Kantara(2022) Apr 2026

The film is set in the village of Keradi and follows (Rishab Shetty), a rebellious Kambala champion whose life is entwined with the sacred forest.

Nearly all critics agree the final 20 minutes are a masterclass in cinema, featuring an "electric" performance by Shetty that leaves audiences "shaken and stirred". Critiques & Perspectives Kantara(2022)

The film is widely praised by reviewers at The Hindu and The Times of India for its immersive world-building: The film is set in the village of

The narrative centers on a three-way struggle between nature, the law (represented by an upright forest officer played by Kishore ), and ancestral legacy (the village landlord played by Achyuth Kumar ). Arvind S

B. Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score is essential to the film's impact. The track "Varaha Roopam" is noted for its ability to create a "mesmeric spell" and elevate the narrative.

Arvind S. Kashyap uses "meditative shots" to capture the rustic grandeur of the forest and the intensity of the ritual performances.