Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1 Movie Review – The Spiritual Prequel Fails to Raise the Bar

The prequel sets out to uncover the mythological and spiritual beginnings of Kantara’s sacred forest, taking us back to the 4th century under the Kadamba dynasty. It ambitiously explores the origins of the Bhuta Kola ritual, weaving together folklore, mythology, and tribal beliefs. While the world-building is intricate and the divine spectacle occasionally stirring, the film falters in sustaining momentum, coherence, and emotional weight.

At the heart of the story lies Berme’s mythic journey—blessed by Shiva, protected by a tiger, and called to safeguard Kantara’s forest. The narrative pits three forces against one another: the indigenous tribe bound by worship and tradition, the Kadapa tribe consumed by greed and divine hunger, and King Vijayndra, obsessed with securing immortality through Eshwara’s Garden. Themes of devotion, sacrifice, and man’s futility against nature recur from the original, but the heightened mythological scale comes at the expense of narrative cohesion.

Rishab brings intensity and raw physicality to Berme, his piercing eyes and evocative performance anchoring the mythic atmosphere. The forest cinematography and ritual sequences immerse the viewer, often blending the boundaries of deity, man, and nature. The third act, propelled by action, grips with Berme channeling Guliga to unleash divine justice—an image both eerie and powerful. His cyclical return to the sacred well metaphorically ties fate with divinity, hinting at broader arcs for future chapters.

Yet, despite such high points, the execution feels hurried. The much-teased twist arrives too late to truly elevate the drama. The first half suffers from indulgent set-pieces—the chaotic market stretch and the cartoonish chariot fights feel more distracting than enriching. Technical flourishes too often overpower the storytelling. The exaggerated divine theatrics, especially the climactic scream sequences, come across as overwrought, repeating notes from the original without their earlier impact. I have to admit i did enjoy the last 20 minutes as its a fantastic theater amplifying experience.

If Kantara was lightning in a bottle, Chapter 1 feels like an attempt to chase the storm—occasionally dazzling, but uneven in its power.

Verdict - 3/5 (At times fascinating; but flawed prequel)