Kantara 2 Movie Review: What's Good, What's Bad In Rishab Shetty's Film?

Rishab Shetty is back with a bang with a prequel to his blockbuster Kantara. The movie has Rukmini Vasanth playing the female lead with Gulshan Devaiah and Jayaram playing important roles. Pramod Shetty, late Rakesh Poojari, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Hariprashanth M G,

The movie has B. Ajaneesh Loknath's music, Arvind S. Kashyap's cinematography and Suresh Mallaiah's editing.

Kantara 2 Story & Review

The narrative traces the clash between the Kantara tribe and the Bangra kingdom. Kulasekhara (played with quiet menace by Gulshan Devaiah) ascends the throne, while Berme (Rishab Shetty) emerges as the voice and shield of his people. Their inevitable confrontation forms the backbone of the story, with betrayal, resistance, and cultural pride stitched into every turn.

The film starts on a high, with the opening act setting an atmospheric tone, but the middle portions occasionally lose momentum with slower, filler-like stretches. However, just when the pacing threatens to waver, Shetty delivers rousing sequences that jolt the narrative back to life. The pre-interval and climax stretches, in particular, are staged with a grandeur that's tailor-made for the big screen.

Performances are uniformly strong. Rishab Shetty once again brings an intensity that anchors the film, his portrayal of Berme both fierce and vulnerable. Rukmini Vasanth steps in as the female lead and impresses in a role that carries more weight than mere support. Gulshan Devaiah's kingly restraint contrasts beautifully with Shetty's firebrand act, while Jayaram and the supporting cast lend the story additional gravitas.

On the technical front, Kantara 2 is a visual and aural triumph. Arvind S. Kashyap's cinematography frames the forest and rituals with an epic sweep, while B. Ajaneesh Loknath's score once again weaves tradition and thrill into the film's veins, elevating moments that might otherwise have faltered. The VFX and production design, too, feel far more polished compared to the first outing.

Check Out What Netizens Say About Kantara 2

Mawaa Reviews: 1st half- SUPER #RishabShetty acting🔥 #RukminiVasanth so cute on screen😍❤️‍🔥movie started where previous #Kantara ended from there back story so good story screenplay taking dialogues on screen it's like a grand visual bgm's goosebumps🛐🥵intervel🔥as of now it's 4.5/5 #Kantara2
2nd half-Feels some lag but super movie with good twists and climax goosebumps for sure music is heart of the film mind blowing bgm's #RishabShetty acting god mode and spoiler waiting for #Kantara2 4/5definitely watch in theatres best experience #Kantara 🛐#KantaraChapter1Review

CK K_chandrakumar: Kantara movie is really superb. The interval and climax scenes are top-notch and give you a great thrill. It's a movie to experience in the theater and definitely a family watch. I really enjoyed it.

Ashish Prasad: #Kantara2 leans more on twists and climax than the layered storytelling of the first. A powerful glimpse into South Canara traditions though the origin point feels missing, making it harder for outsiders to fully grasp and follow the context.

Venky Reviews: #KantaraChapter1 A Solid Prequel that is technically superb and has a fair share of theater worthy sequences that work well despite a few narration dips and slow pacing at times!

The film picks up right where the first installment leaves off and establishes the backstory effectively. In the first half, the filler sequences in the middle don't quite land, but the introduction and the pre-interval to interval stretch are executed very well. The second half also has a few dips, yet even here, there are standout blocks, and the climax once again delivers strongly like the first installment.

Rishabh Shetty delivers another terrific performance, easily on par with or even surpassing the previous Kantara. Rukmini Vasanth is given a solid role and performs it aptly.

Technically, the film excels. The VFX and cinematography are top-notch, while the music once again proves to be one of the film's strongest assets, elevating key moments throughout.

Though the narration slows down at times in both halves, the strong set pieces and superb technical craft combine to make this a solid watch! #Kantara

Rating: 3/5

Amith: An absolute divine experience 🙏🏻- words fall short. It truly awakens something deep inside you #KantaraChapter1review #RishabhShetty #hombalefilms #KantaraChapter1

M9 NEWS: #KantaraChapter1 Divine, Delivered!

Rating: 3/5

With absolutely bonkers interval sequence, forest action blocks and a thrilling climax, #Kantara delivers several truly theater-worthy moments that scale up the quality several folds making up for its flaws.

Terrific @shetty_rishab is in top form!
Go ahead, you won't be disappointed👍

Bheeshma Talks: When there are no expectations, anything feels good. But when expectations are sky-high, you need to touch the sky to make it truly magical. That's exactly what #RishabShetty attempted with Kantara Chapter 1.

