Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1

Critics Reviews

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Udita Jhunjhunwala Livemint Oct 6

The first half spends stretches in world-building, layering history, ritual and politics. It’s a breathless visual spectacle, loaded with concepts and commentary. The last 45 minutes, while packed with spectacle, are where the film unravels most. Go to Full Review Anupama Chopra The Hollywood Reporter India Oct 3

A sprawling, epic battle of good versus evil. Go to Full Review Sruthi Raman The Hollywood Reporter India Nov 11

The answers aren’t clear, but the film is clear with what it sets out to do: entertain with ambition and abandon. Go to Full Review Anandu Suresh The Indian Express Oct 14

3/5

...[Rishab Shetty] manages to offer audiences a visual treat like never before, often compensating for its narrative deficiencies. Go to Full Review Sucharita Tyagi Sucharita Tyagi (YouTube) Oct 6

As the film expands in scale, its narrative structure rapidly goes haywire. Too many short stories and subplots are piled on top of each other in quick succession, and the screenplay sways further and further away from the film’s philosophy. Go to Full Review Dipankar Sarkar Talking Films Oct 5

Kantara: Chapter 1 does not carry the same emotional force as its predecessor, offering grandeur where intimacy is missed. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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KR Nov 13 A beautiful movie with amazing acting, action and visuals. A must watch movie to be experienced in theatre. See more Balachander Oct 27 Very well made movie thoroughly enjoyed. See more Contrarian Oct 27 Pales in comparison with the first installment but otherwise is a solid entertainer. Could have used some editing (2:40 is much too long and the intro in the first half runs 30mins too long also). The performances are solid without any standouts. Production value is top notch though cinematography and editing could have used some polish. The climactic battle scenes are a bit meh - missed opportunities in terms of lighting and camera angles. Music is a bit bombastic throughout and there are no memorable tunes like the first movie. All in all, the movie deserves a watch for its production design (less CGI, more physical sets) and some clever, well-placed CGI work. Wish Rishab Shetty had focused on fleshing out some of the characters and tightened the narrative a bit especially the first half. See more Megha Oct 26 Spectacular movie! I could watch it multiple times. Extraordinary work, story narration, direction, acting and sets. See more sans Oct 20 Sooooooo boring soo overated See more Guliga Oct 20 Absolutely fantabulous.Got goosebumps in some scenes with action as well as the direction. See more Read all reviews

Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Rishab Shetty

Director

Rishab Shetty

Berme

Rukmini Vasanth

Kanakavathi

Jayaram

Vijayendra

Gulshan Devaiah

Kulashekara

Rakesh Poojari

Actor

Photos

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Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1

Kantara: A Legend -- Chapter 1 (2025) Kantara: A Legend - Chapter 1 (2025) Kantara: A Legend -- Chapter 1 (2025) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis The ritual of Bhuta Kola takes root in the culture of pre-colonial Karnataka during the Kadamba dynasty. Simultaneously, the rise of Kaadubettu Shiva also begins.

Director

Rishab Shetty

Producer

Chaluve Gowda, Vijay Kiragandur

Screenwriter

Rishab Shetty

Distributor

Prathyangira Cinemas

Production Co

Hombale Films

Genre

Action, Adventure

Original Language

Kannada

Release Date (Theaters)

Oct 1, 2025, Limited

Runtime

2h 45m

Sound Mix

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital

Aspect Ratio

Digital 2.39:1