Some movies draw you into their world so deeply that it becomes impossible to exit once the credits begin to roll. Kantara: Chapter 1, the long-awaited prequel to Rishab Shetty's 2022 hit, is just such an experience. Although the initial half falters to engage, the movie makes amends for it in the second half with a climax so intense that it haunts you long after you leave the cinema.

Storyline

The movie picks up from where the original Kantara had left off — with Shiva finding himself at the site of his father's enigmatic vanishing. From there, the story goes back in time to unravel the history of the forest, the legend of the Brahmrakshas, and the story of the tribe responsible for guarding "Ishwar Ka Madhuban," a land untainted for decades. King Vijayendra (Jayaram) is the protagonist, who unknowingly crowns his cunning son Kulshekhar (Gulshan Devaiah) as the heir over his virtuous daughter Kanakvati (Rukmini Vasanth). Kulshekhar's arrogance drives him to trespass into the forbidden forests, disrupting its delicate balance.

Positive Points 

The world-building of the film is its greatest asset. Rishab Shetty carefully interweaves myths, rituals, and tradition of the tribes, putting audiences in a culture rarely seen on screen. The plot gathers steam in the second half, leading to an eye-popping climax where Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth perform with breathtaking energy.Their transfiguration into virtual mythic beings on screen is astounding and justifies how they are being feted nationwide. The cinematography, hued in natural colors, and the background score amplify the mysticism.

Also Read: The Raja Saab Trailer Review: A Genre Mix That Delivers Neither Romance, Horror, Nor Comedy

Negative Points

The first half is slow and threatens to lose the audience before the movie gets in its groove. The main conflict — a stock good vs evil scenario — comes across as predictable at times, and supporting acting, while adequate, is pushed to the sidelines by the leads.

Overall:Though its first half is unbalanced, Kantara: Chapter 1 is a forceful, absorbing prequel that lives off its climax. Rishab Shetty again demonstrates that he doesn't merely direct films — he forms worlds.