Kantara (2022) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Kantara (2022) Review
A review of Kantara (2022) (Kannada action, adventure, drama), directed by Rishab Shetty. Starring Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore. Shiva, a tribal vagabond lives with his mother in hamlet, stays away from the traditional Daivaradhane and Bhoota Kola legacy due to an unforgettable childhood incident. He is happy loafing around with his friends and doing petty jobs for his landlord. When Forest officer Murali enters the scene, it... Our Rating: 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT. Released: 30 Sept 2022. Runtime: 2h 27m.


Kantara(2022)
A Legend
Kannada · Action, Adventure, Drama
2h 27m · 30 Sept 2022
Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath | DOP: Arvind Kashyap | Writer: Rishab Shetty
Ratings
Our Rating
3.5
📖 Story
Kantara is a gripping tale set in a rustic village in coastal Karnataka, weaving folklore, tradition, and the conflict between man and nature. The story follows Shiva, a local villager who becomes embroiled in a battle to protect his land and culture from external forces. The narrative explores themes of faith, superstition, and the primal connection between humans and the environment, culminating in a powerful climax that blends myth with reality.
Kantara excels in its storytelling by merging folklore with a contemporary narrative, delivering a screenplay that is both engaging and immersive. The pacing is well-balanced, with a compelling first half that establishes the cultural backdrop and characters effectively, while the second half intensifies the conflict and emotional stakes, keeping the audience hooked.
The film's music, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, complements the narrative beautifully, with songs that enhance the cultural setting and a background score that heightens the tension and drama throughout. The cinematography by Arvind Kashyap captures the lush landscapes and rustic ambiance, adding a visual depth that enriches the storytelling.
Overall, Kantara is a well-crafted film that blends traditional elements with modern filmmaking techniques, creating a unique cinematic experience that resonates emotionally and visually with the audience.
Rishab Shetty: Powerful and authentic portrayal of Shiva, bringing depth and intensity to the character.
Sapthami Gowda: Natural and compelling, providing strong support to the narrative.
Kishore: Effective in a pivotal role, adding gravitas to the story.
Achyuth Kumar: Consistent and impactful performance.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Strong screenplay blending folklore and contemporary issues
- ✓Powerful performances, especially by Rishab Shetty
- ✓Effective use of music and background score to enhance mood
- ✓Stunning cinematography capturing the rustic setting
Weaknesses
- ✕Some pacing issues in the mid-section
- ✕Complex cultural references may be less accessible to non-local audiences
🎬 Direction & Writing
Rishab Shetty's direction is confident and nuanced, successfully balancing mythological elements with a grounded narrative. His writing is evocative, drawing the audience into the cultural fabric of the story while maintaining a strong emotional core.
- - Cinematography by Arvind Kashyap
- - Music and background score by B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- - Editing that maintains narrative flow
- - Production design reflecting authentic village life
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 4.25 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
🏆 Records & Box Office
- - Kantara emerged as a massive commercial success, breaking box office records in Karnataka and beyond.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
Critics
Critics have widely praised Kantara for its unique storytelling, strong performances, and technical finesse. The film has been lauded for its cultural authenticity and emotional depth, with particular appreciation for Rishab Shetty's multifaceted role as actor and director. Some reviews noted minor pacing issues but overall regarded it as a standout Kannada film of 2022.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Kantara release in theatres?▾
Kantara released on 30 September 2022 (2022).
Is Kantara a hit or flop?▾
Kantara is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Where to watch Kantara online? OTT release date?▾
Kantara is available on Amazon Prime Video from 23 November 2022.
Who directed Kantara?▾
Kantara directed by Rishab Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur.
Who are the main cast members of Kantara?▾
Kantara stars Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty.
What is the Tollybo rating for Kantara?▾
Tollybo rates Kantara 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Who composed the music for Kantara?▾
Music for Kantara composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
What is the genre and runtime of Kantara?▾
Kantara — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Kannada.