After watching the first half, I wondered why Rishab touched this subject again, but the second half of film is a Masterpiece

The core of the story is about the fight of the people for their existence and their God. This is where Rishab, the actor-director, establishes it well in the latter half. The action episodes are superb, especially the sequences where the spirit of Kantara enters the hero, they give goosebumps once again. The climax is the film's soul, written with the same power as the first part.

Rishab Shetty once again proves himself as an outstanding actor. #RukminiVasanth impresses in a crucial role, and #GulshanDevaiah's character stands out as something different.

#AjaneeshLoknath's music once again uplifts the film and becomes its backbone.

Christopher Kanagaraj: #KantaraChapter1 - RishabShetty TopNotch Perf, esp Climax 20Mins. Rukmini gets a solid role. Backbone of d film is Ajaneesh's BGM. Great Prodn Values. Avg directionless 1st Hlf with Flat Comedy & Emotions. Gud 2nd Hlf. Intrvl Fight, Guliga Seq & Climax r Fantastic. WORTH a Watch!
Rishab Shetty recreates the magic again in the Climax
Terrific Interval Block Action Seq saves the Average 1st Hlf. Flat Comedy Scenes didnt click, just kills the time. Fantastic VFX, BGM & Efforts in Making.

Cineloka.co.in: The Second Half, especially the Last 45 Mins is Amazing.

Rishab Shetty is Brilliant and Rukmini Shines. Technical Aspects are Top-Notch and the VFX is Outstanding.

BrahmaKalasha Song Visuals🔥

Worth Experiencing in Theatres.

Rating - 4/5

Studio Flicks: #KantaraChapter1review The film leaves a deep moment of silence and reverence for this masterpiece .. Unbelievable hardwork has gone into single frame. #RukminiVasanth is terrific and hats off to her for this challenging role..#RishabShetty is going to win International honors. The technical team will win infinite love and honors..

Don't Miss this EPIC

CineSportsX: 🚨#KantaraChapter1Review 🚨

Disaster ⭐👎🏻🤦🏻‍♂️

This is ONLY Rishab Shetty's one-man show 🌌 He shines but everything else is a snoozefest 😴 Audience walking out, critics stunned - this is heading straight to a MEGA FLOP 🌊

#KantaraChapter1 #Kantara2

Mallik: #Kantara2 #KantaraChapter1review #KantaraChapter1onOct2 First half Review: First 45-50 mins is okay to watch as it goes by the setup and character introductions. Interval action episode is a goosebumps one, BGM is ultimate in interval episode.

Siddegowda Shyam Prasad | ಎಸ್ ಶ್ಯಾಮ್ ಪ್ರಸಾದ್ |: Take a bow @shetty_rishab
You will be one of the all-time greats of the Kannada Film Industry 💛❤️
#KantaraChapter1Review

Digi Star: #KantaraChapter1 - Powerful First Half
A gripping mix of thrill and adventure, with an interval block that lands with striking impact. #RishabShetty commands the screen with an intense performance, while his storytelling maintains a firm hold on us.
#RukminiVasanth impresses with her presence and perfectly rooted to the cultural backdrop.
The making feels grand capturing authenticity in every frame, with a background score that elevates the experience to another level.
Overall, a highly engaging and powerful first half that sets the bar high for the second half.

SaiRam Naidu: Just watched Kantara 2. What a movie! Every scene felt powerful and meaningful. The visuals gave goosebumps and the story kept me hooked. Proud moment for Kannada cinema. Take a bow, Rishab Shetty!
#KantaraChapter1 #RishabShetty
#RukminiVasanth

Sanj Gowda - Product: Chindi second half...full of Goosebumps. I totally loved the 2nd half more than the 1st half. Go watch it in theatres💃🏻
@shetty_rishab sir, I loved your performance. More power to you🥺❤️

𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐀: #KantaraChapter1 INTERVAL 🔥

Movie opens with a thrilling sequence, followed by engrossing storytelling packed with fun and entertainment 👏

TIGER EYE scene = GOOSEBUMPS 🤯

Towards interval, the film hits BEAST MODE 🐅🔥 - the energy in the theatre is next-level!

#Kantara
If #Kantara was FIRE, #KantaraChapter1 is a VOLCANO 🌋🔥

Rishab Shetty was on GOD-MODE💥 Rukmini Vasanth... what a REVELATION 😍
Every point ticked, every expectation met ✅
Repeat watch? ABSOLUTE MUST 🎬💯

#NamCinema Rating - 4/5

Maddy P: Scale outweighs Soul
Dazzle outweighs Divinity
What you get,

-An engaging Medieval Tale
-Decent score
-Some Amazing shots
-Glimpses of Rishab's terrific acting
-Surprise performances, Jayram and Rukmini
-Gulshan Devaiah's underutilized character
#KantaraChapter1review #Review
I don't know why the makers decided to keep the interval block such low key... 🤷‍♂️
#KantaraChapter1review

Prashanth Rangaswamy: #Kantara2 - pride of Indian cinema . Diamond of Kannada cinema !!
Congrats @shetty_rishab - saw the lord in you!
Whatever happens with collection will be pure divine intervention !!

