Former BJP Chief of Tamil Nadu K Annamalai has praised Rishab Shetty's latest period drama Kantara: Chapter 1, calling it a "breathtaking blend of faith and folklore". He expressed admiration for the director-actor, underlining that he brought together "the essence of Dharma, the culture of the Tulu Nadu, the worship of Panjurli Deva and Guliga."
Annamalai, who started his career as an IPS officer in Karnataka in 2011 and joined BJP in 2019, praised Kantara's filmmaking and craftsmanship. "The eternal and fine balance of the Pancha Bhootha that keeps the universe stable and brings it back to the path of Dharma was vividly captured. Every frame of the film showcases breathtaking craftsmanship, reflecting a truly world-class production and visual effects," he added.
He recalled his experiences as a civil servant in the state, Annamalai said the film evoked strong personal memories, calling it "a spiritual homecoming and a walk down memory lane."
"In an era where our movies are dominated by Woke culture, kudos to Hombale Films for once again bringing the soul of Bharat to light," he further wrote. Rishab Shetty reposted this from his X handle, thanking the politician for his words of appreciation.
Kantara: Chapter 1, written and directed by Rishab Shetty has been winning unanimous praise for its narrative, performances, storytelling, craft and visual extravaganza and is running with full-house crowds in Karnataka and other states. The film has already has zoomed past the Rs 335 crore mark worldwide in a four-day extended opening weekend. It is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films.
Our CE review of the film read, "Even amid myths, the film remains human. Berme’s growing bond with Kanakavathi softens the intensity, while comic moments from Prakash Tumminad, Rakesh Poojary and others provide relief without breaking the spell but though occasionally they pull focus from the main plot."
Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to the 2022 Rishab Shetty directorial, Kantara, also features the director in the lead role as Kaadubettu Shiva. Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram are new additions to the cast, who are seen in prominent roles. Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Hariprashanth MG, Shaneel Gautham and Naveen Bondel round out the cast of the film.
Kantara: Chapter 1, set during the Kadamba dynasty in pre-colonial Karnataka, follows the Bhuta Kola ritual, which became deeply rooted in the culture, laying the groundwork for the emergence of Kaadubettu Shiva. It dives into the reason behind the disappearance of Shiva's father and the history of Kantara - the forests and the deities in the area.
