'Kaantha' Review, Dulquer Salmaan's 1950s Film Loses Pace In The Second Half Despite Strong Build Up

For all the fans of Dulquer Salmaan, the pan-India actor is back with yet another powerful film, Kaantha. For those who don't know, the Tamil period drama film is directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and it stars Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati, Samuthirakani and Bhagyashri Borse. The drama is set in the 1950s and it tries to mix ego battles and dramatic moments with a hint of mystery. Here is the review of the film. 

Kaantha promises old-school cinema with major ego clashes

The Tamil film, Kaantha is set in the 1950s, and it features the cinema of that era. The film opens with a powerful director, 'Ayya' (played by Samuthirakani), who deeply cares about his film, 'Saantha', which once couldn't be completed. He dreams to revive it and finish the way he wanted. However, tension arises when 'TK Mahadevan' (played by Dulquer Salmaan) joins the film. 'TK' once helped 'Ayya', but now, he is a superstar. 

When 'Ayya' brings 'Kumari' (Bhagyashri Borse) on board, tension increases, as 'TK's' pride comes in between and he wants to make the film according to his wish. Eventually, this leads to repeated fights. The film also explores 'Kumari's' feelings in between the ego battle of 'Ayya' and 'TK'. However, the tone of the film changes when a crew member is killed and 'Inspector Devaraj' (played by Rana Daggubati) comes to investigate. 

Dulquer Salmaan steals the limelight with his powerful acting

One of the best parts of the film, Kaantha, is the powerful performances by Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati, Samuthirakani and Bhagyashri Borse. In the film, Dulquer Salmaan as 'TK Mahadevan' balances charm, arrogance, sadness and vulnerability in the perfect manner, which makes him a truly memorable character. On the other hand, Samuthirakani beautifully plays the role of an aging director, who is in quiet pain but with strong ideas and values. The female lead, Bhagyashri as 'Kumari' adds softness and depth to the story, while Rana brings a lot of seriousness in the mystery film.

Production design of Kaantha beautifully recreates the 1950s era

Apart from the strong acting by the lead cast, the production design of the film, Kaantha makes the film look real, believable and rich. In 2025, the makers of the film beautifully recreated the era of '50s in Madras. Another highlight of Kaantha is the high stakes between 'Ayya' and 'TK'. Apart from these, the camera work and lighting feel nostalgic and cinematic. 

What does the film, Kaantha lack?

Even though, the film, Kaantha has a lot of plus points, it does falter at times. The major flaw is that the Tamil film loses pace in the second half. Despite building up the tension very well in the beginning, the mystery part looks underdeveloped and predictable. A few scenes also feel repetitive and overly dramatic. Viewers can also find the film uneven, as it keeps shifting from personal conflicts to a murder mystery.

Is Kaantha worth watching?

The film, Kaantha is definitely worth watching at least once, mainly because of Dulquer Salmaan's performance. Even though, the film has a few flaws, it also has multiple plus points like the amazing production design, strong acting and more. If you just want to relive the 1950s era and want to see a period drama with a hint of mystery, then you are likely to enjoy the film. 

Have you watched the film, Kaantha? Share your reviews with us?

Next Read: 'Kaantha' Early X Review, Dulquer Salmaan Gives Award Winning Performance, 'Best Film Of This Year'

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