Psychological Facts with Carnival Spirit: Bakhtinian Analysis Of The Film ‘KANTARA’.

This comprehensive research presents an extensive analysis of Rishab Shetty's groundbreaking film Kantara (2022) through the theoretical framework of Mikhail Bakhtin's concept of chronotope and carnivalesque theory. The research examines the intricate ways in which the film incorporates and transforms traditional elements of folk culture, ritual performances, and social hierarchies to create a narrative that embodies fundamental Bakhtinian concepts including the grotesque body, carnival laughter, and the temporary suspension of societal norms. Through meticulous analysis of the film's visual imagery, narrative structure, and cultural context, this study demonstrates how Kantara serves as a contemporary manifestation of carnivalesque traditions in cinema while simultaneously addressing crucial social and ecological issues within Indian society. The research employs a qualitative approach, focusing on carnivalesque elements, cultural studies, and film theory to explore how the film's representation of the Daiva-Kola ritual creates a unique cinematic space where traditional hierarchies are simultaneously challenged and reinforced. The findings reveal significant correlations between Bakhtinian carnival theory and contemporary Indian cinema, particularly in the representation of ritual practices and social transformation. Furthermore, this study identifies novel patterns in the film's treatment of time, space, and social hierarchy that extend beyond traditional applications of Bakhtinian theory, suggesting new directions for both film analysis and cultural studies. This research contributes substantially to the growing body of literature on the application of Bakhtinian theory to contemporary cinema while offering new insights into the representation of folk traditions in modern Indian filmmaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]