By Akhil Menon
There are three Shettys from the Karnataka film industry doing South India proud with their well researched indigenous work of art. They go by the names Rakshit, Raj and Rishab. The trio are definitely not only testing the limits of Kannada films but also brining the nation some great stories from down South with technically sound story telling techniques.
The latest cinematic experience from Rishab produced by Hombale Films and released in all major languages in India is called “Kantara” which means “Mystical Forest” in Kannada. I had the opportunity to experience this Magnum Opus in theatres in Kannada language in which it was originally conceived and visualised by the makers.
Kannada movies by select film makers I listed above with Hombale Films is a force to be reckoned with. They are doing something what we couldn’t do in Malayalam and Tamil film industries despite having created really sophisticated movies in Independent India, which is to create a positive narrative for the Indic beliefs and cultures using the medium of cinema.
When some in the the Malayalam and Tamil film industries were busy mocking and ridiculing the Indigenous Gods, faiths and belief systems by calling them superstitions and myths, Kantara is a breath of fresh air that has a beautiful scent of the Indian soil and spirituality embedded in it.
This movie has to be experienced in the theatre for the goosebumps it gives the audience just for the climax act which is one of the best I have witnessed in a theatre. Haven’t had such goosebumps and divine feeling at the same time witnessing any other Indian movie in my memory.
Yes I would rate this better than the climax act in RRR which won fans across the globe. Me and my wife played the “Varaha Roopam” song from the trailer of the movie at least 50 times when we returned home from the theatre after watching Kantara. This is something I feel even Bollywood has failed at doing. Creating superior works of art, literature and movies representing Indian culture, Gods, History and Spirituality on the Silver screen for 75 years after Independence.
Rishab Shetty should at least get a State award if not a National award for his last act alone in this movie. Never walked out of a movie theatre so spiritually charged as this movie! Period.
Contributing Author: Akhil Menon has been working in the Investment Banking Sector for the last 8 years and is currently based in Bengaluru, India. He is a trained method actor, aspiring filmmaker and a passionate cinephile who writes film reviews and critiques online.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
