Kaantha: Strong Acting, Weak Narrative
After the critically acclaimed Lucky Bhasker, Dulquer Salmaan is back with Kaantha, a Tamil-Telugu period drama produced and acted in by Rana Daggubati. Bhagyashri Borse, looking for a breakthrough after two unsuccessful films, makes her mark here. But does Kaantha hit the right notes?
Story:
Kaantha explores the clash of egos between legendary director Ayya (Samuthirakani) and his protégé TK Mahendran (Dulquer Salmaan). Trouble begins when Mahendran renames a female-centric film, Shaantha, to Kaantha and changes the climax, sparking a bitter rivalry. At the center is debutante Kumari (Bhagyashri Borse), torn between respect for the director and love for the actor. The tension escalates when a real bullet is fired on the set—raising questions of murder and justice. The answers unfold in the film’s climax.
Technical Highlights:
Dani Sanchez Lopez’s cinematography is a visual treat, transporting viewers to a bygone era and the chaotic world of filmmaking. His use of colors and aspect ratios is exceptional. Llewellyn Anthony and Gonsalvez’s editing has a documentary-like feel, particularly in the first 20–25 minutes where flashbacks, real-life sequences, and movie scenes blend smoothly.
Spirit Media and Wayfarer Films ensure high production value, but Jhanu Chanthat’s songs fall flat, lacking emotional resonance. James Bejoy’s background score, however, complements the narrative well. Director Selvamani Selvaraj ambitiously fuses two genres in his debut, but the sluggish screenplay prevents the film from achieving its full potential.
Performances:
Dulquer Salmaan is effortlessly convincing as TK Mahendran, from his expressions and style to his commanding presence. The climax showcases his acting at its peak. Bhagyashri Borse impresses with a confident debut, fully utilizing her role. Rana Daggubati is entertaining as Phoenix, though his character feels tangential to the plot. Samuthirakani excels as Ayya, delivering gripping ego battle scenes with Dulquer.
Pros:
- Dulquer Salmaan’s powerhouse performance
- Bhagyashri Borse’s promising debut
- Intense climax
- Riveting ego battles between Dulquer and Samuthirakani
Cons:
- Slow pacing, especially in the second half
- Lengthy and unengaging murder investigation
- Songs fail to connect
- Lip-sync issues in some sequences
Verdict:
Kaantha starts strong with engaging performances and technical brilliance, but loses momentum in the second half. While Dulquer’s climax act provides a temporary high, the sluggish murder mystery prevents it from being a fully satisfying watch.
Bottom Line: Performances shine, but storytelling drags.
