Kaantha movie ending explained: Who killed Bhagyashri Borse's Kumari in this Dulquer Salmaan period murder mystery

Kaantha movie ending explained: Starring Dulquer Salmaan and Bhagyashri Borse, the film is directed by Selvamani Selvaraj

Kaantha OTT release

Kaantha, the 2025 period thriller drama, is one among this week’s OTT releases. Starring Dulquer Salmaan in the lead role, alongside actors Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse and others, the film is set in the 1950s Madras where studio culture thrived. With the story taking place on the film sets of Shaantha, which is touted as Tamil cinema’s first horror film, Kaantha elaborates on the egoistic battle between director Ayya (Samuthirakani) and his protégé and superstar actor TK Mahadevan (Dulquer Salmaan). But the already turmoil-filled sets become more troubled after the film’s lead actress Kumari (Bhagyashri Borse) is found dead in her room. Who murdered her?

Kaantha ending explained:

Kaantha opens with the gates of a studio being opened, and as it rains outside, a cloaked man enters the chamber of a young woman, Kumari, a doe-eyed refugee girl waiting to make her debut in a Tamil film that is named after her role Shaantha. We don't know who has shot the young woman to death, but she appeared to be smiling as she lay lifeless. The question of who killed her looms over.

The frames of Kaantha then shift back in time, when we are introduced to TK Mahadevan (Dulquer Salmaan), a superstar now, and then a homeless man who was found by his director Ayya (Samuthirakani). Mahadevan was guided and launched as a movie actor by Ayya. But eventually, Mahadevan's quick success and egoisitic pride about his art, gulped the friendship and gratefulness between the actor and director. On the other hand, Ayya who seem to not like his protege's success, had even made him sent jail through a false case. Thus begins the battle of egos and pride between the duo, leading to a psychological battle between the two.

Also read: Lights, camera, cinema: Decoding the allure of movies within movies

Did Kumari support Ayya or Mahadevan?

It is at this point, studio owner Martin initiates Shaantha, a pet project of Ayya and story tributed for his mother. Shaantha is touted to be Tamil cinema's first horror film, and will see Ayya's reunion with Mahadevan. But as Ayya is firm that the debutante heroine Kumari, another protege of his, is supposed to lead the film, friction begins and egos creates sparks. The increasingly creative intervention of Mahadevan in ghost directing Shaantha, to the extent to renaming it Kaantha, irks Ayya. Nevertheless, Kumari remains loyal to her tutor and never leans on to Mahadevan. But all that is only until Mahadevan charms his way into Kumari's heart as the duo begins to fall in love and she is torn between choosing between her love and teacher.

Also read: Kaantha movie review: Dulquer Salmaan anchors slow-burning cinematic indulgence driven by great performances in mediocre story

Did Mahadevan truly love Kumari?

The sets of the film now called Kaantha, soon turns into a playground of romance for Kumari and Mahadevan. Their secret rendezvous are no longer secret, with Ayya begins to suspect something brewing up. Not to mention, Mahadevan's wife and wealthy daughter of a businessman, Devi, walks in during the filming to establish her presence, making it murkier. The stress on Mahadevan mounts when Kumari reveals being pregnant and refuses to abort it. It is at this time when Mahadevan proposes marriage to Kumari, but before anything could happen, Kumari is shot dead, halting not only their marriage but also the filming.

Who killed Kumari?

The film sets turn into police investigation, with the prime suspects including Mahadevan, his wife, Ayya, studio owner Martin, Kumari's friend and even Mahadevan's driver. Detective Phoenix in his flamboyant style, begins his investigation and grills Mahadevan into telling how he wanted Kumari to keep their affair a secret, particularly in front of Ayya. But alas, who has suspicion not left, as he gets privy to the conversations of Ayya and Kumari. After getting to know that Ayya might already have information on their affair and use this to take the sets of Shaantha back in his control, Mahadevan tries to seize the opportunity. Using the spy device that Mahadevan planted on Kumari, he hears that Ayya and Kumari had conversations about Mahadevan.

Also read: Kaantha OTT release: Why Dulquer Salmaan’s period drama is a must-watch this weekend

On the night of murder, as Kumari was waiting for Mahadevan who had promised her marriage in Tirupati, she meets him. But Mahadevan who had only heard partial recording and not the part which revealed Kumari supporting Mahadevan and not letting Ayya into blackmailing him. Felt betrayed by Kumari and with only half the truth, Mahadevan shoots Kumari twice, aimed at her heart and stomach. But it is only after her death, Mahadevan hears the full recording and realised how Kumari had been defending Mahadevan and stood loyal on their love.

Did Mahadevan get caught for his crime?

With no evidence on his side, Mahadevan goes scot-free in Kumari’s murder case. However, he is seen attending the premiere of Shaantha, the film which is now dedicated to its late actress. Ayya, ridden by his guilt, has died by suicide. And like any other day, Mahadevan begins to live the life of a superstar once again as he directs his driver to take the car to studio.

Kaantha FAQs

Q. What is the platform of Kaantha OTT?

A. Kaantha is streaming on Netflix.

Q. What is Kaantha OTT release date?

A. Kaantha released on Netflix on December 12.

Q. Is Kaantha biopic of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar?

A. No, Kaantha is not a biopic of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar. It is a fictional story.

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