Published Paper Details:

Folklore is an integral part of richly diversified cultural heritage of India as it incorporates origin and evolution of ritualistic practices, social customs, traditional beliefs, folk music, folk dance and folk art forms. The combined effect of globalization, unprecedented technological advancement and comfort-seeking passive lifestyle, often manifests itself in present generation's lack of exposure to Indian folklore. This alarmingly fainting focus on traditional Indian folklore can be redeemed through the medium of cinematic representation. Cinema not only possesses the power to resurrect thousands of almost forgotten folklores but also to preserve it for the future generations. The easy accessibility to the world of folklore through the movies might well prove to be the fillip needed to restore enthusiasm in this field. The invigorating legend of Kantara, set in the Tulu Nadu coastal Karnataka, has borne the regional folklore concerning Daivas Panjurli and Guliga for more than 5000 years. The present paper is a venture to weigh and assess the assimilation of age old legend of Kantara in the main narrative of the motion picture Kantara: A Legend, Chapter 1 (2025) directed by Rishab Shetty with prime focus on determining how it has piqued the interest of the Gen Z through cinematic experience. Attempt will be made to point out the inaccuracies and unauthentic liberties if there are any in such cinematic portrayal.