Kaantha is a 1950s-set noir thriller praised for its dark tone, vintage setting, and strong performances.
The plot follows rising actor Mahadevan as ambition, ego, and a mysterious on-set death push him into paranoia and conflict.
The film premieres on Netflix on December 12, 2025, streaming in multiple languages, with the Kannada version titled Shaantha.
Kaantha is a period thriller by Selvamani Selvaraj which depicts the world of the Indian cinema era during the 1950s. The movie is known for its dark mood, old-time charm, and the complex character played by Dulquer Salmaan. The story mixes ambition, ego, rivalry, and corruption, showing how creative dreams can turn into serious personal conflicts. Since its release in theatres, people have praised its detailed 1950s setting, strong acting, and suspenseful, noir-like style. Now, as the movie gets ready to release on OTT, fans are excited to watch its gripping story at home, especially those who enjoy character-driven thrillers with psychological tension and behind-the-scenes drama.
SurveyKaantha: OTT release date and platform
Kaantha will premiere globally on Netflix on December 12, 2025. The film will stream in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, while the Kannada version will be released as Shaantha for regional audiences.
Also read: Mastiii 4 OTT release date, streaming platform, star cast and other details we know
Kaantha: Plot
The story is about T.K. Mahadevan, a young, brilliant actor who rises to fame in no time. He falls into the tutelage and guidance of Ayya, the head of one big studio, who believes in his calibre and guides him like a father. At first, everything goes very smoothly, with their relationship rock-solid and steeped in mutual trust. However, things start going wrong when Mahadevan is handed the mantle to spearhead the ambitious horror film being attempted by Ayya. Soon, creative differences begin to show up, and both feel cheated at different times.
Meanwhile, paranoia and suspicion overtake the set as tensions rise. Things become grave when a mysterious death occurs on the set, leaving the audience wondering what is actual and what is fiction. As Mahadevan gains more popularity, his moralistic values begin to deteriorate. Complicating things further is his concurrent role as a police officer to investigate the strange and dangerous events involving the movie.
Kaantha: Cast and crew
Written and directed by Selvamani Selvaraj, the movie received attention for its carefully crafted period setting and its dark, engaging noir-style storytelling that draws the audience into its world.
Also read: Dhurandhar OTT release date: When and where to watch Ranveer Singh’s latest film online
Furthermore, the movie casts Dulquer Salmaan as T. K. Mahadevan, Bhagyashri Borse as Kumari, Rana Daggubati as Inspector ‘Phoenix’ Devaraj, Samuthirakani as Chandran Ayya, and Bijesh Nagesh as Babu.
Follow Us
Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
