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Kantara, the story behind the legend
Reflections after the watch
With the intent of not giving away the story, and a short reflection to revisit after a rewatch, and a definitive nudge to go experience the film in theatres.
Recalling and reliving the experience: Karnataka’s own Panjurli and Guliga on one side, and the unfolding story that evokes the Daiva on the other. Or are they one and the same? The trailer shows Rishab’s eye semi-flamed. The title design reveals itself with a hollow circle. The void holds the entirety. To me, this is the perfect spark to stir curiosity.
Timeless for some. For others, time itself ceases. This prequel of a sequel is grander, visually engulfing — a trance that lingers hours after the watch. Much of this owes to the film’s technical brilliance in lighting, composition, camera work, and art direction. The work both on and off-screen provides a vast creative canvas, inviting endless interpretation from the audience. It’s no wonder Rishab chooses to conceal his own. To reveal the creator’s specific intent would betray the point of his art, which is to communicate something that can only be truly felt.
At its heart, Kantara is a profound exploration of the fire we carry within us. It’s a force that can illuminate or consume, and the film is a powerful reminder to walk that fine line.
