Hey movie lovers! Here is our take on Tamil language Period drama thriller Kaantha (2025) -- featuring Dulquer Salman and Bhagyashri Borse in lead roles, co-written and directed by Selvamani Selvaraj.
Rana Daggubati announced this project with Nila fame director Selvamani Selvaraj on Dulquer Salman’s birthday in 2023. Kaantha is jointly produced by Dulquer Salman and Rana Daggubati under their respective banners. The film also stars Samuthirakani and introduces Bhagyashri Borse to Tamil cinema. Kaantha was released theatrically on 14 November 2025, coinciding with Children’s Day. Early reviews revealed that Dulquer Salman and Samuthirakani shine in the powerful Tamil periodic thriller. Let's dive into find plot, positives, negatives & final verdict.
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Kaantha (2025) Movie Review – Dulquer Salman & Samuthirakani Shine in a Powerful Tamil Period Drama Thriller | Plot, Positives, Negatives & Final Verdict
Kaantha (2025) - Cast & Crew
Director : Selvamani Selvaraj
Cast : Dulquer Salman, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse & Rana Daggubati
Score : Jakes Bejoy
Songs : Jhanu Chanthar
Cinematography : Dani Sanchez-Lopez
Editing : Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalvez
Original Language : Tamil
Available Languages : Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil & Telugu
Genre : Drama / Thriller
Release Date : 14 November 2025
Kaantha (2025) Telugu Movie Plot :
Ayya, a respected veteran director, discovers and mentors T.K. Mahadevan — a young actor who soon becomes a superstar. When the mentor and protégé decide to collaborate on a film, conflict sparks. Their creative differences, ego clashes, and power struggles shape the story. The film explores how admiration slowly turns into rivalry, and how ambition alters relationships forever.
Kaantha (2025) Telugu Movie Review :
Kaantha is a period drama set in 1950s Madras, blending emotion, suspense, and ambition with the world of cinema as its backdrop.
Dulquer Salman delivers a nuanced, layered performance once again, bringing depth to his complex character. Samuthirakani is exceptional as Ayya — commanding the screen with maturity and emotional strength. Bhagyashri Borse, in her first performance-oriented role, is impressive and holds her ground among the seniors. Rana Daggubati brings authority and ease to his investigative role.
On the technical side, Jakes Bejoy’s background score enhances several intense moments, while Jhanu Chanthar’s songs are decent though not very memorable. Dani Sanchez-Lopez’s cinematography beautifully recreates a vintage 1950s atmosphere, with rich tones and classic framing. Editing by Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalves could have been tighter, as pacing dips at multiple points.
Writer-director Selvamani Selvaraj presents a soulful first half with strong characterizations and immersive writing. However, the second half shifts tone unexpectedly. The narrative becomes uneven due to multiple layers, and the investigation portions feel regular. Still, the film ends on an emotionally impactful note. Selvamani deserves appreciation for boldly exploring themes like ego, legacy, ambition, and the darker side of cinema.
Positives :
☑️ Outstanding performances by Dulquer Salman & Samuthirakani, supported well by Bhagyashri Borse and Rana Daggubati
☑️ Rich production values, authentic costumes, and vintage set designs
☑️ Immersive cinematography that elevates the period setting
☑️ Engaging background score by Jakes Bejoy
☑️ Strong themes: ego clashes, power dynamics, and the dark reality behind filmmaking
Negatives :
❌ Pacing issues here and there
❌ Narrative becomes uneven in second half
❌ Sudden tonal shift from drama to investigation affects immersion
Kaantha (2025) Telugu Movie Final Verdict :
Kaantha (2025) is an ambitious , heart-felt periodic drama thriller. If you're looking for fast paced movies with commercial elements and tight execution you may not like this one. But if you are fan of slow paced dramas with strong themes, Standout performances and rich visuals you will definitely like Kaantha.
Kaantha (2025) Movie Viewer's Rating : 3.5/5
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