'Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1' Review: A Formidable Origin Story

Within weeks after its release in 2022, Rishab Shetty’s Kannada film Kantara (Mystical Forest) became a Pan-India hit. The narrative, rooted in the local tradition, examined dynastic clashes and faith with human greed. The film linked so strongly to audiences that it originated (Chapter 2 was set up to follow). Where the earlier film was a modest, almost folk story that bloomed in something mythical and weighty, this prequel is undoubtedly much more confident, supported by a much greater budget that allows the Creator’s vast vision to get alive on the screen, but driven by the same passion. It is a super-sized film-tiring in parts, sometimes too much. The outstretched and lenient 168-minute Kantara: A legend chapter 1 is set in the Kadamba period of Karnataka. It weaves legend, politics and myth together. The scale is immediately larger – forest feels endless, temples tower over kingdoms, the wagons are bigger, the songs and dance more great and greed still clash with faith and folklore. Shetty returns as a writer, director and lead actor, plays Berme, a boy found in the woods and adopted by a woman from Kantara. At its core, the film tells the story of Berg, whose goal gradually comes to light. But it is also a story of a struggle for supremacy that cannot be detached from the favor of gods. The peaceful and isolated hamlet of Kantara is feared and evenly by Bangra’s rulers. The Bangra Royals are against the people of Kantara, led by Berne, who is fighting for fairness, equality and faith. The forest dwellers rely on their indigenous instincts and Daevas (gods) to counteract the power, cruelty and black magic that unleashes by Prince Kulashekara and King Rajashekara. Central in this mythology is Bhoota Kola (Spirit Worship), the ritual dance that channels spirits such as Panjurli, Guliga and Varaha (Protectors of Land and People). The mythical references are rich from Tulunadu folklore, but their narrative integration is not always seamless. Arvind S. Kashyap’s film gives the forests, the scenes, the palaces and the ritual dance a tangible sense of life and madness. The score by B. Ajaneansh Loknath underlines the grandeur and tension, from thundering percussion during rituals to swelling in moments of awe. It is powerful, though sometimes overwhelming and not as haunting as in the 2022 film. Production design, art direction, costumes, sound design and special effects on the story. Performances complement this spectacle. Shetty himself recommends the screen with intensity and easily changes between physical cruelty and spiritual zeal. Berne binds the outstretched narrative together and Shetty’s roar is still haunting, as his actions are rising with his craft. Like Princess Kanakavathi, Rukmini Vasanth slides through her role as a quiet but empowered royal, and plays a character who believes that less is more. Supporting turns of Gulshan Devaiah as her brother Prince Kulashekara, intoxicated on drinks and claws, and Jayaram as their father King Rajashekara texture to the feudal and dynastic battle in the heart of the story. What distinguishes Chapter 1 is the scale of his sets. Massive combat sequences, ritual marches and extensive depictions of divine possession are staged with detail, rich in colors and atmosphere. The choreography of violence and dance is increased and often enchanting. The first half spends stretching in world building, layered history, ritual and politics. It is a breathtaking visual spectacle, loaded with concepts and comments. The last 45 minutes, although it is packed with spectacle, is where the film most unravels. A temple dance number, which hits in the design, the flow. The climactic struggle is well performed, but is a test of the viewer of the viewer. Even more confusing is the sudden appearance of mythological beings that do not always feel an integral part of the narrative. Compared to the 2022 film, which based its mythology in the daily struggle of villagers before he unveiled the possession by the divine -with an echo -huil, this prequel intimacy for greatness. With that said, Shetty’s vision cannot be denied. Kantara: Chapter 1 is a formidable origin story, a visual spectacle that only occasionally stumbles under the weight of his ambition.