The nearly three-minute promo opens with a young Shiva asking the pertinent question, “Why did Appa (father) vanish in exactly this spot?” taking us back to the initial sequences of the first installment. In response, someone says, “This is our place of origin. Our ancestors lived here. It’s a legend.” But what is this legend about? The trailer notes, “Whenever mankind strays into adharma (unrighteousness), god will send his people to protect dharma (righteousness).” And that’s when we are introduced to him: Berme (Rishab Shetty). The chosen one!
As the video unfolds, we are warned, “Don’t venture into the Kantara (mysterious forest). There lives a Brahmarakshasa.” Meanwhile, Prince Kulashekara (Gulshan Devaiah) mocks the land, claiming that there is nothing in it and that all the legends about it are a sham. He begins to bring the Aboriginal people under his control. Berme’s relationship with Princess Kanakavathi (Rukmini Vasanth) also irks the royal family, as they fear he harbours ambitions for the throne.
“I will wash away the dishonour on our clan with the blood of the Kantara people,” Kulashekara vows. Soon, it is revealed that Kantara: Chapter 1 will also focus on the resistance of marginalised communities against the powerful, as they fight for their land and dignity, a battle that has been going on for centuries.