Kantara: Chapter 1 Ending Explained – Did Berme Triumph Over Kanakavathi?

Rishab Shetty’s much-awaited Kantara: Chapter 1 hit theatres on October 2, 2025, and immediately set the box office on fire. The film raked in an impressive ₹60 crore on its opening day, marking it as the third-biggest opener of the year. Directed by Rishab Shetty himself and produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda, the mythological action drama dives deeper into the mystical world of Kantara, serving as a prequel to the 2022 National Award-winning blockbuster, Kantara.

The cast boasts stellar names such as Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah, among others. In this film, Shetty embodies the character of Berme, the courageous ancestor of the original film’s protagonist, Shiva. With its engaging narrative, spiritual undertones, and epic confrontations, the movie leaves the audience questioning the future of the saga. Let’s break down the plot and the ending of this gripping prequel.

The Storyline of Kantara: Chapter 1

Set nearly a millennium before the events of the first Kantara, the prequel transports viewers to an era when the region of Kantara was entangled in a deadly conflict. At the heart of the story lies a fierce struggle between the tribal community and the powerful Bangara kingdom.

Berme (Rishab Shetty), the fearless tribal leader, rises to protect his people and their sacred land.

Kulasekhara (Gulshan Devaiah), the ambitious new ruler of the Bangara kingdom, aims to seize control of Kantara’s rich forests and mystical resources.

The tribes, determined to safeguard their home, launch a daring infiltration into the Bangara kingdom. The conflict escalates into an all-out war where betrayal, divine interventions, and power struggles intertwine. As the story unfolds, the Daiva—divine spirit protectors of the tribe—enter Berme’s body, empowering him to fight against Kulasekhara. In a shocking twist, the king eventually falls at the hands of Berme.

But the true mastermind behind the chaos is yet to be revealed.

The Climax – Kanakavathi’s Betrayal

The final act delivers the biggest revelation of the film. Berme learns that Kanakavathi (played by Rukmini Vasanth)—Kulasekhara’s sister and Berme’s own beloved—was the actual architect of the turmoil. Driven by greed and ambition, she orchestrated the conflict to gain control over the sacred powers of Kantara’s Daivas.

Her scheming not only led to her brother’s downfall but also inflicted severe losses on the tribal people. Taking her dark obsession further, Kanakavathi resorts to black magic, summoning her grandfather’s malevolent spirit to possess Vijayendra (Jayaram), thereby unleashing greater destruction.

This sets the stage for a mystical battle between Berme, Kanakavathi, and the possessed Vijayendra.

The Final Battle – Berme’s Transformation

Possessed by the protective spirit Guliga, Berme finds himself confronting Kanakavathi and Vijayendra in an epic showdown. To gain divine strength, he leaps into the mysterious circular pit where he had been discovered as a child, seeking the blessings of the Daiva.

The climax takes a symbolic turn when Kanakavathi, rooted in her arrogance, declares she cannot be overpowered by a man. In response, Berme invokes the fierce energy of Chavundi (Chamundi) and transforms into Ardhanarishvara—a half-man, half-woman embodiment of balance and divinity.

This transformation allows him to break Kanakavathi’s dark power. The battle ends with both Kanakavathi and Vijayendra meeting their fates, their defeat marking the triumph of faith, sacrifice, and divine justice.

Will There Be a Kantara 3?

Just when viewers think the story has concluded, the narrative shifts back to the present day. Here, Shiva’s son poses a question about the secrets of the circular pit and the Daiva’s connection to his lineage. His inquiry remains unanswered, leaving the mystery intact.

The film ends by teasing the continuation of the saga with its upcoming title: Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 2. This next instalment is expected to bridge the past with the present, exploring the legacy of Berme and its link to Shiva’s bloodline.

Final Thoughts

Kantara: Chapter 1 not only enriches the lore of the original film but also cements Rishab Shetty’s vision of blending mythology, folklore, and action into a cinematic experience that resonates with Indian audiences. The themes of betrayal, divine intervention, and the eternal conflict between good and evil make it a powerful addition to the franchise.

With Berme’s victory and Kanakavathi’s downfall, the film ties together ancient conflicts while leaving just enough intrigue for the next chapter. Fans can now eagerly await how the saga unfolds in Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 2.