Kantara: Chapter 1 Review – Folklore, Faith, and Firepower at the Box Office

Indian cinema has always thrived on stories that balance myth, culture, and mass appeal. With Kantara: Chapter 1, released on October 2, 2025, Rishab Shetty returns not just as an actor but also as a director who dares to dig deep into India’s roots. Following the phenomenal success of Kantara (2022), expectations were sky-high, and the first chapter of this ambitious prequel has delivered a storm at the box office.

But is Kantara: Chapter 1 just a spectacle, or does it carry the same soul and raw intensity that made its predecessor a cultural phenomenon? Let’s find out.

Plot & Storytelling

The film takes us centuries back — into pre-colonial Karnataka, exploring the origins of the Bhootha Kola ritual. Instead of being a direct continuation, it serves as a prequel, diving into the roots of the myth and the divine-human bond.

Without revealing spoilers, the story paints a picture of faith clashing with power, where tradition, loyalty, and the supernatural walk hand in hand. Rishab Shetty carries the weight of both performance and narration with authenticity, ensuring the film never strays far from its folkloric spine.

Strengths of Kantara: Chapter 1

Cultural Authenticity
Rarely do mainstream films depict rituals and traditions with this much detail. The Bhootha Kola sequences are spellbinding, deeply immersive, and rooted in Karnataka’s culture.

Visual Grandeur
Cinematography and sound design amplify the mystic tone. The forest landscapes, ritual dances, and intense action sequences are cinematic thunderclaps that keep viewers glued.

Box Office Firepower
The movie made ₹60 crore on Day 1 and has already crossed ₹100 crore in just two days, signaling another blockbuster.

Pan-India Strategy
Released in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam, the film has successfully reached audiences across linguistic boundaries.

Weaknesses & Criticism

• Complex Folklore Layer – For audiences unfamiliar with Karnataka’s cultural rituals, parts of the narrative may feel dense.

• Pacing Issues – While the grandeur is undeniable, the screenplay occasionally lingers too long on ritualistic sequences.

• Dubbing Concerns – As with many pan-India releases, the impact of dubbed versions varies, especially in emotional scenes.

Audience & Critical Reception

Social media is buzzing with praise for Rishab Shetty’s performance and the authenticity of the cultural depiction. Critics are calling it a “cinematic thunderstorm” — bold, spiritual, and gripping. The applause is particularly strong in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, with Bollywood critics appreciating its artistry too.

Why You Should Watch It

• If you loved Kantara (2022), this prequel adds rich layers to its universe.

• Fans of folklore, mythology, and rooted storytelling will find it deeply satisfying.

• For moviegoers craving big-screen spectacle, it delivers grandeur and goosebump moments.

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