• Published: Jul 28 2025 06:06 PM
  • Last Updated: Jul 28 2025 06:12 PM

Dulquer Salmaan unveils the teaser of Kaantha, a 1950s period drama exploring father-son conflict. The film hits theaters on September 12, 2025.


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On the occasion of his birthday, actor Dulquer Salmaan gifted his fans with the official teaser of his upcoming Tamil film Kaantha. Released at 3 PM, the teaser did not take long to start trending among fans and movie enthusiasts nationwide. With a vintage setting, emotional depth, and dramatic visuals, Kaantha is shaping up to be one the most anticipated films of the year.

Kaantha is period drama directed by Selvamani Selvaraj which is set in 1950s Madras (now Chennai), and it tells the story of the emotional and professional tug of war between a father and son both of whom are heavily involved in the film industry. The teaser was able to show just the right amount of the film to build curiosity without revealing too much detail — a tactical move that appears to be paying off.

A Story Rooted in Ego, Emotion, and Legacy

This film majorly revolves around a father-son duo with contrasting views. The film is being acted by Dulquer Salmaan as a rising film star who challenged the values of his father, Samuthirakani and director who is well-known for his values and creativity, through a studio scene that introduced the conflict through the medium of a fictional horror film that was kept at the studio, a site of creative tension. The key scene involves the son changing his father's title of the film "Kaantha" - this is significant because it speaks to issues of identity formation, pride in work, and generational change.

What makes the story interesting:

  • Father/son conflict: A timeless theme in the context of a high-stakes world of filmmaking.
  • 1950s setting: Provides amazing visual and emotional layers, marrying the nostalgia of older generations with the quality of a different era appealing to younger generations.
  • Emotional layers: Expressed through “fascination” with the father, admiration, anger and rebellion, the teaser implies many emotions.

A Talented Team Behind the Scenes

Dulquer's Wayfarer Films and Rana Daggubati's Spirit Media joined forces to produce this movie. Visually, Dani Sanchez Lopez did a fantastic job, using both striking black and white and vibrant color to transport us to an earlier time. Jhanu Chanthar's music was brilliantly composed, absolutely nailing that retro vibe.

Co-producer, Rana Daggubati also credited Dulquer for his performance and commitment, and said of Dulquer's involvement, "the film wouldn't exist without him", he was the only actor able to bring the emotional depth of the character alive. Creative confidence like this certainly adds extra clout to the buzz around the film!

Bhagyashri Borse is the female lead. The teaser shows just a hint of her character, but she is sure to provide another emotional layer to the film.

What Made it Teaser Different

The teaser has a playful tone at the start, showing a scene from a studio where a horror film is being made, then shifts to a more serious tone through the tensions of the family. These  contrasting tones hold the viewer's attention. The ability to blend a form of visual playfulness with depth of emotion and family tension contained in the first teaser keeps viewers guessing and wanting to see more.

What audiences observed:

  • Dulquer's powerful and dynamic performance in emotionally charged scenes.
  • Strong dialogues suggestive of ego clashes and unresolved trauma.
  • Beautiful imagery that transports audiences back to the 1950s.
  • Symbolic moments like the renaming of the film showing rebellion and growth.

Launch Date and Language Versions

Kaantha will be released on September 12, 2025 and in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada, making a pan-South Indian release. The multilingual release represents Dulquer's increasing appeal across languages and areas.

Fans are already commenting on the film's ambience and DQ's look as visuals of his earlier successes Mahanati and Sita Ramam. Social media users praised the teaser for its emotive resonance and vintage vibe.

Notable Features of Kaantha

  • Genre: Period drama based on family and creative conflict.
  • Setting: 1950s Madras, providing a nostalgic view of early Indian cinema.
  • Lead cast: Dulquer Salmaan, Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse.
  • Director: Selvamani Selvaraj.
  • Produced by: Wayfarer Films and Spirit Media.
  • Teaser release date: July 28, 2025 (Dulquer’s birthday).
  • Theatrical release date: September 12, 2025.
  • Languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada.

Conclusion

Kaantha separates itself not just as a film but as a representation of the golden age of cinema and the various struggles that go with fame and family. Dulquer Salmaan appears to be taking on an emotionally difficult yet deeply relatable role. With a compelling teaser and a terrific crew, the film looks sure to be an enjoyable experience for audiences from all over the nation.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): timesofindia

FAQ

The film depicts the emotional and creative estrangement of a father and son in the South Indian film industry in the 1950s.

Dulquer Salmaan plays son of Samuthirakani and Bhagyashri Borse plays female lead.

Kaantha comes out in theatres on September 12, 2025.

The movie is will be directed by Selvamani Selvaraj and co-produced by Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films and Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media. 

The teaser combines retro visuals and an emotional storyline about feat and angst in a father-son relationship.

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