Divine spectacle
‘Kantara’
– Review
The film takes us back to the era of the Kadamba dynasty, establishing the centuries-old relationship between the royalty, the local tribes, and the forest’s divine protectors.
The plot centers around the legendary origins of the Daiva and the sacred land, exploring how the age-old pact between man and nature first came to be, and the clashes that arise when greed, power, and human ambition threaten this fragile balance.
The central character, Berme, the leader of the Kantara people, is at the heart of this conflict.
As the writer and director, Rishab Shetty’s execution is commendable for its sheer vision.
He takes a risk by front-loading the first half with extensive world-building and character introductions, which occasionally leads to pacing issues and some overstretched comedic interludes. However, Shetty’s patience pays off massively in the second half.
The narrative explodes with intensity, flawlessly blending high-octane action, deep-seated folklore, and a fusion of spirituality and raw human emotion.
The film’s climax is a masterpiece—a riveting, 15-minute sequence of divine fury that serves as a spectacular payoff to the mythological foundation he carefully constructs.
Rishab Shetty delivers a powerhouse performance as Berme.
Returning with even more intensity, he masterfully portrays the transformation of the tribal leader, taking on multiple, powerful avatars as he becomes possessed by the various deities.
His commitment to the role, including the physical demands of action and the intense emotional arc, anchors the film with compelling gravitas.
Rukmini Vasanth is a standout revelation as Princess Kanakavathi. She is both regal and strong, delivering a riveting performance, especially in a crucial episode in the latter half. Her role is well-written and she makes a lasting impact.
The supporting cast, including Jayaram as the aging king and Gulshan Devaiah in a key role, lend strong credibility.
Jayaram shines in his portrayal, while Devaiah showcases his range.
However, some of the supporting characters intended for comic relief occasionally fall flat and feel unnecessarily irritating, slightly hampering the overall experience.
Arvind S. Kashyap’s lensing is breathtaking. Shooting in real, rugged locations, he captures the majesty of the Western Ghats and the mystical aura of Kantara with stunning precision.
B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score is the very soul of the film. His music amplifies every emotion, from generating goosebumps during the spiritual sequences to elevating the heart-pounding action blocks.
The film boasts high production values and authentic folklore blending. The extensive production design and visual effects work together to deliver an immersive and visually rich experience, particularly during the large-scale war sequence and the unforgettable divine transformations.
Rating: 4.2/5
By Naveen
***
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