Spirit, Soil, and Society: Cultural Negotiations in Rishab Shetty’s Films Kantara and Kantara: Chapter 1

Abstract

Cinema serves literature’s objective of reflecting upon society. It fulfils the purposes of entertainment and didactics. Same with literary works, critics analyse films through the lens of contemporary theories. This genre raises awareness of contemporary issues and aims to bring positive change. Many quality Bollywood films discuss regional issues on a global scale. Rishab Shetty’s films, Kantara (2022) and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025), are paragons in presenting local culture to global audiences. The films minutely explore the cultural richness of the Tulu Nadu region of Southern Karnataka, India, focusing on devoutness (spirit), ecology (soil), and community life (society).