Kantara Chapter 1 Review – Bigger, Wilder & More Powerful Than Part 1?

Kantara Chapter 1 Review: If you walk into a theatre at 7 in the morning on Dussehra to catch a movie, you already know you’re in for something special. That’s precisely what I did for Kantara Chapter 1. And trust me, getting up that early, watching a packed theatre with people buzzing in anticipation, it was like more than a movie outing. It was like an event.

My Personal Theater Experience

The energy within was dreamlike. Everybody was aware that they weren’t sitting there watching any ordinary release; this was the sequel to a phenomenon that had started in 2022. When the opening scene started rolling, the hall fell silent. That’s when I understood, this was less about entertainment, it was about taking forward a cultural moment.

A Quick Recap of Kantara (2022)

• The Unexpected Climax: In 2022, Kantara suddenly emerged out of nowhere. They believed for two hours that they were seeing a rural drama. Then came those final 20 minutes, the sort of climax that leaves your jaw in the air and your spine tingling. That one scene alone carved out the film from history.
• Why Expectations Were Sky-High: The original film had a minuscule budget of merely ₹16 crores, but it shook up Indian cinema. So, of course, when the news of a sequel/prequel with a budget of ₹125 crores was announced, the question was: could lightning strike twice?

Budget Leap: From ₹16 Crores to ₹125 Crores

From shoestring to outright epic scope, that’s not an upgrade, that’s a statement. And yes, it does show. Each frame is rich, layered, and cinematic in a way few Indian films are, with more money.

Setting the Stage for Chapter One

• Shiva’s Son as a Teenager: The film begins with Shiva’s son, now a teenager, asking about the mystery surrounding his father’s vanishing. This exchange establishes the tone for the legend that follows.
• The Legend of Berme: We are suddenly transported to the realm of Berme, once again essayed by Rishab Shetty. Berme is an inquisitive fellow, not like his tribe, and his life serves to form the basis of the larger myth.

The Core Storyline (Spoiler-Free)

We meet the king and his son, portrayed by Gulshan Devaiah. The heir is a careless, drunk young man, someone who breaks the sacred boundary between the forest folk and the royals. And from there, chaos begins.

What ensues is a gradual escalation of conflict between tradition and greed, between humans and gods. The confrontation becomes inescapable, and the manner in which it happens is riveting.

How Part One Is Different from the Narrative

• Cohesive Storytelling: While the first film was criticized for being slow in the middle, Chapter One maintains an even pace. The narrative counts as much at the beginning as at the end; it’s not a two-hour wait for a 20-minute payoff.
• Expansion of Lore and Mythology: The film goes further into the mythology of Kantara, taking us to the beginning. It’s richer, denser, and more ambitious.

Performances That Stand Out

• Rishab Shetty: Actor, Director, Force of Nature: This guy is the pulse of Kantara. Physically, he’s not the hunky body of a Bollywood action hero—he’s raw, rough, and stocky like a bull. But the energy that he brings to every scene? Goosebumps. His dedication is unbelievable, both in front of the camera and behind the camera.
• Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah: Both deliver in their supporting roles, rooting the drama with rich performances. Gulshan particularly acquires the mannerism of a spoiled heir to perfection.

The Power of Music and Score

Music is the lifeblood of Kantara. The score in this one does not merely prop up the film; it enhances it. There are moments when the chants and beats synchronize so perfectly with the action that it seems the screen itself is humming.

Production Quality and Cinematic Experience

The sets are real. You’re transported to another time, another world where legends were created. There is one scene on a cliff with chariots that actually had me sitting on the edge of my seat. It’s so engrossing.

Also Read: They Call Him OG Review: Pawan Kalyan’s Swag is Fire, But Does the Film Deliver?

Goosebump Moments That Work

Several moments slam you with unadulterated emotion, moments when music, performance, and direction blend into pure cinema. I won’t spoil them for you, but yes, they’re all worth the buzz.

Where the Film Falters

Referring to it as Kantara Chapter 1 when in fact it’s the second film is needlessly convoluted. A simple “Part Two” or “Next Chapter” would have sufficed.

Some action beats and plot twists are echoes from the first film. Not terrible, but perceptible.

Though the visuals are largely excellent, the CGI monster does not integrate smoothly. In comparison to the grounded realism in the majority of the film, it jars.

Why Rishab Shetty Is the Heart of Kantara

Apart from the acting and directing, it’s his vision that brings everything together. Without him, Kantara wouldn’t be this alive, this grounded, or this powerful.

Comparison to the First Film

The first one was a surprise. This one came in with expectations piled against it, and yet, it succeeded. Is it perfect? No. But does it live up to the legacy and move the story ahead? Absolutely.

Good & Bad in Kantara Chapter 1

Good	Bad
Cohesive story from start to end	Confusing official title
Rishab Shetty’s powerhouse performance	Some recycled elements from Part One
Immersive score and chants	Weak CGI creature
Rich production value for the budget	Slight drop in visual quality near the end
Goosebump-inducing moments	A bit of over-explaining in the backstory

Final Verdict

Kantara Chapter 1 is not another sequel but a tale that burrows deeper into the soil of its universe. With minor imperfections, it strikes harder than most every other big-budget spectacle. For close to three hours, it had me captivated, emotional, and proud that such cinema still exists.

If you enjoyed the original, this one is well worth your while. Take the family, immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and watch the legend unfold.

FAQs

Q1: Do I have to see the first Kantara to be able to comprehend Chapter One?
Yes, it certainly assists. The emotional resonance and connections hit home more if you’ve watched the original.

Q2: Is Kantara Chapter 1 a prequel or a sequel?
Technically, it’s a prequel that examines the origins of the legend, although it came out after the first movie.

Q3: How long is the film?
It clocks in at about 3 hours, but never feels like it.

Q4: Does it hold up to the hype of the first movie?
My take is yes. It doesn’t merely pursue the climax magic of Part One; it creates a complete story worth getting involved with.

Q5: Do I need to see it in theaters?
A resounding yes. This is the type of film that is best suited for the big screen, the audio, and the shared energy of a crowd.