Kantara Movie Review, Rashab Shetty New Blockbuster Movie

Movie Review 

When folktales are rooted in realism on screen, they become an experience in themselves. Kantara is one of those movies that grabs you from the very first moment and keeps you guessing what will happen next. The legacy of traditional Daivaradhane and Bhoota Kola (traditional dance forms) is brought to life in the two-and-a-half-hour film.

  Kantara begins in the 18th century when a king gives a piece of land to the peasants in exchange for peace and joy. A few decades later, the king's descendants come to Bhoota Kola (a traditional dance in honor of the local deities) and threaten the tribals to take back the land. But he dies tragically. 

 After 20 years, the forest officer Murali (Kishor) wants to put an end to the superstitious rituals and save the forest from the villagers. Shiva (Rishab Shetty) is a hot-headed thug who protects the entire village. Meanwhile, Leela (Sapthami Gowda) is appointed as a forest ranger, but she is torn between her work and her ideals. Will he take a stand? The real villain is Murali? What is the landlord Devendra Suttur (Achyuth Kumar) thinking while helping the villagers?

  Along with writing and directing the film, Rishab Shetty also stars in Kantara, giving you as an audience an opportunity to witness his talent as a screenwriter, director and actor. Kantara starts on a hopeful note and Rishab's way of creating characters stands out in the crowd. Murali and Shiva argue with each other and their rivalry keeps us glued in anticipation of a big showdown. And the movie does not disappoint. It keeps you guessing and makes you want more of what's happening on screen. 

Storyline Focus 

The story deliberately focuses on Shiva and Murali only to surprise Devendra when he gets to know Suttur's intentions. Although this brilliant trick was predictable, it worked very well. The film was full of excellent performances by Kantara's cast. Be it Rishab Shetty, Kishore, Sapthami Gowda or Achyuth Kumar, they have given exceptional performances. Not forgetting the supporting actors who provide comic relief and emotional undertones throughout the film.

  The pre-climax and climactic act of Kantara, performed by the brilliant Rishab Shetty, is a collection of spine-chilling sequences. And the repetitive scream that follows adds another layer to the rooted film. Our only impression of the film is that it is quite predictable.  

 

Cinematography 

 Kantara's cinematography by Arvind S Kashyap is exceptional. Framing and lighting add value to a period film. So is Ajaneesh Loknath's explosive music. Another major activity of Kantara is his sound design.

  Kantara is another gem of a film from Kannada cinema, it will take your breath away in terms of story and visuals.