Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1: A Myth-Packed Prequel with Fire in Its Veins

Rishab Shetty’s 2022 hit Kantara became a talking point across India. It mixed folk belief, deep faith, and hard-hitting action in a way that felt fresh and rooted. Now Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 returns as a prequel, set long before the original story. It goes back to the Kadamba dynasty period, around 300 to 400 CE, and focuses on how the forest customs and sacred duties began.

Shetty directs, writes, and stars again, with Hombale Films producing this 2025 mythological action film. It released on October 2, 2025, timed with Dussehra. The film turned into a major box-office win and stood among the highest-grossing Indian films of the year. It plays bigger than Kantara in every way, with a clear goal of building a larger world.

Plot and Themes: Faith, Forests, and Power

Set centuries before the first film, Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 shows the rise of Bhuta Kola (Daiva) traditions in the dense forests of coastal Karnataka. A tribal community protects the sacred Kantara forest, while the nearby Bangra kingdom wants control. The conflict grows from royal greed. King Vijayendra’s doomed trip into the forest sets the tone. After him, his son shuts down access, then Prince Kulashekara forces it open again through bloodshed.

Berme (Rishab Shetty) stands at the center as a strong tribal leader. Over time, he becomes a link between people and the divine spirits tied to the land. The story balances nature against human hunger, with land rights, class divide, and abuse of power running through it. Devotion is not treated like decoration here. It becomes a force that protects the vulnerable and pushes back against cruelty. The film also shows how old vows and rituals take shape, leading toward the traditions seen in the 2022 movie.

Performances: Rishab Shetty Leads from the Front

Rishab Shetty carries the film as Berme. He brings heat to the fight scenes and calm to the spiritual moments. The possession sequences feel physical and intense, with the same kind of command that earned praise for his work in the original Kantara. Berme comes across as both a fighter and a believer, which keeps the character strong through the film’s long runtime.

Rukmini Vasanth adds weight as Princess Kanakavathi. Her role has purpose and emotion, and she doesn’t fade into the background. Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah play the royal threats with conviction. Devaiah, in particular, brings a sharp edge, even when the writing leans a bit broad. The supporting cast helps the setting feel lived-in, and familiar actors appearing in new roles help connect this prequel to the larger Kantara universe. Mangala stands out as Berme’s mother, grounding the story with warmth and pain.

Direction and Technical Work: Large Scale, Strong Atmosphere

Shetty goes for scope in the direction. The film rebuilds a pre-colonial world with detailed sets and large crowd scenes, including war sections that use more than 3,000 extras. Arvind Kashyap’s cinematography makes the forest feel both beautiful and dangerous. Cloudy skies, thick greenery, and torch-lit ritual nights give the film a strong mood that stays consistent.

B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s score pushes the film forward with heavy beats and bold themes. At times, the music comes on too strong and drowns quieter scenes, but it often adds punch where it counts. The action design mixes Kannada and Tamil styles with global fight staging, creating battles that feel rough and close. VFX supports the mythic moments without taking over. The film’s biggest issue sits in pacing. At 2 hours and 45 minutes, the first half can feel slow, with extended setup before the story hits full force.

Strengths and Weak Spots: Big Moments, Less Close-to-Home Emotion

The original Kantara worked because it felt personal, even when it went mythic. Chapter 1 chooses a wider canvas. The film wins on visuals, scale, and ambition, and it ranks among the more daring Indian films of recent years. The ritual scenes land especially well, building tension and awe. The climax brings chaos and divine energy, even if parts of it feel expected and a bit rushed when compared to the first film’s famous finale.

Some viewers may miss the earlier film’s intimacy. A few myth-heavy images feel almost too loud, and the core conflict can feel familiar, with tribals facing cruel rulers. Still, the film stays committed to its folk base and treats belief and rebellion with respect. That steady focus helps it rise above its weaker beats.

Conclusion: A Strong Prequel with Room to Grow

Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 delivers a bold prequel that adds history and weight to the mythology. It works best as a big-screen experience, built on grand visuals, charged rituals, and strong lead work. Rishab Shetty shows range again, while keeping the story tied to Tulu Nadu folklore in a way that feels proud and clear. It doesn’t fully match the emotional hit of Kantara (2022), but it offers scale, strong performances, and a world that feels worth returning to. The ending points toward Chapter 2, and it sets up more stories without losing the film’s core spirit.

iBomma Rating: 4/5. A high-volume spectacle that hits hard, even when it gets a little too loud.

Trending:

Arjun Reddy Review: A Romance That Feels Like a Time Bomb