Kantara Chapter1 review: A slow start that explodes into divine payoff
Kantara: Chapter 1 arrives with heavy expectations, riding on the phenomenal success of the Kantara (2022). Audiences walked in hoping for a story just as gripping, intense, and rooted in culture. What we got instead was a film that takes a long, winding path before finally revealing its true power, writes Kausalya Rachavelpula.
The first half is where the film falters. Almost 70% of it feels stretched and sluggish, weighed down by prolonged character introductions and world-building that lack urgency. The narrative does not flow like a gripping tale; instead, it feels like a lecture preparing us for something that never quite comes—at least not until the interval. Even the heroine’s (Rukmini Vasanth) entry is underwhelming, and the few songs inserted into the first half do little to elevate the mood. Instead of being memorable, they add to the sense of monotony. This is the section of the movie where the writing feels weakest. Dialogue, pacing, and dramatic beats fail to create the emotional hook that Kantara Part 1 managed so effortlessly.
But just as patience begins to run out, the interval sequence arrives like a thunderstorm. Suddenly, the film explodes with energy, rhythm, and visual flair. The choreography here is a spectacle in itself, interwoven with supernatural elements that transform the tone of the movie entirely. It’s in this section that Kantara: Chapter 1 reminds us of its potential. From the booming voice work to the richly staged supernatural displays, the film elevates itself to an entirely new level.
Comparisons with Kantara Part 1 are inevitable. The first film had a stronger screenplay and a more engaging balance between world-building and storytelling. In contrast, Chapter 1 struggles in its setup. Yet, it compensates by pushing harder in its second half, where supernatural revelations and devotional elements take center stage.
The second half redeems much of what was lost earlier. Here, the writing grows tighter, the drama sharper, and the revelations more impactful. The detailing around Shiva, the connection of the hero Rishab Shetty to divine power, and the interplay between mortal life and mystical realms are all presented with grandeur. This is where the film transforms into a “Kantara Pro Max” experience, larger than life, deeply rooted in tradition, and emotionally overwhelming.
At its core, the story of Kantara: Chapter 1 seeks to answer profound questions: Who is Kantara? What is the origin of this sacred land? How does it tie back to Shiva and his Ganas? The film approaches these questions with devotional intensity, offering not just entertainment but also a spiritual exploration. Much like Part 1, which depicted the oppression of tribal people fighting to protect their forest land, Chapter 1 revisits the theme of resistance, spirituality, and cultural identity.
In conclusion, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a film of contrasts. Its first half is burdened with tedious pacing and lackluster writing, but its second half soars with myth, devotion, and supernatural spectacle. For those who can endure the slow burn, the rewards come later, rich in detail, culturally resonant, and spiritually moving.
Kantara Chapter1 review: A flawed yet powerful prelude that may test your patience at first but leaves you awestruck by the end.
Rating: 2.70/5
