Kaantha (2025) – Dulquer Salmaan & Rana Daggubati Ignite a Fiery 1950s Crime Thriller Now Streaming on Netflix

Mentor vs. protégé. Genius vs. ego. Art vs. obsession.

Kaantha, the Tamil-language period mystery crime thriller that shook Indian cinema in late 2025, is finally on Netflix India, bringing with it a storm of suspense, glamour, betrayal, and murder set against the golden era of 1950s Madras filmmaking.

Directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, and starring a powerhouse combination — Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana Daggubati — this film reimagines the life and legacy of legendary artist M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar through a fictionalized lens.

If you’re hunting for a stylish period drama packed with creative rivalry, old-world cinema charm, and a murder mystery that keeps tightening the noose, Kaantha is exactly the cinematic beast you want in your queue.

Experience Kaantha on Netflix — a 1950s period mystery thriller starring Dulquer Salmaan and Rana Daggubati. Explore its story, cast, real-life inspiration, reviews, and why this crime drama is one of Tamil cinema’s boldest releases of 2025.

🎬 Kaantha: A 1950s Madras Filmmaking Epic Fueled by Jealousy, Art, and Murder

Set in a gorgeously recreated post-independence Madras, Kaantha follows:

Ayya — a visionary filmmaker whose artistic brilliance shaped an entire era.

T.K. Mahadevan — his protégé, now a narcissistic superstar who owes his fame to the man he’s slowly betraying.

When Mahadevan hijacks a film originally titled Shaantha — a female-led story — and renames it Kaantha to elevate his own image, the power struggles begin to simmer.

But the chaos hits its peak when a shocking murder occurs on set.

Enter Inspector Devaraj, whose investigation twists through ego, betrayal, exploitation, and long-buried secrets linking Ayya and Mahadevan.

🌟 Cast & Performances: Dulquer Salmaan Steals the Spotlight

The performances are the backbone of Kaantha, and critics have highlighted them as the film’s strongest element.

Dulquer Salmaan as Ayya

Sharp. Layered. Magnetic. Dulquer delivers one of his finest period drama performances — controlled yet emotionally explosive.

Bhagyashri Borse

A breakout presence, adding depth and quiet intensity.

Samuthirakani

Grounds the narrative with his powerful, understated gravitas.

Rana Daggubati

Pulls double duty as actor and co-producer — and he brings a menacing precision to the investigation that follows the movie’s central murder.

🕵🏼 Plot Breakdown (No Spoilers): Fame, Ego & a Crime That Shakes the Industry

The film explores themes that feel disturbingly relevant even today:

• The fragile relationship between creators and superstars

• The erasure of women’s stories in cinema

• The intoxicating nature of fame

• The simmering tension between artistic purity and commercial greed

When the on-set murder occurs, Ayya and Mahadevan become the prime suspects, and every flashback peels back another layer of resentment, betrayal, and moral decay.

The more Inspector Devaraj digs, the more the truth warps into something darker.

🎥 Why Kaantha Works — And Why It Stands Out Among 2025 Releases

Despite mixed reviews about its genre shift in the second half, Kaantha stands out because it delivers:

✔ A refreshing blend of period drama + crime thriller + psychological unraveling

✔ Stunning 1950s cinematic world-building

✔ Razor-edged writing exploring toxic mentorships

✔ Award-worthy visuals and production design

✔ A narrative bold enough to take risks

This isn’t a simple murder mystery — it’s a layered commentary on the nature of stardom and the emotional cost of ambition.

📝 Real-Life Inspiration: The Shadow of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar

Though fictionalized, the film draws inspiration from the turbulent life of M.K.T. Bhagavathar, Tamil cinema’s first superstar — celebrated, controversial, and forever surrounded by mystery.

Kaantha doesn’t retell his life literally — it reimagines it, blending historical whispers with cinematic invention to create a genre-hybrid story.

This gives the film a dual appeal:

• nostalgia for classic Tamil cinema

• tension-filled modern storytelling

📅 Release & Streaming Details

• Theatrical Release: November 14, 2025

• Platform: Netflix India

• Languages: Tamil (original), with subtitles & select dubs

Perfect timing for fans of crime dramas, old-school cinema, and Dulquer Salmaan’s impeccable acting chops.

👀 Who Should Watch Kaantha?

You’ll love this film if you enjoy:

🔥 Slow-burn thrillers

🔥 Period dramas with intense character conflict

🔥 Movies like Jersey, Super Deluxe, JFK, or Mank

🔥 Artistic stories with tragic undertones

🔥 Dulquer Salmaan transforming into a 1950s icon

❤️ Conclusion — Kaantha Is a Dark, Stylish, Must-Watch Crime Epic

Kaantha isn’t just a movie — it’s a collision of cinema, ego, ambition, and tragedy, wrapped in vintage Madras glamour and anchored by powerhouse performances.

With a gripping murder mystery, complex characters, and a haunting atmosphere, it’s one of the most unique Tamil films of 2025 — and Netflix gives audiences everywhere the chance to experience it.

If you love dramatic storytelling with big emotions and even bigger consequences, add Kaantha to your watchlist today.