Kantara Chapter 1 Ending Explained: Betrayal, Bhoota Kola, and Berme’s Disappearance

The long-awaited Kantara: Chapter 1 has finally hit cinemas, and fans are walking out stunned by its breathtaking climax. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, this story takes us centuries back, into the roots of the Bhoota Kola tradition, showing how divine forces first began protecting the sacred land of Kantara.

But what exactly happened in that shocking ending? Why did Berme disappear? And how does this connect to the original film? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Princess Kanakavathi’s Shocking Betrayal

For most of the film, viewers are led to believe that Prince Kulashekara (Gulshan Devaiah) is the main villain, greedy to take over Kantara’s mystical garden. But in the final act, the mask comes off.

It is actually Princess Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth)—Berme’s love interest—who masterminds the chaos. Behind her noble and just image, she was secretly plotting to capture Panjurli and Guliga Daiva for her own power.

The truth comes out when children in Kantara suddenly fall ill after the temple’s reconstruction. An elder reveals: “The Daiva has been caged and is in the wrong hands.” That’s when the betrayal becomes clear.

The Divine Possession of Berme

The highlight of the climax is the divine possession sequence. Berme, the humble warrior, becomes possessed by Guliga Daiva, unleashing god-like wrath on those destroying Kantara.

• Panjurli: A boar-faced guardian, incarnation of Vishnu, who protects the land.

• Guliga: Born from Goddess Parvati’s sacred ash, a fierce Kshetrapala cursed by Vishnu but paired with Panjurli to keep balance.

Together, these forces transform Berme into an unstoppable avatar. The battle scenes—Berme vs. Kulashekara, Kanakavathi, and King Vijayendra—are some of the most visually stunning in Indian cinema yet.

The Sacred Well and Berme’s Vanishing

After restoring balance, Berme goes back to the mystical well where he was first found as a baby. In a trance, he jumps into it—mirroring the same fate we saw with Shiva’s family in the first Kantara.

This isn’t death in the usual sense. Instead, Berme becomes an eternal guardian spirit, upholding Dharma across generations. The well acts like a portal through time, connecting past, present, and future.

That’s why Bhoota Kola traditions carry such deep respect in real life—the people believe these guardians continue protecting their land even today.

Themes and Spiritual Significance

At its core, Kantara Chapter 1 isn’t just about divine battles. It’s about:

• Native culture vs. invading powers

• The balance between human greed and divine justice

• The power of rituals like Bhoota Kola to connect man and god

The authenticity with which director Rishab Shetty captures Bhoota Kola, still practiced in Tulu Nadu and coastal Karnataka, is a cultural milestone for Indian cinema.

What’s Next: Kantara 2 (or Chapter 2)

The ending clearly sets up Kantara 2 (Chapter 2). The film teases how Berme’s sacrifice will influence future generations, directly connecting to Shiva’s storyline from the first movie.

Fans searching for Kantara 2 will be glad to know—it’s coming. And it promises to bridge Berme’s world with the modern-day struggles shown in the 2022 film.

Performances That Stole the Show

• Rukmini Vasanth (Kanakavathi): A princess turned villain—her performance is chilling.

• Rishab Shetty (Berme): Both as director and actor, he delivers a once-in-a-lifetime portrayal.

• The ₹125 crore budget shows in every frame—fire sequences, forest settings, and traditional costumes bring mythology alive.

Aapke Sawal, Hamare Jawab! (FAQs)

Q1. What happened to Berme in Kantara Chapter 1’s ending?

Berme disappears into the sacred well, becoming an eternal guardian spirit of Kantara. It symbolizes sacrifice and transformation rather than death.

Q2. Who is the real villain in Kantara Chapter 1? It is Princess Kanakavathi, not her brother Kulashekara. She manipulates events to control Panjurli and Guliga’s divine powers.

Q3. How does Kantara Chapter 1 connect to the 2022 film? The well links both stories. Just like Berme disappears in the prequel, Shiva’s family vanishes in the same way in the original, showing the cycle of guardianship.

Q4. Is Kantara Chapter 2 confirmed? Yes, the ending sets it up clearly. Fans also call it Kantara 2, and it will bridge Berme’s ancient era with Shiva’s modern one.

Q5. What is the significance of Bhoota Kola in Kantara? Bhoota Kola is a living ritual from coastal Karnataka. It represents the bond between humans and guardian spirits, showing gratitude and ensuring protection of sacred land.