Kaantha by Selvamani Selvaraj is a visually striking and ambitious retro-style thriller set in 1950s Madras. It builds a layered world where cinema and personal conflict overlap, allowing fiction to slowly seep into reality. The result is a bold attempt to revive the energy of early Tamil cinema while delivering a character-driven mystery.
<h3 dir="ltr">Story: Art, Ego and a Murder in the Making</h3>
The film follows Ayya, an established filmmaker summoned to revive a stalled horror project titled Saantha. He chooses Kumari as the perfect face for the role, inspired by his mother. But the challenge lies in collaborating with his former prot&eacute;g&eacute;, Mahadevan, now a superstar with whom he shares a deep rift.
What begins as a professional clash soon turns into a dark personal storm. A mysterious murder shakes the narrative, with both Ayya and Mahadevan convinced the other is responsible. Inspector Phoenix steps in to investigate, uncovering how the tensions behind the camera influence the chaos playing out in real life.
<h3 dir="ltr">A Cinematic Experience Rooted in the 1950s</h3>
The film&rsquo;s strongest asset is its visual craft. Cinematographer Dani Sanchez-Lopez creates rich, moody frames that echo the golden age of Tamil cinema. From Art Deco-inspired set pieces to atmospheric lighting and mirror-heavy compositions, the visual storytelling elevates the narrative. Jake's Bejoy&rsquo;s score reinforces the dramatic tension and supports the retro tone, even when the pacing dips.
<h3 dir="ltr">Performances That Anchor the Film</h3>
Dulquer Salmaan delivers one of his most compelling performances as Mahadevan, capturing the charm and insecurity of a superstar determined to protect his image. His expressive, body-driven acting suits the period style perfectly.
Samuthirakani brings emotional depth to Ayya, portraying a filmmaker torn between honesty and ambition. Bhagyashri&rsquo;s portrayal of Kumari adds innocence and emotional warmth, making her a crucial link between the two men.
<h3 dir="ltr">Where Kaantha Stumbles</h3>
While the aesthetic brilliance remains steady, the narrative pace falters. The film invests heavily in the long-standing tension between Ayya and Mahadevan, but the murder mystery does not always command equal attention. Inspector Phoenix&rsquo;s character often feels out of sync with the world, weakening the impact of crucial investigative moments.
Despite these inconsistencies, the film ties its themes together in a powerful final stretch.
<h3 dir="ltr">Verdict</h3>
Kaantha is a daring experiment, part tribute to retro Tamil cinema, part psychological drama and part mystery. It doesn&rsquo;t always maintain narrative balance, but its memorable performances, rich visuals and thematic ambition make it a compelling cinematic experience. It engages deeply with the world of filmmaking, ego and artistic conflict, even if it doesn&rsquo;t fully achieve narrative perfection.

A stylish retro thriller where cinema, ego and mystery collide inside a film-within-a-film

Kaantha Review: A Bold Retro Film Thriller

A stylish retro thriller where cinema, ego and mystery collide inside a film-within-a-film

November 14, 2025 | 18:05 IST