Kaantha Movie Review: Critics Applaud Dulquer Salmaan’s Outstanding Performance

Kaantha is one of South India’s most anticipated films, produced by star actors Rana Daggubati and Dulquer Salmaan under the banners of Spirit Media and Wayfarer Films. Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, this film draws inspiration from real-life incidents surrounding Tamil cinema legends like MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, MGR, and MR Radha.

The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashree Borse, Rana Daggubati, and Ravindra Vijay. Kaantha is set to release worldwide on November 14 in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi languages.

Technical Brilliance and Crew Contributions:

The film’s visual beauty is captured by Danny Sanchez Lopez, while Jakes Bejoy provides an intense background score and Janu Chantar composes the soulful music. Llewelyn Anthony Gonsalves handles the editing, ensuring a seamless narrative.

The movie premiere, held on November 12, generated huge excitement among critics and audiences alike.

Critics’ Reactions and Public Opinion

Critics on social media praised Kaantha for its exceptional storytelling and gripping execution. The first half showcases rich emotional drama, egos, and conflicts among characters, while the second half transitions into an intense investigation thriller set in the 1950s Madras film industry.

Film critic Ramesh Bala shared,

“Kaantha is technically superior. Dulquer Salmaan has delivered a National Award-worthy performance. Bhagyashree Borse is terrific, Samuthirakani is fantastic, and Rana Daggubati is outstanding. Director Selvamani Selvaraj has proven himself as a master storyteller.”

#Kaantha [4.5/5] :

1st Half Excellent Drama..

2nd Half Excellent Investigative Thriller and Drama..

Set in 1950's Madras Movie Industry..@dulQuer may win a National Award for Acting..#BhagyashriBorse is terrific..@thondankani is fantastic @RanaDaggubati is excellent…
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) November 12, 2025

Another reviewer wrote,

“Dulquer’s performance in Kaantha is mesmerizing. He deserves a National Award for his emotional depth and screen presence.”

WHAT AN ACTOR 🔥
⭐⭐⭐⭐
PEAK PERFORMANCE from @dulQuer 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Deserved a National Award for his Stunning Performance !! #Kaantha #Kaanthareview pic.twitter.com/jJN9CKtFUx
— its cinema (@itsciiinema) November 12, 2025

A fan on X (Twitter) commented,

“Kaantha is a wonderful period drama filled with thrilling moments and powerful emotions. Dulquer is the soul of the movie, and Rana shines in a refreshing role. Bhagyashree Borse is brilliant in every frame.”

#Kaantha 4.5/5
A rivetting period drama & thrilling whodunnit with emotional core💥
Showstealer @dulQuer soul of the film,with a powerhouse performance💥@RanaDaggubati simply brilliant in a different role💥#bhagyashriborse soul stirring act💥 camera, sets 👌🏾
Just Unmissable! pic.twitter.com/sHPnCyZ8zP
— Rinku Gupta (@RinkuGupta2012) November 12, 2025

Another critic summarized,

“Kaantha is a cinematic masterpiece. The first half explores egos and emotional conflicts, while the second half turns into an investigation thriller. Dulquer once again proves his class. Samuthirakani and Bhagyashree’s performances elevate the film further.”

#Kaantha – “ Masterpiece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “

What a brilliant cinematic experience! Big applause to Dir #Selvamaniselvaraj 👏🏻👏🏻

First Half of the film is filled with the ego clash & whereas the second half goes as interesting investigate thriller. As usual the Nadippu Arakan #DulQuer… pic.twitter.com/r7YdyBZkI4
— Kolly Censor (@KollyCensor) November 12, 2025

Final Verdict

Dulquer Salmaan shines in the role of TK Mahadevan, portraying the legendary actor’s charm and emotional intensity perfectly. The climax sequences and Hitchcock-style investigation elements involving Rana Daggubati and Bhagyashree Borse make Kaantha a must-watch.

#Kaantha 4/5 @dulQuer as TK Mahadevan is the heart and soul of this film. He proves yet again that he is an incredible actor as he portrays a variety of emotions effortlessly with flair and swag. What an awesome performance from a lead actor this year👏 and in the climax, he… pic.twitter.com/KjTSU1ie2y
— sridevi sreedhar (@sridevisreedhar) November 12, 2025

Another critic concluded,

“Selvamani Selvaraj has created a film that will be remembered for generations. The combination of period drama, romance, emotion, and investigation makes Kaantha a modern classic.”

If script selection is an art, Dulquer Salmaan is undoubtedly the Picasso of it #Kaantha .

Every film he chooses reflects a perfect blend of creativity, emotion, and intelligence. From charming romantic leads to intense, layered characters, DQ’s versatility and instinct for… pic.twitter.com/nyiY4pNb1t
— YK TV Network (@YKTvNetwork) November 13, 2025

Overall Rating:

4.5/5 – A Brilliantly Made Period Thriller with Outstanding Performances.

#Kaantha – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a classic! #SelvamaniSelvaraj has made a genre bending film . While the first half is all about the ego tussle between the Guru -Sishya and romantic undercurrent between the film stars , the second half becomes a Hitchcock style investigative thriller… pic.twitter.com/5RptSL6ggE
— Rajasekar (@sekartweets) November 12, 2025

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Sri Lakshmi

Srilakshmi a bilingual content writer with 5 years of experience in Telugu and English news writing. Passionate about storytelling and trending topics, Srilakshmi delivers accurate and engaging content for readers worldwide.