There are a few things more satisfying than going to the movie theater and being absolutely blown away by a cinematic experience. 

I really enjoyed the first Kantara film, and I maintain to this day that it had one of the best climaxes of any movie that I’ve ever seen.

Writer, director, and star Rishabh Shetty returns with another glimpse into the beautiful world of Kantara, this time with a prequel, Kantara A Legend – Chapter 1.

This time, we journey to the pre-colonial era, which opens the door for more mythology, more dazzling VFX, and more of the magic that made the conclusion of the first movie so epic and memorable.

Chapter 1 is a story of tribal villagers versus an evil king, of gods, myths, and legends, of greed and community, and while it is thematically similar to the first film, the scale here is cranked up to 11. 

The visuals are absolutely stunning with rich colors, detailed sets, and some of the best CGI animals ever put to screen. The blend of CGI with practical effects and sets makes this feel visually rich and tactile, more in line with a film like Lord of the Rings than the rubbery CGI we get in so many big blockbusters today. There are a few shots in here that left me speechless in the theater, and I would watch this film again just to soak in the visuals.

The most impressive thing of all is, of course, Shetty himself. As writer and director, he tells a great story, but it’s his committed performance that takes Kantara Chapter 1 to the next level. 

I was blown away by the physicality he brings to this role, particularly in the Guliga sequences, where he manages to transform his entire body. The way all his muscles seem to vibrate, the way his eyes widen, the sound of his primal scream, it’s a performance that requires unbelievable stamina and dedication. Give this man all the awards! 

With Kantara Chapter 1, Shetty cemented my love for this series and ensured that I will be seated to take in the next chapter on the big screen.