If there was one movie I had been eagerly waiting for over the last couple of months, it was Kantara: Chapter 1. Over the past 1–2 days, I had been reading rave reviews of the movie. In between, I came across an intriguing review from the Malayalam channel Media One, titled “The Hindutva that Kantara Conceals.” This channel is linked to Jamaat-e-Islami and is known for its extreme views on Hinduism and anything related to it. Even so, I was extremely surprised that they chose to express their dislike for an entire culture so openly, and attempted to manipulate their viewers and create a negative opinion against the movie.

https://www.mediaoneonline.com/programs/film-review/kantara-chapter-one-review-301992

Anyway, let me come back to the film. I finally managed to watch it. So, did it meet my expectations? The movie spends a significant part of the first half setting the stage. This segment follows a storytelling mode, introducing a range of characters. Despite the density, the narration flows smoothly. The pace picks up toward the end of the first half, and while I don’t intend to give away any spoilers, let me just say: the goosebumps begin right there. Like the first part, the second half is packed with several goosebump moments and keeps you on the edge until the very end.

What amazed me the most about the film is the kind of research that has visibly gone into its making. The writer has delved deeply into the traditions of the land.

If I had to identify one factor that makes this movie a truly fantastic experience, it would be Rishab Shetty and his stellar performance as Berme. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the current Indian film scene pulling off something like this. The other characters, including lead actors such as Jayaram, have also delivered excellent performances. The movie ends with a clear indication that another chapter is on the way.

If there’s one thing I’d have to pick on, and this is only to balance the review, which might otherwise seem a bit one-sided, it would be the few comical scenes in the first half. Personally, I felt they were unnecessary, given the serious theme the film explores. But again, that’s just me; it doesn’t take anything away from the overall experience. And yes, several people around me were visibly enjoying those moments.

Regarding the ‘concealed Hindutva’ claim made by Media One, the review reflects the channel’s strong ideological stance. Such criticisms, which generalize an entire culture, appear inconsistent with the principles of secularism the channel claims to uphold.

I’m still soaking in the high I got from the movie, and I could go on and on.

Let me just give you my rating here and end this:

🎭 Story: 4.5/5
👏 Performances: 5/5
🎶 Music & BGM: 5/5
🎥 Cinematography: 4.5/5
⚡ Overall Experience: 4.5/5

To all those waiting to watch the movie on OTT: this is one of those films that must be watched in the theater to experience it fully. Trust me, you won’t regret it! In fact, you’ll regret not watching it on the big screen.