Kantara: From local folklore to global blockbuster, how Rishab Shetty’s Rs 450 crore film redefined cinema

Kantara: From local folklore to global blockbuster, how Rishab Shetty’s Rs 450 crore film redefined cinema

When Kantara released in September 2022, it wasn’t just another regional film, it became a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Rishab Shetty, who also starred in the lead role, the Kannada film blended folklore, spirituality, and raw human conflict into a story that struck a chord far beyond Karnataka.

What started as a modestly budgeted project quickly grew into one of the highest-grossing Indian films of that year, earning both box-office glory and critical acclaim.

Story Rooted in Land and Faith

At its heart, Kantara is a tale about land, faith, and the fragile relationship between man and nature. Set in the coastal forests of Karnataka, the film revolves around the traditional ritual performance of Bhoota Kola, which symbolizes the eternal balance between villagers and their deity. Rishab Shetty’s portrayal of Shiva—a rebellious young man caught between worldly desires and ancestral obligations—captured this tension with grit and authenticity. His performance, combined with a powerfully staged climax, gave the film its unforgettable edge.

Atmosphere and Craftsmanship

The strength of Kantara lay not only in its storytelling but in its atmosphere. The cinematography embraced the lush landscapes of coastal Karnataka, while Ajaneesh Loknath’s thundering background score turned the film into an almost spiritual experience for viewers. The raw staging of rituals, hunting scenes, and confrontations between villagers and authority figures brought an earthy intensity rarely seen in mainstream cinema.

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Layers Beyond the Surface

One reason the film resonated so deeply was its layered narrative. On the surface, it’s a conflict over land rights, but beneath lies an exploration of faith, identity, and justice. It spoke to rural audiences who saw their traditions represented authentically, while urban audiences found themselves drawn to the mythic scale and cultural richness. By the time it left theatres, Kantara had sparked conversations about folk traditions, environmental protection, and the power of rooted storytelling.

Legacy of Rooted Storytelling

Looking back, Kantara stands as proof that local stories, when told with conviction, can transcend boundaries. It blurred the line between folklore and cinema, leaving audiences with a reminder: sometimes the most powerful stories come from the soil itself.

Box-Office Collection

At the end of its theatrical run, Kantara grossed around Rs 400-450 crore worldwide.