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Analysis of Visual Aesthetics of Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Film Analysis
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1718102
Abstract
This research paper presents a comparative visual analysis of Kantara and its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, both directed by Rishab Shetty. The study examines how the visual elements of these films go beyond surface-level spectacle to serve as powerful storytelling tools, a concept referred to here as "Divine Realism." Using a qualitative approach grounded in film theory and visual analysis, the study focuses on how aesthetic choices function as narrative tools. Special attention is given to the depiction of Bhoota Kola rituals, forest environments, traditional architecture, and symbolic visual motifs that explore themes of faith, identity, power, and ecological conflict. The paper analyses key cinematic components such as cinematography, lighting, color symbolism, costume design, framing, mise-en-scène, and production design. Set against the cultural backdrop of coastal Karnataka, these films visually portray indigenous traditions, spirituality, folk culture, and the deep bond between humans and nature, creating an immersive and culturally authentic cinematic experience. Finally, the paper compares both films for analysing the visual aesthetics using the color theory . The study also recognizes how visual folklore symbolism plays a vital role in preserving and presenting regional heritage to contemporary audiences
Keywords
Kantara, mise-en-scène, Rishab Shetty, Bhoota Kola, Divine Realism, Coastal Karnataka, Mythology
How to cite this paper
@article{1718102,
author = {Kedar B N, Saran G, Annapureddy Chandan Reddy, Lt Col Gursimran Deep Singh, Dr. Santosh S},
title = {Analysis of Visual Aesthetics of Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {2988-2999},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718102.pdf},
abstract = {This research paper presents a comparative visual analysis of Kantara and its prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, both directed by Rishab Shetty. The study examines how the visual elements of these films go beyond surface-level spectacle to serve as powerful storytelling tools, a concept referred to here as "Divine Realism." Using a qualitative approach grounded in film theory and visual analysis, the study focuses on how aesthetic choices function as narrative tools. Special attention is given to the depiction of Bhoota Kola rituals, forest environments, traditional architecture, and symbolic visual motifs that explore themes of faith, identity, power, and ecological conflict. The paper analyses key cinematic components such as cinematography, lighting, color symbolism, costume design, framing, mise-en-scène, and production design. Set against the cultural backdrop of coastal Karnataka, these films visually portray indigenous traditions, spirituality, folk culture, and the deep bond between humans and nature, creating an immersive and culturally authentic cinematic experience. Finally, the paper compares both films for analysing the visual aesthetics using the color theory . The study also recognizes how visual folklore symbolism plays a vital role in preserving and presenting regional heritage to contemporary audiences},
keywords = {Kantara, mise-en-scène, Rishab Shetty, Bhoota Kola, Divine Realism, Coastal Karnataka, Mythology},
month = {May},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I11-1718102}
}