The Balance Between Man and Nature

The forest is not a backdrop — it is a living presence and an equal participant in Kantara

It is a no brainer to notice that as human aspirations evolve, so does human encroachment into nature. While the original forest dwellers here hunters/gatherers, the aspiration for a better life did bring in agricultural practices. While the greed of the antagonists (aka the more civilised/developed parts of the society).

While aspiration is good, where do we as humans draw the line to stop and start caring for nature around us and start co-existing with it.

For my readers here, we have Nature, Gods, Demi-gods etc, but how many of us in the audience noticed "God being used as a tool" by the ruling class. In today's polarised world, I really request you to revisit (recollect, rewatch) Kantara - not to see God, but to notice the subtlety in which kings/rulers manage control/manipulate with use of Belief of the people (God in this case). Make a comparison with today's world.

Dharma Rajya — The Idea of Just Rule

The topic of human trafficking (labour) has been touched upon in this edition of the movie. Moves on to a point of "tax-free" too. 
while basic human dignity does not allow trafficking humans, Cheap labour has always been at the back of most of the human progress that we enjoy (the comforts we have), be it the exploited gig-workers of today, or the sold labours of the past or even the cast hierarchy which in essence guaranteed availability of labour and kept their rights at bay.

This is where we need to draw parallels and relook Kantara with a new pair of glasses called HISTORY, 

History is not something great to beat our chest about our ancestors but a study and understanding of how they functioned and decide if each iteration/generation/dynasty/Kingdom etc made things better for the next to come. It is this study of progression to help us identify our current flaws and move towards becoming better at being responsible & empathetic society.

Before I miss the topic of taxes:
taxes are essential, it's our contribution for the luxuries we receive
taxes need to be just and can only be just, as long as people responsible for spending them are noble.
the chain of taxes is as weak as its weakest link: 

• If, people involved in building/maintaining infrastructure are dishonest - the taxpayer pays the price
• If the leaders are dishonest - the taxpayer pays the price
• This brings about the topic of Integrity among people who hold positions of responsibility.
• It also requires raising our voice when needed. Turning a blind eye is ag good as giving support to the wrong causes

Being watchful of oneself, and the challenges ahead.

The lead character realises that he has been fooled by someone who supported/stood by him. Less drama and being aware of where he was deceived is a refresher from years of seeing "heartbreak/deception" on screen. This looks really mature.

Mature storytelling is what sets apart Kantara (probably noticed a couple of (historical) factual error, but lets let it go for the sake of creative freedom.

Last but not hte least, Kannda cinema has a lot of mature filmmakers coming in and experimenting new concepts, tey are clear of their strengths & weaknesses and are picking up newer, better, sensible, social topics.
(PS: have had the oppertunity to shoot poster images for two other Kannada movies releasing this month, up from one from last year that did a relatively good run on the screens last year) 

will finish this post wishing the best for all new age kannada cinema makers