Kaantha is a film that dives deep into the world of Tamil cinema from the 1940s and 50s—an era filled with glamour, ego clashes, artistic obsession, and the intoxicating high of fame. Director Selvamani Selvaraj attempts an ambitious blend of cinema nostalgia, personal rivalries, and a murder mystery, presenting it all through a lush neo-noir lens. While the film looks spectacular, its uneven storytelling keeps it from becoming pure gold.
Director: Selvamani Selvaraj
Cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Bhagyashri Borse, Samuthirakani, Rana Daggubati
A Stunning Opening… Followed by a Slow Burn
Kaantha starts with a gripping cold open—rain-soaked corridors, eerie music, and a gunshot inside the iconic Modern Studios. It’s the kind of opening that promises a sharp whodunnit, reminiscent of Johnny Gaddar.
But instead of following the murder immediately, the film shifts gears to explore its characters:
- Ayya (Samuthirakani): A passionate filmmaker resurrecting his long-stalled dream project.
- Kumari (Bhagyashri Borse): A fresh face set to play the titular role.
- TK Mahadevan – TKM (Dulquer Salmaan): A superstar returning to his mentor after an ego-driven fallout.
Their intertwined relationships—ego battles, forbidden love, bitter loyalty, and the lure of fame—form the emotional core. The detailing is rich, the chemistry layered, and the world-building immersive. But the narrative takes too long to connect these puzzle pieces.
Beautiful Dialogues, Irresistible Visuals… But Overwhelming World-Building
One of the biggest strengths of Kaantha is its charming dialogue writing. Lines like
“Which is more beautiful? The distant moon or the woman standing near?”
which might look melodramatic on paper, feel poetic on screen.
Visually, the film is breathtaking:
- Cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez crafts every frame like a painting.
- Composers Jakes Bejoy and Jhanu Chanthar elevate the mood with rich music.
- The production design perfectly transports the audience to the 1950s.
But in the process, the initial murder—the very hook of the film—gets buried under layers of grandeur, subplots, and character arcs.
Rana Daggubati Saves the Second Half
The real shift happens with the entry of Rana Daggubati as Phoenix, the investigator. His energy injects life into the narrative. The dynamic between Phoenix and Kaathu (Bagavathi Perumal) brings a fun, detective-duo vibe.
However:
- The red herrings are predictable.
- Foreshadowing is too obvious.
- The investigation feels rushed after a slow first half.
The film never allows Phoenix to have that classic detective reveal moment. Just as the pace picks up, Kaantha returns to emotional drama, causing tonal imbalance.
Top-Tier Performances That Hold the Film Together
Despite its flaws, Kaantha shines through its performances:
Bhagyashri Borse
A standout debut. She captures the old-world charm of 50s cinema actresses with natural elegance and emotional depth. Her close-up scene, applauded within the film, genuinely feels applause-worthy.
Dulquer Salmaan
A master of period films, Dulquer delivers one of his most refined performances. Inspired by MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, his TKM is layered—angry, charming, flawed, vulnerable. A true star turn.
Samuthirakani
Understated yet powerful. His portrayal of Ayya is emotionally complex—neither a hero nor a villain.
Rana Daggubati
A total show-stealer. His presence lifts the screenplay instantly. His character could easily lead a spin-off like Inspector Phoenix and the Last Train to Arakkonam.
A Film Torn Between Too Many Great Ideas
At its core, Kaantha is a movie that struggles to choose what it wants to be:
- A murder mystery?
- A behind-the-scenes drama about 1950s Tamil cinema?
- A clash-of-egos story?
- A biographical exploration of early horror filmmaking?
Any of these could have been one strong movie. Instead, Kaantha tries to be all of them—leading to breathtaking highs but also frustrating lows.
Final Verdict: Gorgeous, Ambitious, but Emotionally Inconsistent
Kaantha is a visual masterpiece with unforgettable performances. But its uneven pacing and tonal shifts hold it back from becoming the classic it aspires to be. It glitters beautifully, but not all of it turns into gold.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
Watch it for: Dulquer, Bhagyashri, Rana, and the exquisite recreation of 50s Tamil cinema.
