🎥 KAANTHA (2025) MOVIE REVIEW: Dulquer Salmaan’s Class Act Anchors a Visually Stunning but Uneven Period Thriller!
Blogger Verdict: A Cinematic Love Letter to Yesteryear—Brilliant in Parts, Stumbles in the Whodunnit!
Kaantha is a meticulously crafted period drama that pulls you into the glamour and bruised egos of 1950s Madras cinema. Director Selvamani Selvaraj sets up an intense, simmering feud between superstar TK Mahadevan (Dulquer Salmaan) and his mentor, director Ayya (Samuthirakani). The film's first half is a stunning cinematic indulgence—a perfect, aesthetic portrayal of the clash between art and star power. However, when the film switches gears into a full-fledged murder investigation in the second half, the narrative loses its grip. While the performances are phenomenal, the whodunnit element is often predictable, leaving an ambitious film short of masterpiece status.
🌟 The Highs (What Works)
| High Point | Why It’s a Triumph |
| 👑 Dulquer’s Career Highlight | Dulquer Salmaan delivers a terrific, layered performance as TK Mahadevan, effortlessly embodying the swagger and subtle narcissism of a 1950s superstar while revealing the character's vulnerable core. Critics are calling it one of his most assured acts |
| 🖼️ World-Class Cinematography | Dani Sanchez-Lopez's camera work is stunning, transporting viewers to the era. The use of black-and-white framing, period sets, and mood lighting is not just aesthetic—it powerfully heightens the psychological tension and noir elements |
| 🎭 High-Voltage Dramatic Core | The core conflict between the artistic mentor (Samuthirakani's quiet fire) and the ego-driven protégé (Dulquer's flamboyance) is extremely engaging and beautifully executed, creating charged, Shakespearean confrontations |
| 🔥 Bhagyashri Borse’s Strong Debut | As Kumari, the new leading lady caught between the two men, Bhagyashri is the emotional anchor and a powerful revelation [1.4, 1.5]. Her nuanced, restrained performance and organic chemistry with Dulquer are a major strength |
❓ The Lows (What I’m Keeping an Eye On)
| Concern | Why It Falters |
| 📉 Stuttering Second Half | The film's biggest flaw is the jarring tonal shift. The compelling period drama slows down and becomes a "routine thriller" when it turns into a murder investigation. The lack of compelling clues makes the investigative portion repetitive and predictable |
| 🐢 The Slow Burn Pacing | At 163 minutes (2 hours 43 minutes), the film takes its own sweet time to set up the feud and the romance, causing the pace to drag, especially in the first half. It demands patience from the audience |
| 🤷 Rana Daggubati's Role | Rana Daggubati, as Inspector Devaraj 'Phoenix,' is energetic but his flamboyant, power-tripping character and the investigative segments feel at odds with the authentic period setting, occasionally distracting from the core drama |
| 💔 Emotional Distance | Despite the powerful performances and deep themes of ego and betrayal, some critics noted that the film is emotionally distant—you admire the characters and the craft, but you don't always feel for them |
🎬 The Hot Take: Final Verdict
Kaantha is an ambitious, visually arresting film that pays magnificent tribute to the Golden Age of cinema. Dulquer Salmaan completely owns the character of the volatile superstar, giving a performance that deserves all the hype. It is a must-watch for cinephiles who appreciate craft and strong performances. However, if you are expecting a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat murder mystery, the film's deliberate pace and predictable climax may leave you wanting more. Admirable ambition, flawed execution—but still worth the ticket price for DQ alone!
The Studio Report: Key Details (Spec Sheet)
| Detail | Specification |
| Title | Kaantha (2025) |
| Starring | Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, Rana Daggubati |
| Director/Writer | Selvamani Selvaraj |
| Producers | Rana Daggubati (Spirit Media) & Dulquer Salmaan (Wayfarer Films) |
| Genre | Period Mystery Drama, Thriller |
| Running Time | 163 minutes (2h 43m) [2.1] |
| Release Date | November 14, 2025 |
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