Vedas explicitly elucidate the fundamental principle of how human existence can wondrously co-habitat and live in complete harmony with laws that govern our universe. Our predecessors accepted the aforementioned tenets of spiritual knowledge in the form of rituals mentioned in Vedas. By appeasing devas (demi-gods – the protectors of our realm), they had access to spiritual and material growth, utilizing knowledge of herbs and plants with medicinal properties for healing, protection of communities and land by following the protocols in accordance.
Worshipping gods and goddesses has been a part of our Indian tradition since eons and is deeply entrenched in our culture and in our psyche. It plays constantly within us in the form of subliminal thoughts. There’s a ritual, a belief for everything we do. Stories inspired by folklore enumerate and depict various miracles performed by devas to sustain and support human civilization.
The movie ‘Kantara’ beautifully espouses the cultural traditions of coastal Karnataka. The rich and vivid narrative instantly teleports you into the lives of an indigenous community of dwellers residing around woods who are care takers of this land and perform ‘Bhuta Kola’ festival in honour of the demi-god ‘Panjurli Daiva’, at whose behest this land was given to them by the king.
This fictional story takes us through the vulnerable, chaotic life of Shiva (Rishabh Shetty who plays the main protagonist in the film) born to a family impregnated with roots to appease the Daiva during the Bhuta Kola ritual. Shiva’s father is a ‘Paathri’ who uses his body as a vessel to connect with Daiva to answer the queries posed by the devotees. It’s a legacy, for he’s the only one in the entire community who is haunted by visuals of Daiva in his dreams – nightmares. Unfortunately, he’s an atheist, a non-conformist inflicted with addictions (alcoholism/dope/gluttony) and a penchant for hooliganism. Kailasa, a small shack on a tree top that he’s built for himself is a home away from home and worldly noise, a peaceful haven where he plays leela! Shiva, Kailasa, Leela, protector, destroyer-Metaphor indeed!
The story revolves around the fight for justice and for peace of the land. A despicable landlord who with his conniving ways usurps the land from the indigenous community for it belonged to his forefathers and he wants to reinstate his power back.
The lucidity of the narrative weaves an enigmatic series of events that opens to a myriad of unpredictable sequences that keeps the audience glued to their seats. Rishabh’s performance especially when he gets possessed by the Daiva during the climax of the movie is unparalleled. His depiction of Daiva when challenged, the destroyer exuding anger, the expressions are par excellence. The scenes are so immersive that one can’t resist but applaud the captivating and astounding act. The deftly penned characterization is spot on, and the actors have done justice to the script.
Rishabh’s a star, setting our screens ablaze with his scintillating performance. What a vision! Kudos for helming this project and bringing it to life. The beauty of this film lies in its simplicity. Thank you for making us revisit and experience the essence of our land, our culture; truly fantastic!
Why did Shiva change? What will be the outcome of the fight? Will Shiva become a Paarthi? What about his love life with Leela? Well, I absolutely loved the movie and if these questions intrigue you and if you haven’t watched it yet, then it’s time to Netflix and chill!
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