Last updated: 8 May 2026


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
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
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.
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 4.25 / 5 | |
| 4.00 / 5 | |
| 3.75 / 5 |
Our Rating
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No centers data available.
No awards data available.
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 85% |
| Neutral | 10% |
| Negative | 5% |
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
Kantara released on 30 September 2022 (2022).
Kantara is declared a SUPER HIT at the box office.
Kantara is available on Amazon Prime Video from 23 November 2022.
Kantara directed by Rishab Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur.
Kantara stars Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty.
Tollybo rates Kantara 3.5/5. Verdict: SUPER HIT.
Music for Kantara composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
Kantara — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 147 minutes, Language: Kannada.