Kantara: Chapter 1," a Kannada folklore action drama directed by Rishab Shetty, has
grabbed attention not only for its impressive visuals and gripping storytelling
but also for the storyline surrounding its portrayal of history and
society.
While
many viewers appreciate its technical aspects, there is a significant side
of the film that remains unspoken—the hidden truths about the film’s troubling
narrative and the social propaganda it carries. This review sheds light on
those aspects that are often overlooked but need critical discussion.
A Glimpse into the Story
The film
is set in ancient times and revolves around a royal family’s efforts to build
magnificent temples. At its surface, it appears to be an epic drama about
power, faith and the cultural roots of Indian society. However, beneath this,
the movie paints a stark and harsh picture of social inequality. There is no any problem in showing social inequality but this movie generalizes it.
The
tribal communities are depicted as oppressed slaves ti build temples, while the kings and rulers
are shown repeatedly as cruel, exploitative, and violent figures. This
continuous portrayal without any balance or nuance sends a dangerous message:
it reduces complex historical interactions to a one-dimensional story of
caste-based cruelty and systemic oppression.
Echoes of Old Narratives
What many
viewers do not realize is how this narrative resonates with old colonial and
missionary propaganda. For centuries, colonial rulers and missionaries promoted
the idea that Indian society was deeply divided, oppressive, and
unfair—particularly targeting Hindu rulers as tyrants who suppressed the lower
castes and tribal people.
Kantara unintentionally or otherwise seems to echo that agenda, emphasizing division
and victimization without acknowledging the brave resistance and sacrifices
made by tribal warriors throughout history.
The film
overlooks many historical examples where tribal communities and kings fought
side by side against foreign invaders, uniting rather than dividing.
Visual Grandeur vs. Narrative Imbalance
The
film’s visuals and technical aspects are commendable—the cinematography
captures lush forests and magnificent temples, while the CGI effects and action
sequences create an engaging atmosphere. The devotional elements, including the
spirituality around Lord Shiva, add a layer of emotional depth.
Yet,
these strengths are overshadowed by the film’s relentless focus on pain,
exploitation, and social injustice. The storyline repeatedly hammered into the
audience’s mind that the grand temples were built upon the backs of suffering
slaves, and the kings associated with them were nothing but monsters.
This
intense portrayal risks shaping the perceptions of newer generations in a
negative way. Instead of inspiring pride in India's rich heritage and
architecture, it may plant seeds of distrust, bitterness, or even hatred toward
cultural symbols and figures that have otherwise been revered for centuries.
The
Deeper Concern
Our
temples are not just buildings but symbol of faith, resilience and shared
history. Presenting them as mere products of cruelty is an insult to the
millions who have devoted their lives to preserving and honouring these
traditions.
Moreover,
the film’s lack of hope or balanced perspectives weakens its overall message.
True stories about history and society are often layered with contradictions,
struggles and moments of unity as well as conflict. Here, the narrative
flattens history into constant pain, leaving little room for empathy, healing,
or constructive reflection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Kantara: Chapter 1"
is visually powerful and emotionally charged but carries hidden truths that
many are not talking about. Its portrays temple were built through slavery and generalizes Indian kings in a wrong way, raising
important questions about the role of filmmakers in shaping cultural history
and identity.
Comments
Post a Comment