting, and captivating world-building. The 168-minute film is a cinematic event that demands to be seen on the big screen.
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Source: The Hindu