Last Updated:October 04, 2025, 18:21 IST

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 dives deep into the mythic roots of the Kantara universe, uncovering long-buried secrets and setting the stage for a potential third chapter.

Kantara Chapter 1 released on October 2. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1, which hit theatres on October 2, is more than just a prequel. Written and directed by Rishab himself, the film is an epic mythological action-adventure that delves deep into the origins of the Kantara universe. With breathtaking visuals and intense storytelling, it unveils the dark history behind the sacred lands of Kantara.

The film concludes with an ending that has left fans both awestruck and full of questions. If you have watched the film and are still puzzled by the conclusion, here’s a detailed explainer to clear all your doubts.

Kantara Chapter 1 Ending Explained

Set centuries before the events of the original Kantara (2022), the prequel opens with a brutal conquest by a king from the Bhangra dynasty. Determined to conquer all lands, he shows no mercy to women, children or the elderly in his path.

During one such conquest, the king and his young son Vijayendra encounter an old, mysterious fisherman. The king orders his execution, but just before the man dies, a pouch falls from his pocket, revealing an array of precious spices.

Driven by greed to claim the spice garden, the king ventures into the forest of Eeshwara’s Hoototta, a sacred place accessible only to the Kantara tribe. Driven by hatred and ambition, he enters the forest, only to be struck down by divine forces, Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva, leaving his son Vijayendra deeply traumatised.

The young prince returns to his kingdom and is crowned king. In the years that follow, Vijayendra fathers two children, Kulashekhara (played by Gulshan Devaiah) and Kanakavathi. The story also introduces Berme (played by Rishab Shetty), a mysterious orphan raised by the Kantara tribe.

When King Vijayendra steps down and crowns his son as the new ruler, the greedy Kulashekhara begins exploiting the kingdom’s sacred spice resources. Berme rises as a fierce protector of his people, but the true threat lies not just in the king, but within his own family.

Determined to safeguard his people’s future, Berme takes it upon himself to cultivate and trade spices independently, aiming to prevent the kingdom from exploiting their resources.

Angered by this defiance, Kulashekhara sends his minister and soldiers to punish Berme. Humiliated, he retaliates by attacking Berme’s village and executing his foster mother.

In a divine rage, Guliga Daiva takes multiple forms and kills Kulashekhara, mirroring the fate of his grandfather.

The Shocking Revelation

After a divine possession and a bloody battle, it is revealed that Kanakavathi, the seemingly righteous princess, is actually the mastermind behind Kantara’s suffering. Revived as a child by a rival clan, she secretly plots to enslave the sacred forest and its deities, using dark rituals and cunning manipulation to achieve her sinister goals.

In a climactic divine showdown, Berme discovers his ultimate power. Possessed by the fierce goddess Chamundi, he transforms into Ardhanarishvara, the embodiment of both masculine and feminine divinity. With this newfound strength, he delivers justice to the kingdom, defeating both Kanakavathi and her father, the once-honourable King Vijayendra.

Will There Be A Chapter 3?

As peace is restored, Berme disappears into the sacred well from which he once emerged. The narrator concludes the tale with a cryptic smile, hinting at the well’s disappearance and teasing the possibility of another legendary story yet to come. Given the overwhelming response and the rich mythological climax, a sequel seems not just possible, but inevitable.

Yatamanyu Narain

Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun…Read More

Yatamanyu Narain is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for all things entertainment. Whether he’s breaking the latest Bollywood news or chatting with rising stars in the OTT world, he’s always on the hun… Read More