Introduction: Blending Music and Indian Folklore in "Kantara"

The film "Kantara" has captivated audiences with its unique blend of Indian folklore and music. B. Ajaneesh Loknath, the composer, deserves praise for his exceptional work in combining post-rock and classical Indian music to enhance the film's suspenseful moments. While the music plays a significant role in the overall storytelling, the depiction of religious figures in the movie is equally noteworthy. In this article, we will explore the portrayal of the deities Panjurli and Guliga in "Kantara" and delve into the question of which god possessed Shiva at the film's conclusion.

The Story of the King and the Introduction of the Deities

The film's narrative begins in the 1800s with the story of a king who, despite being an ideal ruler, is plagued by a lack of inner peace. Seeking solace, he consults a saint who informs him that he is missing the blessing of his parents and must embark on a journey to find it. During his quest, the king encounters a stone worshipped by villagers, and upon gazing at it, he finds the peace he seeks. The king requests the stone from the villagers, offering anything in return. At that moment, the deity residing within the stone, Panjurli, possesses a villager and strikes a deal with the king. Panjurli demands that the king donate all the land within the range of his cry to the villagers, with a warning that any deception would invoke the wrath of his fierce form, Guliga. Committed to peace, the king fulfills Panjurli's wishes and safeguards the villagers' interests.

However, in 1970, when a descendant of the king attempts to seize the villagers' lands, events take a dark turn. During the "Yakshagana" theatrical performance, Shiva's father is possessed by Panjurli. This possession is a regular occurrence during the Buta Kola festival, where deities bless the villagers by briefly inhabiting their bodies. The descendant of the king demands that Shiva's father instruct the villagers to return the lands, prompting Panjurli to summon his vicious form, Guliga. Shiva's father flees into the dense forest, faces the moon, and screams, disappearing and leaving behind a fiery circle. The villagers follow him until only Shiva enters a specific area. It is speculated that Guliga had already possessed Shiva's body at that moment.

Evidence of Shiva's Possession by Guliga

Several clues suggest that Shiva had been under the control of Guliga since the day his father disappeared. In ancient tales, Guliga's insatiable hunger led him to consume everything in sight, including Lord Vishnu's Lake and its fish. In "Kantara," Shiva's constant craving for fish, which he requests his mother to cook for him, mirrors this trait. Additionally, Shiva possesses heightened senses and displays a protective instinct towards the villagers whenever they are threatened. His anger flares when their safety is at stake. Another significant detail is Shiva's fondness for spending time in his treehouse, which rests between the land and sky. This aligns with stories that Guliga enjoyed consuming animals, as Shiva often hunts and eats boars. These indicators strongly suggest that Shiva's body has been under Guliga's control from the beginning.

Unraveling Nightmares and the Emergence of Guliga

Shiva's nightmares of being chased by wild boars in the dense forest and his glimpses of his father's disappearance and the fiery circle serve as reminders of his true identity. Even Guruva, who was murdered, appears in Shiva's nightmares with bloody tears, seeking help from Guliga. Panjurli, having concealed his vicious form for a long time, fails to notice Guliga. These nightmares act as a conduit, prompting Shiva or Lord Guliga to fulfill the villagers' plea for protection. In the nightmares, Shiva used to flee from a wild boar adorned with jewelry, symbolizing Panjurli's call for assistance to Guliga. However, it is only when Shiva runs toward the boar, rather than away from it, that Guliga can confront Panjurli and access his vicious form. According to legends, Panjurli and Guliga were initially adversaries but eventually became siblings after intervention by the Seven Jala Durgas. "Kantara" subtly portrays the confrontation between Panjurli and Guliga, indicating that Shiva had already faced his nightmare, allowing Guliga to comprehend his responsibility. After Shiva's potential demise, Guliga takes complete control of his body and eliminates all threats to protect the villagers.

The Fate of Shiva and the Legacy of Guliga

Shiva's dance gestures at the end of "Kantara" provide intriguing insights. It is suggested that he, or rather Lord Guliga, designates the forest officer, Murali, as the village protector. He entrusts the villagers with the responsibility of caring for their protectors and instructs Murali to safeguard Shiva's unborn child or appoint him as the protector when he comes of age. If Shiva were alive, he would have no reason to leave the village. As Guliga maintains control over Shiva's body, he listens to the voice of Panjurli emanating from the forest. Guliga runs toward it, and Panjurli and Guliga confront each other, displaying mutual respect. Ultimately, they vanish together. It can be assumed that Leela, Shiva's wife, and their son carry the blessings of Lord Guliga, as Shiva had been possessed by him since the beginning. The awakening of Guliga within Shiva, following his death, marks the conclusion of their intertwined existence.

Conclusion: An Exploration of Deities and Possession in "Kantara"

"Kantara" masterfully weaves together elements of Indian folklore, music, and religious symbolism. The film delves into the intricate relationship between deities Panjurli and Guliga, exploring the possession of Shiva's body and the ensuing protection of the villagers. Through subtle details, the audience is given glimpses into Shiva's possession by Guliga and the nightmares that foreshadow his eventual confrontation with Panjurli. The film's conclusion sees Guliga taking full control, ensuring the welfare of the villagers and passing on his blessings to Shiva's family. "Kantara" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the rich mythological tapestry that continues to captivate audiences.