Despite Dulquer Salmaan's performance getting raves and mostly positive critics' reviews for the storytelling, Kaantha hasn't been well-received by certain section of audiences. Among the key reasons for the waning interest is the near-three-hour runtime. Taking into the account the feedback of some viewers, the makers have now released a trimmed version in theatres.
As per the latest update, around 12 minutes have been excised from the original version, with the hope that first-time audiences — and, hopefully, repeat viewers — who were discouraged by the initial runtime would feel compelled to check out the revised version. According to sources, the cuts have been made in the post-intermission portions.
In its review of the film, THE WEEK praised the performances of Dulquer and Bhaghyashri Borse. "Dulquer gives a thoroughly committed performance that eerily recalls some of his father's dark early roles. In fact, in one emotionally overpowering scene, he delivers an exclamation often associated with some of the celebrated Mammootty performances — and never does it appear awkward or imitative at all! It feels... genuine. Had some other actor done the same, it would've been potential troll material. Mahadevan is undoubtedly Dulquer's most memorable, strongest role yet," it said.
On Bhagyashri's performance, the review said that the newcomer is "fortunate to get a part that, we eventually realise, forms the emotional fulcrum of Kaantha. Kumari comes with a background that adds an interesting layer to her personality. It’s a solid example of a woman's stunning old-school beauty and charm not interfering with her performance."
ALSO READ | 'Kaantha' review: Dulquer Salmaan's strongest role in a largely efficient mystery
Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, the period drama-thriller follows the turbulent relationship between a superstar and his mentor while working on a new film directed by the latter. Samuthirakani plays the latter, while Rana Daggubati appears in the second half as a cop tasked with investigating a murder.
