New Delhi: Centuries ago, during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, a tribe from Kantara led by Berme (Rishab Shetty) travels to Bangra to learn the secrets of the Kadamba kingdom’s wealth, military prowess, and trade. As the story progresses, the fantasy gives way to questions about the exploitation of tribal people and land resources — which remain valid even today, given the rapid industrialisation that threatens the way of life of many tribes across India.

Kantara is not the only mythical, fantastical film that has brought tribes and folklore to the front of mass entertainment. Earlier in August, Lokah: Chapter 1-Chandra, the first Malayalam superhero film led by a woman, broke box office records by reimagining the tale of yakshi. In the Marathi ci

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