'Kantara: Chapter-1' review: Rishab Shetty's film only works in parts
What's the story
In 2022, Rishab Shetty put Kannada mythology on the national map through his cinematic sensation, Kantara. He aims to replicate history with Kantara: Chapter 1, set several years before the first film's events. Shetty's passion and perseverance, which made the first part such a massive blockbuster, are evident, but the movie leaves much to be desired. Here's our review of the Hindi version.
Plot
Shetty plays a tribal hero in this ambitious prequel
Set during the Kadamba dynasty, the film dives into tribal conflicts and explores the origins of the Bhoota Kola rituals. Actor-director Shetty stars as Berme, the leader of the Kantara tribe, who clashes with an oppressive king named Kulashekara (Gulshan Devaiah), to protect his people. Rukmini Vasanth essays Kanakavathi, Kulashekara's sister, who falls in love with Berme, much to the chagrin of her brother.
#1
Massive scale, but poor writing
My biggest gripe is the film's shaky, inconsistent writing. The atrocious first half is filled with unnecessary scenes that feature unfunny comic elements and drag this already lengthy film. With a complex storyline, too many supporting characters, and tonal inconsistencies, the film is a tedious watch for the most part. When it ended, I didn't feel any awe, just relief.
#2
Flimsy dialogues fail to make an impact
In several consequential scenes, the ear-deafening background music completely drowns the dialogue, and you struggle to make sense of the characters' conversations. Plus, Kulashekara's dialogues are too modern, too flimsy, as if this is not an ambitious cinematic endeavor, but a parody. When you hear him speak, you instantly feel something is off because royal characters only speak a certain way on-screen.
#3
At nearly 3 hours, this is an unnecessarily long movie
Length does not always equal impact, and at 168 minutes, the exhausting movie really tests your patience (especially the first half). Even the most simplistic, basic scenes refuse to end; the painfully unfunny comedy damages the movie, and the movie moves in circles. Shetty takes ages to establish the conflict properly, and Vasanth and Devaiah disappear from the screen for long stretches.
#4
What works: Shetty delivers a terrific act
Shetty's artistic caliber is admirable in the scenes when a divine force possesses him. He becomes something entirely different in these sequences, delivering an enrapturing performance, daring you to look away. What also works is his natural ease and chemistry with his co-actors; as the leader of the group, he is instantly believable. The dazzling visuals toward the end are also worth applauding.
#5
Action scenes are choreographed and executed well
Kantara: Chapter 1 is backed by KGF makers Hombale Films, and the lavish resources are on full display, particularly in action scenes. Some stunt choreography is exciting and fun to watch, and the scenic beauty of coastal Karnataka has been captured in all its glory by cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap. Additionally, Devaiah delivers a deliciously devilish performance as a king drunk on power.
Verdict
Fails to capitalize on its potential; 2.5/5 stars
Exactly like the first part, the movie's real strength lies in Shetty's divine/transformation scenes. Otherwise, there's a lot of fluff and little substance. If a film puts you through the wringer pre-interval, it says a lot about the project's overall quality. Shetty, the actor, shines, but Shetty, the writer, not so much. 2.5/5 stars.