When the concept for a Kantara prequel was first proposed in 2022, cinematographer Arvind Kashyap admits he felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. He recalls, ‘Achieving a film of that immense scale seemed daunting at the time.’ Yet, just three years later, Kashyap is celebrating the triumph of Kantara: Chapter 1, the epic prequel from actor-director Rishab Shetty.
Kashyap embarked on this monumental career undertaking with unwavering support from producer Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films and Rishab Shetty himself. Kiragandur encouraged him, saying, ‘Even with the project’s grand scope, remember that audiences cherished your unique cinematography in the original Kantara. Keep that spirit alive.’ Rishab, on the other hand, urged Kashyap to put aside the immense success and critical acclaim of the first film and approach the prequel with a completely fresh perspective.
(An embedded social media post from cinematographer Arvind Kashyap provides a glimpse into the making of the film.)
Navigating the Wilderness: The Challenges of Forest Filming
The Kannada film has garnered widespread acclaim for its breathtaking visual spectacle. Kashyap reveals that bringing this period drama to life, especially with the majority of its scenes set deep within a dense forest, presented a unique and formidable set of challenges.
He recounts the logistical nightmare: ‘The remote private forest locations often lacked proper road access. Our crew had to ingeniously find ways to transport heavy equipment, sometimes across a small bridge that was prone to being submerged during heavy rains. The moment a drizzle began, our management team would swiftly evacuate everyone from the bridge within ten minutes. From the initial assembly point to the filming location, a constant stream of communication via walkie-talkies was essential for coordination.’
(Image: Actress Rukmini Vasanth performs a scene amidst the forest backdrop.)
Leveraging Technology for Dramatic Impact
The film’s enthralling action sequences have become a major talking point. Kashyap attributes this success to the intelligent application of technology. He highlights the opening fight scene — which introduces Rishab Shetty’s character — as a prime example. This sequence stands out for its fluid, precise action choreography and bold, dynamic camera work.
He explains, ‘That particular sequence was unique because it was the only time we deployed a global shutter camera. This technology ensures crystal-clear images even with extensive camera movement or shaking. The entire intense fight was captured in a single, continuous shot using hand-held cinematography, adding to its raw energy.’
Kashyap also elaborates on a visually stunning forest scene, masterfully illuminated, where the antagonist Kulashekhara (portrayed by Gulshan Devaiah) commands a brutal massacre of the tribal community, led by Rishab Shetty’s character, Berme. A truly remarkable aspect of this extended sequence is an awe-inspiring drone shot.
(Image: Actor Gulshan Devaiah in a powerful scene from the film.)
He clarifies, ‘That pivotal moment was captured using an FPV (First-Person View) drone.’ FPV drones are equipped with an onboard camera that transmits a live video feed to the pilot, making them ideal for creating immersive action sequences. ‘While there were requests to use FPV for other fight scenes in Kantara: Chapter 1, I insisted on limiting it to just one particular shot in the entire movie. That intentional choice, I believe, is precisely why that specific drone shot has such a memorable impact,’ he states.
Blending Cinematography with Nature’s Grandeur
The ‘Brahmakalasha’ song, composed by Ajaneesh Loknath, achieves its remarkable aesthetic beauty through Arvind Kashyap’s innovative cinematography. A standout moment in the song features a captivating dance duet between actors Rukmini Vasanth and Rishab Shetty.
Kashyap reveals the intricate planning behind it: ‘That single shot demanded extensive rehearsals. Furthermore, it had to be perfectly timed during the ‘golden hour,’ either just after sunrise or right before sunset. This meant thousands of dancers would often wait for hours for just a ten-minute window to film the sequence. I could practically feel the tension on set. Coordinating thousands of individuals to execute the precise steps within a mere 15-to-20-minute timeframe was an immense challenge.’
(Image: A vibrant scene from the ‘Brahmakalasha’ song in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’.)
Capturing the Divine: Filming the ‘Daiva’ Sequences
Rishab Shetty’s powerful depiction of divine possession in the original Kantara garnered him significant accolades, including a prestigious National Award. The prequel continues this tradition, featuring the iconic ‘daiva’ sequences that have become a defining characteristic of the franchise.
Kashyap describes the unique atmosphere on set during these scenes: ‘During the ‘daiva’ portions, a palpable positive energy fills the set. For Rishab, maintaining that intense emotional state for extended periods is incredibly demanding, so we strive to keep the number of takes to a minimum. As a cinematographer, it’s easy to get swept away by the raw power of these performances. However, I had to constantly remind myself to remain objective and think technically. There were instances where Rishab’s performance was absolutely perfect, but I’d spot a minor lighting imperfection. In those moments, I would have to respectfully ask him for another take, despite the difficulty.’
Seamless Integration: The Art of VFX
The exquisite blend of visual effects (VFX) and cinematography is yet another strength of Kantara: Chapter 1. Kashyap explains that the tiger, which plays a crucial role in the narrative, was brought to life through meticulous planning. ‘We provided daily feedback to our VFX supervisor, Sanjit, and dedicated an hour each day to reviewing the VFX work,’ he says. ‘The majestic tiger you see on screen is likely the 15th or even 20th iteration we worked through to achieve perfection.’
(Image: A key sequence featuring the CGI tiger in the film.)
Rishab Shetty’s Unwavering Drive
Arvind Kashyap is a frequent collaborator with Rishab Shetty, and he credits Shetty’s relentless energy as the key to successfully executing such ambitious projects. ‘From his directorial debut, Ricky (2016), all the way to Kantara: Chapter 1, his incredible energy has been a constant,’ Kashyap states. ‘It’s his primary driving force. He possesses that rare ability to arrive on set and inspire thousands of people to rise to the occasion and deliver their absolute best. I’ve encountered very few individuals with that kind of magnetic leadership.’
(Image: Rishab Shetty and cinematographer Arvind Kashyap on set.)
(An embedded video offers further insights into the film’s production.)