Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, as its title suggests, is the prequel to the massively successful 2022 film Kantara. While the latter celebrated an ancient tribal tradition, the former attempts to establish the legend that lies at the root of this tradition. Structured in the form of a fantasy story, it weaves within itself local Kannada rituals and customs to paint the vibrant picture of a bygone era and tell a tale that is universal and timeless.
Set in the forests of Karnataka, Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, or Kantara 2, is also conceived as an origin story, tracing the development of a tradition. Discussing archetypal themes related to Dharma and Adharma, it also offers a powerful exploration of a subject rarely raised in Indian mainstream Indian films — the environment. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the film talks about environmental concerns in a way that is honest, impactful and, at the same time, fabulously entertaining. Its plot revolves around the consequence that follow when the natural equilibrium of the forest ecosystem is challenged. In the film, the conflict between the simple forest dwellers who share a harmonious relationship with nature and the king of Bangra, who encroaches upon their land and is greedy to gain control of the forest’s resources, is deeply symbolic. The story can also be interpreted as an allegory of the modern condition, in which most global conflicts are rooted in the fight for dominance and control of natural resources.
Consisting of 168 minutes of non-stop action, suspense and exciting moments, the film effectively builds a magical world inhabited by supernatural beings and larger-than-life characters. It also presents a hero who inspires and uplifts with exemplary shows of bravery, strength and intelligence, that he innately possesses and which also get enhanced through divine blessings. Rishab Shetty as Berme, the protagonist, appears as the epitome of the spiritual leader who guides his people and saves them from a crisis of existence. He pulls off a physically-demanding role with flair and conviction, and is depicted as a human who is supremely strong, courageous and endowed with natural qualities of leadership, assuming superhuman powers whenever called upon to take action against injustice.
The myth-making in Kantara 2 is unique. Along with its emphasis on supernaturalism, superstition and black magic, it also evokes an egalitarian society where women are treated as equal and important. A rapid progression of the plot and the parallel unfolding of a possible romance between the tribal warrior Berme and the princess of Bangra, Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth) sustains interest in this film with a long and complicated storyline. Mysterious and alluring, Vasanth’s Kanakavathi adds beauty, charm and a feminine aura to the story, her layered and complex role allowing her to explore dimensions usually denied to women actors in films based in action or myth. Gulshan Devaiah, who plays her indolent, depraved and wicked brother Kulasekhara, the newly-crowned king, has a more predictable role but delivers a splendid act.
The violence in Kantara 2 is fierce, raw and visceral, and mostly features deadly close combats with battle-axes, spears, swords and such other medieval weapons, with acrobatic stunts and a delightfully entertaining fight choreography adding to the audience’s vicarious thrill. Excellent 3D animation and VFX, especially in the creation of wild animals like meerkats, boars and the tiger, adds depth to the impact of the tale and intensifies the power of the visual metaphors that the film abounds in. Its atmospheric sound and haunting background score, added to Berme’s roar as the ‘daiva’, enhances a feeling of power, urgency and dread.
Nevertheless, Kantara 2 is not without its share of flaws. Though the story began by trying to reveal the origin of Berme’s birth story and the Bhuta Kola tradition, that aspect remained elusive till the end. Dotted with an endless stream of fight sequences, most of which tend to be lengthy, at times its narrative seems to depend more on spectacle than on storytelling. Yet, with its story based on ancient forest dwellers, the film impresses mainly with its purely Indian design and context, its celebration of local culture and traditions and its ability to excite and intrigue audiences without the trappings or tropes of entertainment influenced by modern, Western culture.