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9 reasons to watch Rishab Shetty's Kantara Chapter 1 on the big screen

Updated On: 03 October, 2025 05:40 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar

Rishab Shetty's directorial Kantara Chapter 1 has hit the theatres and is doing well at the box office. The film earned Rs 60 crore on day 1. But if you are still wondering if you must watch the film on the big screen or not, we give you 9 reasons that will help you make your mind

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Stills from Kantara Chapter 1
Stills from Kantara Chapter 1
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Kantara Chapter 1 is the talk of the town. Here's why you must watch the film in theatres:

Kantara Chapter 1 is the talk of the town. Here's why you must watch the film in theatres:

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VFX: 
Kantara Chapter 1 has one of the most stunning and impeccable VFX work in recent times. The animals including a tiger and langurs play a pivotal role in the narrative and the work done on making them realistic has added to the authenticity of the film

VFX

Kantara Chapter 1 has one of the most stunning and impeccable VFX work in recent times. The animals including a tiger and langurs play a pivotal role in the narrative and the work done on making them realistic has added to the authenticity of the film

04
Culture 
One of the reasons that Kantara (2022) resonated with the audience was the cultural aspect of the film. It explores the Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka. Kantara Chapter 1 deep dives into this narrative and explores the myths and folklore surrounding the traditions

Culture 

One of the reasons that Kantara (2022) resonated with the audience was the cultural aspect of the film. It explores the Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka. Kantara Chapter 1 deep dives into this narrative and explores the myths and folklore surrounding the traditions

05
The climax
The first half of the film moves at a slow pace. While the wait may seem excruciating, the pay off is the climax. The film has an extensive battle scene with some masterclass performances that will keep you hooked

The climax

The first half of the film moves at a slow pace. While the wait may seem excruciating, the pay off is the climax. The film has an extensive battle scene with some masterclass performances that will keep you hooked

06
The hype 
Rishab Shetty's film is one of the most-awaited movies of the year owing to the success of its predecessor, Kantara (2022). Owing to the hype, the makers have worked hard on giving audiences an enriching experience 

The hype 

Rishab Shetty's film is one of the most-awaited movies of the year owing to the success of its predecessor, Kantara (2022). Owing to the hype, the makers have worked hard on giving audiences an enriching experience 

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For Indian cinema
The Kannada language film shows what the Indian movie industry is capable of when it comes to portraying its root in a majestic and cinematic way 

For Indian cinema

The Kannada language film shows what the Indian movie industry is capable of when it comes to portraying its root in a majestic and cinematic way 

08
Music 
Ajaneesh Loknath’s music elevates every moment, especially the adrenaline-pumping climax. His music clearly distinguishes every situation and adds magic and charm to the cultural scenes

Music 

Ajaneesh Loknath’s music elevates every moment, especially the adrenaline-pumping climax. His music clearly distinguishes every situation and adds magic and charm to the cultural scenes

09
The cast 
Kantara Chapter 1 has one of the finest cast members. Apart from Rishab, the film stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Deviah and Jayaram in the lead. Apart from them, the film also has some of the finest supporting cast who bring in the necessary humour quotient

The cast 

Kantara Chapter 1 has one of the finest cast members. Apart from Rishab, the film stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Deviah and Jayaram in the lead. Apart from them, the film also has some of the finest supporting cast who bring in the necessary humour quotient

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Visuals 
Visually, the film is a masterpiece. Cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap captures the mystical forests and grand kingdoms with breathtaking contrast, turning every frame into art. The rituals, traditions, and landscapes are so authentic, they immerse you completely

Visuals 

Visually, the film is a masterpiece. Cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap captures the mystical forests and grand kingdoms with breathtaking contrast, turning every frame into art. The rituals, traditions, and landscapes are so authentic, they immerse you completely

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Performances 
Rishab Shetty's Guliga act is one of the biggest highlights in the film. He takes his performance a notch higher than the previous installment and gives us whistle worthy scenes

Performances 

Rishab Shetty's Guliga act is one of the biggest highlights in the film. He takes his performance a notch higher than the previous installment and gives us whistle worthy scenes

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Kantara – Chapter 1 isn’t flawless, but it is a cinematic triumph that combines myth, history, and culture with breathtaking craft

Kantara – Chapter 1 isn’t flawless, but it is a cinematic triumph that combines myth, history, and culture with breathtaking craft

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Despite its slow start, Rishab Shetty has delivered one of the most visually stunning and culturally resonant Indian films in recent times — a prequel that not only honors its predecessor but also sets the stage for something even bigger

Despite its slow start, Rishab Shetty has delivered one of the most visually stunning and culturally resonant Indian films in recent times — a prequel that not only honors its predecessor but also sets the stage for something even bigger

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