seriouscritic

Kantara, Kantara ... oh what do I do with you. Do you really deserve 9.0 rating on IMDB? Hmmm yes actually.

First thing first - this review is based on my second viewing of Kantara on Prime on first day it was released.

I did watch the movie first time in a theatre but I feel my movie experience is severely impacted by very noticeable blaring sound, especially for Indian movies - anyone else feel that way?

Anyway, I was eagerly waiting for the movie to come on OTT to watch it again in the comfort of my own home theater with a large screen and reasonable sound system - my den.

People say that this movie is good in 2 parts the first 15 minutes and the last 15 minutes with forgettable in between - I beg to differ.

Actually the main reason for me to watch it second time was to watch closely the whole movie in its entirely and see if its really worth the high ratings - and it is.

This moview is full entertainment - great direction, great story, great music, great cinematography, great editing, great sound effects, great action, comedy (adult) and ofcourse great acting - lifted highly to a different level towards the end.

I have a special connection to the movie since I am originally from Mangalore and my dad has deep connection to his own diava temple in our native.

So this movie touches me at a level which is inexplicable.

To start with, before I knew this movie existed, I happened to visit Pilli Kula this October which is biological park/zoo in the outskirts of Mangalore. I felt a deep connection to the forest area even though I was visiting it for the first time - the whole experience was surreal.

I also happenned to visit Sai Radha Heritage which has used as the landlord's house in the movie - again a queer coincidence not knowing the Kantara connection.

Coming back to the movie - Kantara is not a movie - it is an experience.

However, I was disappointed that they changed the main song on the OTT version but its ok - but it does take away some impact - I am glad I saw it in theater the first time.

Nevertheless, I had goose bumps and tears in my eyes both times towards the end- I felt my roots were calling me - I felt my diava is calling me.

Your diava is powerful, you take care of your diava and he will take care of you - that is the message I heard.

It also made me appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of my dad to uphold these traditions year after year - I feel sad it took me so long to realize what he was doing - he was taking care of his diava.

Hats off to Rishab shetty for sharing Kumbala and bhoota kola rituals to not just India but hopefully to the world (hoping an Oscar nomination)

Surprised at the low ratings. Excellent acting by everyone especially Sharad Kelkar. The only other person who could have done as good as Sharad is this guy from Crime Patrol..don't remember his name. But Sharad was awesome and so were the debutant actors. Was happy to watch a good movie after a long time on Netflix..The director may have had many options on how to end the movie but his pick was brave but perfect.

I had lowered my expectation after seeing a 7.2 rating on IMDb. I found that this was a great movie - much more than I expected. I almost felt I was watching a Hollywood period movie. Hats off to SLB for creating this masterpiece. You know a movie is good when few scenes give you goosebumps.. you have lump in your throat..you are totally captivated. This movie does that. Great acting by Ranveer, Deepika, Priyanka and supporting actors. Great cinematography.. dialogues and direction. Overall a well made movie on a tricky subject.. I think the Marathas should be very proud of this movie.. period. So coming back to the 7.2 rating (while writing this review).. who is feeding the bad reviews? surely people who have not watched it.. sad. If you are undecided .. please visit your nearest theatre and watch this..