Rishab Shetty’s ambitious prequel explores themes of greed, rebellion, and the clash of cultures.
The film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, directed by Rishab Shetty, serves as a prequel to the widely acclaimed ‘Kantara’. It traces the origins of the titular roar, set centuries ago during the Kadamba dynasty’s reign. In this narrative, the ruler of the Bangra kingdom makes a fateful error by trespassing into the sacred Kantara forest. His son, Rajasekhara, along with his descendants, Kulashekara and Kanakavathi, wisely avoids the forest’s mysteries. Instead, the forest’s inhabitants, led by Berme, venture into Bangra to uncover the kingdom’s secrets surrounding its wealth, military might, and iron trade.
Within the bustling marketplace of Bangra, Berme encounters Arab and Portuguese traders who are profiting significantly from the forest’s resources. Here, he also meets Kanakavathi, who is drawn to Berme’s raw charisma and business instincts. Meanwhile, Kulashekara, consumed by his own indulgences, remains oblivious to Berme’s ascent from a tribal outcast to a formidable force. The film chronicles Berme’s evolution from an abandoned child to a celestial warrior, navigating through intense confrontations with Bangra’s military.
Rishab Shetty, co-writing the screenplay with Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Gowtham, elevates the narrative’s ambition compared to its predecessor. The production scale matches this increased ambition, with technical departments harmonizing effectively to realize Shetty’s vision of a world beset by avarice, desperately seeking divine intervention to restore balance. The film benefits from notable contributions by cinematographer Arvind S Kashyap, editor Suresh Mallaiah, and a talented team of production designers, music composers, and action choreographers.
Throughout its runtime, the film presents an exhilarating array of striking moments, including a runaway wooden chariot, a confrontation with a malevolent wizard and his trained lorises, and a benevolent tiger. Exceptional wirework showcases Berme and his allies soaring across the screen. The themes of greed, exploitation, and emancipation are intricately woven into the storyline, grounding the film in a way that resonates with contemporary issues.
Rukmini Vasanth’s character arc introduces unexpected developments, adding depth to the narrative. The film, with a length of 168 minutes, occasionally feels overloaded with content, making it challenging to absorb in one sitting. Despite this, ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ sustains its enchanting quality through meticulous world-building and a harmonious blend of spectacle and thought-provoking ideas. The performances of the leads are complemented by a strong ensemble of supporting actors, all equally dedicated to the project. Gulshan Devaiah portrays a debauched tyrant, while Rukmini Vasanth embodies the enigmatic Kanakavathi, with Shetty delivering a compelling performance as Berme, the folk hero and master of his fate.
