Kantara Chapter 1: Review, Collection, and Record-Breaking Spectacle
Rishab Shetty's highly anticipated film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' has finally arrived in theaters, and early reviews suggest it's a wonderful blend of grandeur, spirituality, and powerful performances. The film, a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster 'Kantara,' takes audiences back to the story of how the deities of 'Kantara,' Panjurli and Guliga, originated and how they protected the forest and the tribals.
Film Review: An Epic Experience Kantara: Chapter 1'
- Public Verdict: Described as a 'cinematic thunderstorm' and a 'masterpiece.'
- Grandeur and Production: This prequel is made on a grand scale. Stunning cinematography and top-notch VFX bring the world of the Kadamba dynasty to life, giving it an epic feel.
- Rishab Shetty's Performance: The actor-director's performance as Berme is exceptional. His Guliga poses and screams as Shiva's ancestor give viewers goosebumps.
- Story: This is the story of Berme, a warrior from Kantara. It depicts the conflict between land, greed, and divine protection. The narrative is a beautiful blend of folklore, faith, and emotion.
- Climax: The heart of the film! It is unforgettable and visually surreal. Berme's transformation into Ardhanarishvara, influenced by Guliga, provides a divine climax.
- Downside: Some reviewers have complained of a slightly slow pace (dragging portions) in the first half.
Box Office Collection, and Record-Breaking Spectacle
There was tremendous excitement surrounding the film since its pre-release. Advance bookings for 'Kantara: Chapter 1' broke several records. According to reports, the film grossed a whopping ₹60 crore on its first day, making it one of the biggest openings of 2025. These figures are proof that Rishab Shetty has built a strong following among audiences.
Strong Performances From The Cast
In addition to Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, who plays Kanakavathi, has a strong role. Veteran actors Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah have also done a great job in their roles.
Announcement Of 'Kantara: Chapter 2'
The film's climax not only provides a powerful conclusion to the current story, but also lays the foundation for the next part (Chapter 2). At the end, a village elder tells a child the story of where the well disappeared, saying, "That's another story." This sentence clearly indicates that the saga will continue and that audiences will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the world of Kantara.
Conclusion
'Kantara: Chapter 1' is a spectacle-heavy prequel that stands out for its vast canvas and high entertainment value. Rishab Shetty, as both director and actor, has given the film an epic feel, blending technical excellence (VFX, cinematography) and a powerful blend of divine energy. Rishab Shetty's exceptional performance as Berme, especially in scenes depicting divine power, is the film's biggest USP.