Amutha Bharathi: #KantaraChapter1 - Liked the way RishabShetty handles the First half👌

Even though the plot is a serious subject, majority of the scenes in the 1st half were Fun Filled and the comedies has worked very well😀💯
#KantaraChapter1 Goosebumps Interval Block🥵🔥
15 Mins of Action Packed Interval with Mystery element👌

VFX was Top Notch throughout the First half especially that Tiger sequence🐅🤯

#KantaraChapter1 - What an opening of #RishabShetty with a visual extravaganza Action block 🥶

RishabShetty showing the quality Making & Execution from the First frame 🫡🔥
#KantaraChapter1 First half - Fun & Action Packed with Gripping screenplay 🤝

- First & Foremost highlight of the film was it's Visuals & VFX. Excellent Making 👏
- There are 2 Major Firey Action blocks & screen presence from RishabShetty was🫡
- Not a solid role for Rukmini !!
- 1st half treated predominantly with Comedies & has worked very well😀
- Ajaneesh BGM well supported🎶
- Few scenes has lags but not a major drawback 👍
- Interval block ends with a Goosebumps Action block🐅

Looking forward to the Second half🤞
#KantaraChapter1 - Watch out #RishabShetty's TRANSFORMATION scene into Kantara Divine Mode in the 2nd half🥵🛐
10 Mins of Non-Stop THEATRICAL GOOSEBUMPS Guaranteed🥶❤️‍🔥

Undoubtedly one of the best sequences of the year💯

Ronith Sachin: Just watched Kantara 2. What a movie! Every scene felt powerful and meaningful. The visuals gave goosebumps and the story kept me hooked. Proud moment for Kannada cinema. Take a bow, Rishab Shetty!
#KantaraChapter1 #RishabShetty
#RukminiVasanth

Swayam Kumar Das: Visuals are just soo good 👏

The films is a good example of how you can enhance your film's quality by shooting in real locations 💯

The visuals & cinematography gets further enhanced with real location presence 👏

Slow but steady screenplay 👌

#Kantara #KantaraChapter1#KantaraChapter1 Review

1st HALF

Good👏

#RishabShetty shines along with the supporting cast like #RukminiVasanth & #GulshanDevaiah 👍

@AJANEESHB' BGM Work is Just Terrific🔥

Cinematography👌

Building Screenplay✌️

Purushotham J: "The first half keeps you hooked and builds strong engagement, setting the stage perfectly for the second half! 🌟🌟🌟🌟 #KantaraChapter1 #RishabShetty

Zohaib Shah 🇵🇰: #Kantara2FirstReview 4.5/5⭐

𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 "It's not just a Movie, it's Cinema! A truly pure Indian-culture rooted Film with Craziness, which will blow people's minds."

FDFS WITH MOGI: Watched #KantaraChapter1 - Best of Indian Cinema!
What an Vfx,Dop,bgm works
All team nailed it!
Sureshot awards confirm!
Intervel & Climax, full goosebumps & theatre Erupted 🔥
@shetty_rishab
masterpiece work!
Don't miss to watch!
Follow me for honest Movie reviews!
#Kantara2

Cine News: #KantaraChapter1 🔥
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)

What a mind-blowing prequel! #RishabShetty once again proves why he is a master storyteller.

If #Kantara was magic, this is pure cinema from the soul of India.

#KantaraChapter1 #KantaraUniverse #KantaraReview #KantaraMagic

Mysore Boy: ✨ Just watched the Kantara Chapter 1 premiere! 🔥
It's a BLOCKBUSTER already 🚀
Rishab Shetty's acting ➡️ NEXT LEVEL 👑🎭
This is not just a movie, it's an experience 🌊🪘🌳
Dasara Block Buster 🔥

Pooja: @shetty_rishab you deserve all my respect sir. Wat a movie there is no way Bollywood could make such a movie's #KantaraChapter1 #RishabShetty #KantaraChapter1trailer

Sugan Krish: #KantaraChapter1 Good 1st half.. 👌
Intro 15 mins & 💯 Goosebumps Interval💥💥 #RishabShetty Masss💥
#RukminiVasanth Azhagu🥰👌@shetty_rishab Handle the way 🔥💯
Mixed with Fun & Divineful 👌👌 @rukminitweets
Top notch Visuals, Stunt & Making 💯💯Let's hope for the 2nd half..

Sugumar Srinivasan: #KantaraChapter1 1st Half :

Top Notch Visuals & VFX💯👌

Intro Scene and intermission are the major plus💯✨

#RishabShetty Stunt 💪

Tiger Scene 🐯 💥