How 'Kantara' became a Blockbuster

'Kantara' quickly became an object of culture wars & benefited from the ensuing controversy like any other film today with more visibility. The subject, specifically, was the film’s usage of the Bhoota Kola, a performative ritual prevalent among local communities in the coastal region of southern Karnataka and adjoining Northern Kerala. In this form of invocation, a designated medium, in expressive makeup and elaborate costume, works himself into a trance, channeling a guardian spirit, which addresses the concerns of the community.

The writing of the film was so real & true to the incidents penned down by Rishab Shetty. Around 20 or 30 years ago, an incident took place in Rishab Shetty's village which was the germ of the story's start for 'Kantara'. This incident involved a fight between a forest officer and a farmer over a piece of agricultural land. For Rishab Shetty those two persons were not mere individuals but representatives of humanity and nature, their clash representing this conflict. This made him think about this and about how the entire culture in coastal Karnataka revolves around agriculture. Linked to this agriculture-based culture are the daivas (local deities), who are an intrinsic part of the lives, which Rishab infused into the story to complete the tale of the conflict between the elements of nature and humanity.

Kannada Cinema in the 1960s and '70s produced some of the greatest classics adored by stalwarts across Indian cinema but later Kannada cinema didn't live up to such mighty promise for a long time. Over the past decade, a new wave of directors & actors has been giving Kannada cinema different content & themes surprising the audience. 'Kantara' joins this list as the story resonated with other industry audiences too which made the film a huge success, especially in Telugu & Hindi versions.

The production house which earlier produced the KGF franchise also produced 'Kantara'. Though the script of 'Kantara' didn't had anything relating to commercial ingredients but still the production house believed in the script & wanted to say the story which is rooted in Coastal Karnataka & it's strong traditional tales had to be shown on the big screen to a larger audience.

The way 'Kantara' culminates from the climax had the audience stunned & shocked seeing the turn of events unfold on the big screen. When the spirit of God enters into the protagonist, the entire film goes to next level seeing the way Rishab Shetty performed in the climax & the stunning cinematography left the audience in silence by what they got to see. The climax of 'Kantara' has got a huge fan base which is the most important attraction of the movie.