Kaantha Review: Beautifully Made, Painfully Slow, And Fully Carried By Dulquer Salmaan
Writer–director Selvamani Selvaraj attempts something extraordinarily ambitious: a film about filmmaking, a myth spun inside the chaos of an industry finding its voice, set against the richly detailed backdrop of 1950s Madras cinema.
What he delivers is a slow-burning, atmospheric, emotionally complex period mystery drama—a film that rewards patience, attention and an appreciation for vintage cinema’s poetry.
Though early speculation linked the story to M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, the makers have clarified that Kaantha is entirely fictional. Yet the echoes of that era—its flamboyance, its artistic egos, its fragile stardom—are beautifully embedded into every frame.
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Spoiler Alert:
Kaantha opens inside a vintage production office where a director discusses his dream project with a studio owner. The setting has a warm sepia glow and drifting cigarette smoke that instantly pulls you into the world of early Tamil cinema.
This introduction prepares the viewer for a narrative that constantly travels between the making of a film called Shaantha and the troubled personal histories of the people involved in bringing it to life.
Shaantha is originally written as a female-centred story led by Kumari, played by Bhagyashri Borse. However, the towering male star T K Mahadevan (Thiruchengode Kalidasa Mahadevan), played by Dulquer Salmaan, who enjoys a larger-than-life image in the film world, casually renames it as Kaantha, shifting the narrative focus onto himself.
This single decision becomes symbolic of a deeper conflict. Who really owns a film, the filmmaker who envisions it, or the star who sells it to the masses?
The central tension arises from the strained relationship between Mahadevan and his mentor, played by Samuthirakani. Their bond, once affectionate and paternal, is now tainted by insecurity and ego.
Mahadevan’s early life as a mesmerising street performer who is discovered, nurtured and transformed into a celebrated actor by Ayya. These portions are not visibly long but have warmth and sadness in equal measure.
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There is a beautiful scene on the studio terrace where Mahadevan and Kumari share lovely moments in real and during the takes. Jakes Bejoy’s background score here is so soft it feels like a memory.
Dulquer delivers one of the most difficult and nuanced performances of his career. His work inside the film within the film is especially brilliant. He recreates the exaggerated acting style of the 1950s Tamil cinema with incredible finesse.
His widened eyes, dramatic pauses and expressive body language feel nostalgic and authentic. Outside the sets, he becomes an entirely different man, vulnerable, egotistic and constantly at war with himself. His shifts in tone and emotion are striking.
Bhagyashri Borse is the emotional heart of Kaantha. Her portrayal of Kumari has innocence, strength and a quiet power. Her character arc grows beautifully as she becomes the one person who stands up for the director by saying, “This is your film, and I will only listen to you.” Her chemistry with Dulquer is warm and emotional, and their love story adds soul to the narrative.
Samuthirakani delivers an extraordinary performance as Ayya. He brings dignity and pain to the role of a filmmaker who loses the very actor he once shaped. His scenes with Dulquer, especially the confrontational moments, are some of the best in the film.
Rana brings weight to the character of Inspector Devaraj. Although his track is slow, his presence adds intrigue and shifts the film into investigative territory.
Cinematographer Dani Sanchez Lopez deserves high praise. Every frame looks handcrafted. The warm glow, the grainy textures, and the authentic recreation of nineteen-fifties studio lighting are superb.
The production design is equally impressive with old-style boards, costumes, arc lights and sets that instantly transport the viewer into a bygone era.
The portions that show the shooting of songs inside the film Shaantha are magical. They feel like carefully restored reels from a lost time.
Jakes Bejoy delivers a subtle and atmospheric background score. He mixes soft jazz-like touches with classic tonal elements and noir influences to match the film’s shifting moods.
Jhanu Chanthar’s songs fit the period beautifully. Panimalare is soothing and poetic, Kanmani Nee has sweetness and melody, while Rage of Kaantha introduces a surprising modern touch that blends well within the narrative.
Kaantha explores several thought-provoking themes, including the ownership of artistic vision, the fragile nature of stardom, the politics of gratitude and betrayal, and the role of women in an industry dominated by male power structures. The writing is layered but always emotional and deeply rooted in character.
The film is slow and intentionally so. The investigation in the second half stretches longer than necessary. This is not a typical commercial entertainer. Kaantha asks for patience but rewards the viewer with atmosphere, craft and emotional depth.
The last twenty minutes are powerful and tragic. The climax brings the story to a satisfying and dramatic end. The film concludes with a lingering sense of loss.
Timeline Verdict:
Kaantha is not a film for everyone. It is a quietly intense, slow and carefully detailed work of art. But for lovers of cinema, this is a rare gem. Dulquer, Samuthirakani and Bhagyashri deliver exceptional performances, and the director brings maturity and vision to a complex narrative.
CAST
Dulquer Salmaan
Samuthirakani
Bhagyashri Borse
Rana Daggubati
Ravindra Vijay
Gayathrie Shankar
Nizhalgal Ravi
Bagavathi Perumal
Vaiyapuri
Tamizhselvi
Bijesh Nagesh
CREW
Director: Selvamani Selvaraj
Producers: Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati
Production Banners: Wayfarer Films, Spirit Media
Cinematography: Dani Sanchez-Lopez
Editing: Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalvez
Background Score: Jakes Bejoy
Music Composer (Songs): Jhanu Chanthar
Lyricists: Kutti Revathi, Deepika Karthik Kumar, Lunarpunk, Yogi B, Devoid, AbhinavaKavi
