Kantara: Chapter 1 seems to have hit the leftists and “liberals” where it hurts for being openly Hindu and espousing Hindutva values.
A recent review by leftist “news” channel MediaOne, jittered by the film, came up with a review titled “കാന്താര ഒളിപ്പിക്കുന്ന ഹിന്ദുത്വ” meaning The Hidden Hindutva in Kantara.
This review video has been widely criticized for interpreting the film’s deep-rooted portrayal of indigenous Bhoota Kola traditions and land rights struggles through a narrow and divisive political lens.
Review Alleges Right-Wing Political Manipulation
In its analysis, the MediaOne review acknowledges the film’s visual grandeur and narrative scale but concludes that the world of Kantara ultimately serves to “help right-wing politics.” The review states, “That equation will apply to all films that manipulate all myths and legends in a way that helps right-wing politics,” alleging that the sequel includes “efforts to strengthen it further.”
It further claims that while the “Sangh Parivar co-existence is not visible at first glance,” such narratives serve to “entrench the same politics.”
Backlash Accuses Channel of Dividing Hindus
The review has been met with severe criticism from sections of the audience and cultural commentators who accuse MediaOne of intolerance towards the authentic depiction of Sanatana Dharma.
MediaOne TV is a Malayalam news channel operated by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, an Islamic organisation. MediaOne TV first received its license from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B Ministry) in 2011 and was launched in 2013.
This explains why the analysis is an expression of a “Jihadi System.” The channel and its team cannot seem to tolerate seeing Hindus united and thrilled by the cinematic portrayal of their religious and cultural roots.
The review had said “Making Panjurli and Guliga, only god for Hindus. Later, making them Sanghi.”
“Hidden Hindutva in Movie Kantara”
This is the headline given to the review program of Kantara movie in Malayalam news channel “Media One”…!!
This channel is owned by an organization called “Jamaat-e-Islami”
When a movie brilliantly portrays the roots of Santana Dharma
And… pic.twitter.com/YJrr8gGxXi— Mahesh Vikram Hegde 🇮🇳 (@mvmeet) October 3, 2025
MediaOne’s review frames the film as a vehicle for majoritarian politics, while its critics frame that very review as an intolerant attempt to discredit and divide Hindu cultural expression. The debate ensures that Kantara: Chapter 1 enters the public discourse not just as a film, but as a cultural flashpoint.
It is noteworthy that the same channel had propagated lies about the RSS and peddled lies along with the leftist news portal The News Minute during the Dharmasthala “mass burial” controversy.
About Jamaat-e-Islami Hind
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, often referred to as the Jamaat is an Islamic political and social organization in India. It is part of the larger Jamaat-e-Islami movement, which was founded by Syed Abul Ala Maududi in British India in 1941. The Jamaat-e-Islami movement has a presence in several countries, and each branch operates independently in its respective nation. In fact, Maududi is acclaimed by the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic Circle of North America, Hamas, and other Islamic organizations.
Here is a look at its activities.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind held a “Palestine Solidarity Convention” on 13 October 2023 in Kerala’s Malappuram district, featuring Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Alhaija and Gaza University Vice Chancellor Dr. Kamlain Shaa’ath. The event’s poster condemns “Zionist occupying terrorism.” The meeting coincides with Hamas leader Khalid Mashal’s global call for “jihad” following Israel’s Operation Iron Swords launched after Hamas’s deadly October 7 attack.
In October 2023, the Solidarity Youth Movement (Kerala Youth Wing of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind), invited Hamas founding member Khaled Mashal to speak where anti-Hindu slogans were raised. Khaled Mashal presented a video message of approximately 7 minutes in duration. In his sermon, Khalid reportedly asked the people present at the rally to extend unconditional support to Hamas and allegedly made anti-Hindu comments. The nature of the video address, whether it was live or pre-recorded, has not been confirmed.
After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) praised the development as a “restoration of peace and order.” JIH president Syed Sadatullah Husaini described the Taliban’s return as a victory of the Afghan people over “imperialist forces” and called the power transfer “peaceful.” He urged the Taliban to establish an Islamic welfare state that protects minorities and women’s rights.
At a Jamaat-e-Islami Hind event in Kerala in September 2024, state secretary Shihab Pookkottur claimed that major Indian landmarks, including Rashtrapati Bhavan and Jamia Millia, stand on Waqf land, asserting that related legal cases are ongoing. Speaking against the Waqf Amendment Bill, he said it threatens Islamic property rights and alleged widespread “encroachment” on Waqf assets. Pookkottur argued that Waqf properties are foundational to India, claiming “every corner of the country is Waqf land.” He described Waqf as central to Islamic civilization and accused society of harboring jealousy toward the Muslim community’s growth and development in Kerala.
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