Kaantha Divides Opinions as Box Office Race Begins

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 18: Kaantha, the much-anticipated period drama headlined by Dulquer Salmaan, has finally arrived in theatres, and its impact is already sparking conversations across the industry. Released on November 14, 2025, the film has delivered an impressive aesthetic recreation of 1950s Madras, powerful performances, and technical finesse. Yet, it has also triggered debate over its inspirations, making it one of Tamil cinema’s most talked-about releases of the season.

A Vision Rooted in Cinematic History

Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, Kaantha is an evocative exploration of ambition, ego, and artistic rivalry set against the glamorous golden age of Tamil cinema. The narrative follows a tense conflict between the seasoned filmmaker Ayya and rising star T.K. Mahadevan. Their ideological clash deepens when a woman-centric movie titled Shaantha is renamed Kaantha, setting off a chain of dramatic events including a murder that reshapes their destinies.

Co-produced by Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati, the film is mounted on a grand scale. With Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana himself in key roles, the cast adds intensity to this retro mystery. Dani Sanchez-Lopez’s cinematography beautifully resurrects the period, and the music by Jakes Bejoy and Jhanu Chanthar adds a haunting undertone that elevates the emotional stakes.

Box Office: Strong Opening, Mixed Trends

Kaantha opened strongly, earning around ₹4 crore on day one — a promising start for a niche period drama. The first weekend saw collections rise to ₹13.85 crore, indicating solid initial interest and favourable word-of-mouth among cinema lovers.

However, the momentum softened on Monday, with collections dropping to ₹1.65 crore, bringing the four-day total to approximately ₹15.50 crore. While such dips are common for genre films, analysts believe Kaantha must hold well through the weekdays to sustain its theatrical run.

Industry experts observe a familiar pattern: a well-promoted weekend wave followed by a cautious weekday slowdown — a risk period dramas often face despite strong artistic merit.

Praise & Criticism in Equal Measure

What’s Working

Dulquer Salmaan’s performance is a standout, with critics praising his layered portrayal of Mahadevan, a character torn between ambition and personal turmoil. The film’s dedication to period authenticity—from costumes and set design to mannerisms—has earned appreciation from audiences nostalgic for classic Tamil cinema. Its narrative depth, symbolic approach, and exploration of legacy and identity offer a fresh storytelling experience.

Where It Falters

A persistent rumour suggests that Kaantha loosely mirrors the life of legendary star M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar (MKT). Though the makers firmly deny any biographical intent, audiences have noted striking parallels—especially the name T.K. Mahadevan, interpreted by some as a reversal of MKT. These echoes have fuelled online debates and social media scrutiny.

Some viewers also feel the film is a slow-burn, leading to pacing complaints on Reddit and microblogging platforms. Additionally, the Monday dip in collections has raised concerns about the film’s long-term reach.

Controversy: Tribute or Coincidence?

Adding to the intrigue, reports indicate that descendants of MKT have expressed objections, alleging that the film draws inspiration from his life without authorisation. The filmmakers maintain that Kaantha is purely fictional, inspired only by the mood and milieu of the era. Online discussions, however, continue to dissect symbolic references in the film, keeping the controversy alive and contributing to its buzz.

The Road Ahead

For Kaantha to transition from a niche success to a long-lasting cultural favourite, it must not only hold steady at the box office but also navigate its surrounding narrative with clarity. Stronger traction in Tamil and Telugu markets will be essential in the coming days.

The producers are reportedly planning an OTT release strategy post-theatrical run, aiming to amplify the film’s visibility and reach a wider digital audience — a move that could significantly extend its lifecycle.

Final Verdict

Kaantha is a bold and immersive cinematic gamble — a richly crafted drama that merges nostalgia with artistic ambition. While it may not fit the mould of mass entertainers, its sincerity, performances, and technical vision make it a compelling watch. Whether it evolves into a quiet triumph or remains a beautifully made but commercially restrained work will depend on the crucial days ahead.

PNN Entertainment