Kaantha

As always Dulquer has top notch acting, Samu and Bhagya did a great job too, first half is good reminds you of mahanati, second half where the movie becomes slow, I don't know why Rana did that character, slow paced, nothing like Dulquer other Telugu movies don't go with that expectation, all and all not for everyone.

Set in 1960s background, Kaantha tells the story of a feud between two men one's envy poisoning another's growth and the dire consequences of their ego. The film proves that knowing who the killer is, matters less than watching how the story unfolds. You know the destination, but the journey is what makes this predictable whodunit a memorable classic.

Dulquer Salman as T. K. Mahadevan, a call back to veteran actor M. K. T, is perfectly cast - the actor has put in all that he has learnt through the years into this film. Since it is a whodunit, his character did not have the scope to be well-defined, yet the ability of the actor to shine past that barrier is truly commendable. Samuthirakani as the director has done an equally commendable job, the role of an antagonist is not new to him, and he has done his best with the material he was given.

Bhagyashri as Kumari is probably the best find of this year. Very few female actors start their careers with a meaty role as this in a new industry. Her ability to embody the acting skills of veteran actors speaks volumes about her range. Casting is a huge plus point for the film, apart from the set design, background music, costumes, and screenplay.

Screenplay and dialogues written by Selvamani Selvaraj and Tamizh Prabha are what transform this familiar story into something special. The writing crackles with period authenticity and elevates every scene through nuanced character work. The climax alone should give goosebumps to any film lover.

Rana comes in the second half as your typical whodunit investigation cop and doesn't add much value to the film. The character is an exhausted trope at its finest.

The film's biggest flaw is that it feels like two different films stitched together. The first half is a character-driven period drama about envy and ambition. The second half shifts into crime procedural territory. Both halves are excellent in isolation, but the transition is jarring rather than organic. If you're a fan of both drama and crime drama, you'll appreciate the craftsmanship of each half. But if you're expecting the story to progress naturally from setup to resolution, you might feel blindsided by the shift. The film is quite long, and the essence of the first half gets somewhat lost in the second. I suggest you take a break during intermission and relish what you've watched before tuning in for the genre change.

Regards, Vetrrich Chelvan NF14122025.

Kaantha is good movie filled with a lot of excellent acting performances !

Despite the slow narration, it has enough elements to hook on to the screen ; it has intense story of a ego clash between actor and director set in 1950 Tamil cinema world . As i said earlier ,it has very good acting performances .

Samuthirakani done a good job & Bhagyashri Borse really impressed me with her acting and Rana Daggubati nailed his role as quirky investigative officer .

Dulquer Salman delivered one of his best showcase, some close up shot and acting is fabulous to watch ,his combo with Bhagyashri is treat in the case of acting, both were shining through out their scenes together .

Over all this one has great technical standards ,artworks and impactful BGM ,above all very good performances of all the actors lead by DQ !

This one is not a commercial one, a classy one you don't want to miss it on big screen.

Kaantha stands out as a quality cinematic experience driven by strong performances and impressive making. The world-building, character arcs, and meticulous period recreation together create a distinctive atmosphere rarely seen in recent Tamil cinema. However, the marked genre shift between the two halves slightly dents its chance of being called exceptional.

Dulquer Salmaan delivers one of his finest performances as TK Mahadevan, skillfully portraying both his real and reel personas. The dual-layered acting is a delight to watch. Samuthirakani shines as Ayya, adding emotional depth and restraint. Bhagyashree Borse is a pleasant surprise, leaving a mark as Kumari through her graceful screen presence. Rana Daggubati's track, though important, introduces a tonal shift and feels somewhat exaggerated in performance.

On the technical front, the film excels. Cinematographer Dani deserves special praise for his stunning visual framing-the lighting, close-ups, and shadow play are world-class. The songs by Jaanu Chander and Jakes Bejoy's background score blend beautifully with the film's mood, while Anthony's editing keeps the narrative rhythm intact.

Director Selvamani Selvaraj displays remarkable maturity and control, crafting a film that is both visually rich and thoughtfully layered. His craft and cinematic vision are excellent.

The shortcomings mainly arise in the second half, where the shift to a thriller-investigation mode feels less engaging. The narrative energy built up until then momentarily dips, slightly affecting the immersion. Yet, the finale and climax-particularly the confrontation between Dulquer and Samuthirakani and the memorable mirror sequence-restore much of the film's impact.

Kaantha ultimately stands as a sincere and ambitious effort from a team of talented creators. It is a genuinely good watch, and with a bit more daring in the later half, it could have achieved the status of a modern classic.

We don't see films like this in Tamil cinema very often(as in the pace and storytelling), but its high time that we need such films, and creators like Selvamani Selvaraj and Tamizh Prabha should be celebrated. This was one of best performances by Dulquer Salman, but this character has that space for such dramatic and emotional moments. Bhagyashri Borse really surprised me, I never thought she could act like that. She's definitely miles better than the rest south Indian "heroines". I really enjoyed Rana Daggubati's character. Finally "Ayya" Samuthirakani, what an actor he is. He excells in every role he is given. Many people said this movie is lagging, but for me it was perfectly paced and I enjoyed it really well.