Review: Kantara Chapter 1 – A Darshana, Not Just a Movie When I walked out of Kantara Chapter 1, the one word that echoed in my heart was “Darshana.” There’s a line in the trailer and earlier chapter — “Idu belakalla darshana” — and that’s exactly how I felt. Watching it wasn’t just cinema; it was a sacred darshana unfolding on screen. From the tiger retreating at the sight of Berme, to the many forms of Guliga, the grandeur of the Brahmakalasha, the twist in the heroine’s role, and the explosive climax — scene after scene sent shivers down my spine. These weren’t just cinematic thrills; they were moments that felt deeply sacred and familiar. For me, the movie resonated with something I’ve always believed: there is a superior power orchestrating everything. The perfect balance of gravity, oxygen, pressure, earth’s tilt — these aren’t coincidences. Watching Kantara Chapter 1 made me feel that this power is not far away in the universe but alive, present, and protective, guiding us when we walk the righteous path. Faith and Culture on Screen Kantara Chapter 1 stands apart because it places faith and tradition at the center of its story. Unlike many modern films that reduce rituals to props, here they are shown with reverence — as the heartbeat of the community. This is where the film takes a bold step away from mainstream Bollywood. Instead of hero-worship, over-glamorization, or mocking Sanatana Dharma as outdated, Kantara dares to celebrate devotion and surrender. The true hero of the film isn’t the actor, but the divine itself. The director’s message is simple yet profound: surrender with devotion, and you will be protected. The honesty in that portrayal is what makes the film powerful. And yes, the youth can and will connect. In a world where mental health and inner strength are being tested every day, films like this remind us that faith is not weakness — it is strength. The Controversial Angle Some critics argue that showing a Hindu raja using slavery to build temples is problematic. But I see it differently — history everywhere has its shadows, and faith has always outlived politics and power. What endures in Kantara is not the flaws of rulers, but the timeless strength of bhakti. Cinematic Craft The storytelling is both authentic and engaging. While the film takes cinematic liberty (the chariot scene felt over-dramatized), it never strays so far as to lose its grounding in truth. The cinematography by Aravind is nothing short of extraordinary, especially considering the modest budget. It puts to shame the spectacle-heavy productions made on ₹500–800 crore budgets that lack soul. Every frame breathes life into the atmosphere of devotion and mysticism. The music by Ajaneesh deserves special mention. The background score elevates every emotion — fear, awe, reverence, surrender. Initially, I felt the Brahmakalasha song was underwhelming when released on its own, but combined with the visuals, it became a divine experience. Performances, though, are where the film truly shines. Rishab Shetty poured his soul into this film. Direction, writing, acting, even physically demanding stunts without a body double— this wasn’t mere cinema for him, it was surrender. Unless one is a true devotee, such intensity is impossible. Frankly, he doesn’t just deserve a National Award — this is Oscar-worthy. And then there’s Rukmini Vasanth. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary — almost equal to Rishab’s. What began as a sober presence in the first half became the ultimate foundation for the second half. The twist in her character arc was both surprisingand impressive, taking her role into a completely different level of depth and contrast. At first, I thought she was adding only quiet strength, but by the end I realised she brought powerful contrast that magnified the film’s impact. Her balance of tradition, devotion, and modern sensibilities was flawless — a true 10 on 10. Rukmini is beauty with brains, and I hope she continues to choose roles that resonate with her heart, because she has the power to carry forward stories rooted in culture and faith. Why It Matters Today Why are people embracing a film like this in a world dominated by “fast content” and Western influence? Because deep down, people believe in Bhagwan. They may hesitate to show it openly for fear of being mocked or labeled as backward, but in their hearts, they long for stories that affirm faith. Kantara has unlocked that hidden craving. This is more than a film; it’s a cultural reawakening. It’s proof that cinema rooted in devotion and tradition can move audiences more deeply than empty spectacle. And yes — the appeal is universal. Faith and spirituality aren’t just “our” stories; they belong to humanity. Every human being, at some point, seeks meaning, grounding, and connection to something larger than themselves. This film offers exactly that. Closing Thoughts If I had to summarise Kantara Chapter 1 in one line, it would be: “Accept your roots and take pride in them.” I’d rather leave the ultimate takeaway open for each viewer to interpret. For some, it will be about divine protection. For others, about cultural pride. For some, simply a cinematic high. And that’s the beauty — the film speaks differently to each heart. As for the future, I hope this sets a new path for Indian cinema. Kantara has shown that when filmmakers embrace faith unapologetically, audiences respond with love, respect, and pride. It’s time more directors find the courage to do the same. - The author is Sheela Adiga, a mom from the Hindu Parenting Community. Sheela Adiga is passionate about Hindu culture and traditions. She is based in Australia. Editor’s Note: As the author has stated in the section titled “The Controversial Angle”, history has its shadows. Individual Hindus or Hindu kings could be good or bad, but as a class Hindus and Hindu Rajas have never endorsed slavery or held slaves in an organised way. Unlike in other parts of the world and other religions, where systematic slavery was the norm until recently, Hindus did not subscribe to the concept of slavery or slave-labour as policy. Subscribe to the Hindu Parenting newsletter to get the latest articles and podcasts. Leave a note, DM or send email to contact@hinduparenting.org if you’d like to share your viewpoints, experiences and wisdom as Hindu parents, or if you wish to join our community! You can also follow us on X (Twitter) or Instagram. Our handle is “hinduparenting” You're currently a free subscriber to Hindu Parenting. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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