Kaantha – Period Crime Drama on Netflix Dec 12
Kaantha arrives on Netflix on December 12, bringing a gripping blend of cinema history, crime, and psychological drama. Set against the vibrant yet turbulent backdrop of the 1950s South Indian film industry, the film explores ambition, ego, and betrayal hidden behind the glitz of classic cinema.
With a powerful cast and layered storytelling, Kaantha unfolds as both a tribute to old-school filmmaking and a chilling murder mystery.
A Superstar, a Mentor, and a Dangerous Reunion
At the heart of the story is Thiruchengode Kalidasa Mahadevan, popularly known as TKM, played by Dulquer Salmaan. He is a celebrated superstar at the peak of his fame. However, his carefully built world is shaken when circumstances force him to reunite with his estranged mentor, veteran director TPK “Ayya”, portrayed by Samuthirakani.
Their collaboration is uneasy from the start. Old wounds resurface, egos clash, and creative differences intensify. As filming progresses, tension on set becomes impossible to ignore.
A Murder That Changes Everything
The story takes a dark turn when the film’s heroine, Kumari, played by Bhagyashri Borse, is found murdered on set. What initially appears to be a tragedy soon turns into a complex investigation.
Enter Inspector Devaraj, also known as “Phoenix”, portrayed by Rana Daggubati. As he digs deeper, long-buried secrets come to light. Relationships unravel, motives overlap, and the boundary between art and reality begins to blur.
Each revelation adds another layer to the mystery, making it clear that nothing on this film set is accidental.
Strong Supporting Cast and Performances
The film features an ensemble cast that adds emotional weight and intrigue to the narrative:
- Dulquer Salmaan as TKM
- Samuthirakani as Ayya
- Bhagyashri Borse as Kumari
- Rana Daggubati as Inspector Devaraj “Phoenix”
- Ravindra Vijay as Martin Prabhakaran
- Gayathrie Shankar as Devi
- Nizhalgal Ravi as Sivalingam Mudaliar
Each character plays a crucial role in shaping the mystery, offering multiple perspectives and hidden motivations.
A Multi-Language Cinematic Experience
Kaantha is released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam, while the Kannada version is titled Shaantha. This multilingual release allows the story to reach a wider audience without losing its cultural depth.
Direction, Music, and Production
Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and co-written with Tamizh Prabha, the film focuses on strong character arcs and atmospheric storytelling. The production is backed by Spirit Media and Wayfarer Films, ensuring high cinematic quality.
The music adds emotional depth to the narrative. Songs are composed by Jhanu Chanthar, while the intense background score by Jakes Bejoy heightens the suspense and drama throughout the film.
Why Kaantha Is Worth Watching
Kaantha stands out for its unique setting, mature themes, and layered storytelling. It explores the darker side of fame and creativity while keeping viewers hooked with a compelling murder mystery.
For fans of period dramas, crime thrillers, and character-driven stories, this Netflix release promises a memorable cinematic experience.
