Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025): Rishab Shetty’s Prequel Has a Slow Start But a Divine Finish

Kantara: Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit that brought him a National Award. Made by Hombale Films, this period drama goes back to pre-colonial Karnataka during the Kadamba dynasty. Joining Shetty are Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah.

This film takes a different route from its predecessor, focusing on the Daiva tradition and ancient spiritual practices. Released on October 2, 2025, it arrived in theaters across multiple languages, timing its launch with Gandhi Jayanti and Vijayadashami festivities.

Plot and Storyline

The story centers on Kaadubettu Shiva’s origins in ancient times, peeling back layers of forgotten traditions and wild landscapes. It weaves together mythology with action, creating a narrative that reveals how these age-old beliefs came to be.

We follow Berme, torn between honoring village customs and facing external dangers. The movie takes its time in the beginning but rewards patience with a powerful second half. That divine finale makes the journey worth taking.

Cast Performance

Rishab Shetty gives his all to this role, bringing raw intensity that grounds the mythological elements. While I noticed similarities to his previous work, his physical commitment and emotional range keep things engaging. You can see he lives and breathes this character.

Rukmini Vasanth surprised me with her commanding screen presence. Her regal bearing and unexpected character turn elevate key moments. I felt disappointed when her storyline wrapped up too quickly—she deserved more screen time. The supporting players hold their own, adding texture to this mythical world.

What Worked

The second half hits differently. Those Guliga sequences pack a punch that stays with you. I found myself completely absorbed once the film found its rhythm, and that climax delivers on every promise made.

Visually, the movie transported me to ancient Karnataka. The way they captured the Bhuta Kola tradition felt authentic, not like a tourist’s view. Action scenes flow naturally, mixing traditional fighting styles with supernatural moments that don’t feel forced or overdone.

What Could Be Better

The opening half drags more than it should. I checked my watch a few times waiting for things to kick in. Trimming some exposition would have helped maintain interest from the start.

Rukmini’s character arc ends abruptly, leaving me wanting more. Supporting characters get introduced but don’t receive enough development to make me care about their fates. The script jumps between mythological explanations and personal stories without finding the right balance.

Critical Response

Early reviewers awarded it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it “a prequel that explodes with brilliance.” Shows in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Andhra drew strong crowd reactions with audiences leaving theaters satisfied.

Online spaces lit up with 5-star ratings and excited reactions. Professional critics took a more balanced view. Most acknowledged the ambition behind expanding this universe while noting it falls slightly short of recreating the original’s impact.

Direction and Visuals

Rishab Shetty juggles multiple roles here—writer, director, and lead actor. His deep connection to the material shows, though sometimes his commitment to detail slows things down. You can tell this world matters to him.

The production team nailed the period look. From costumes to sets, everything feels lived-in rather than manufactured. Sound design amplifies the supernatural moments effectively. Traditional instruments in the score connect the music to the cultural roots being explored.

Rating: 4.5/5