Retro cinema carries a unique charm, transporting viewers to an era they’ve only heard of. Dulquer Salmaan’s Kaantha, set in the 1950s Madras Presidency, attempts to recreate this nostalgic world with gripping drama, ego clashes, and a hint of mystery. But does it hold attention from start to finish?
Kaantha opens with a tense shootout, followed by visuals of a rain-soaked man leaving blood-stained footprints. The narrative quickly shifts to Modern Studios owner Martin (Ravindra Vijay), who approaches filmmaker Ayya (Samuthirakani) to revive a shelved film titled Saantha. The project was previously dropped due to conflicts between Ayya and his protégé-turned-superstar TK Mahadevan (Dulquer Salmaan).
Ayya and Mahadevan share a history filled with mentorship, admiration, and escalating ego clashes. When Ayya casts debutante Kumari (Bhagyashri Borse) as the new lead, the power dynamics shift dramatically. Soon, tensions rise on set, eventually resulting in the mysterious murder of a crew member. Inspector Devaraj (Rana Daggubati) steps in, triggering an investigation that exposes buried secrets and bruised egos.
Director Selvamani Selvaraj blends drama, nostalgia, and thriller elements, though the film’s second half struggles due to repetitive investigation sequences and limited narrative clues. Still, Kaantha excels in its portrayal of fragile male egos and the emotional weight carried by its central characters.
Dulquer Salmaan delivers one of his most powerful performances, balancing superstar charisma with emotional vulnerability. Samuthirakani brilliantly embodies the aging filmmaker battling time and pride. Bhagyashri Borse impresses as the emotional core, while Rana Daggubati brings authority despite being restricted by the screenplay.
Technically, Kaantha is spectacular. Dani Sanchez-Lopez’s cinematography vividly recreates the 1950s film world, while the music by Jhanu Chanthar and Jakes Bejoy enhances key moments with seamless transitions in tone.
Kaantha begins with promise, driven by compelling characters and rich visuals, but ultimately falls short of delivering a fully satisfying finale. Nonetheless, its performances and technical mastery make it a memorable cinematic experience.