Jatadhara (2025) is a mythological supernatural thriller that delves deep into the eternal battle between good and evil, sacrifice and greed, devotion and desire. The film, directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, brings together ancient legends, spiritual symbolism, and contemporary storytelling to explore humanity’s timeless struggle against its darker instincts. The story opens with a grand visual sequence of an ancient temple inspired by the mysteries of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Hidden deep beneath the temple’s chambers lies a secret vault known as “Vault D,” said to be sealed by divine forces and protected by Lord Shiva himself. The locals believe that the vault holds the key to unimaginable power and wealth, but also a curse that could destroy anyone who tries to open it. Legends speak of a guardian spirit chosen by the gods — a “Jatadhara,” one who bears the matted locks of Lord Shiva and carries his divine energy. Sudheer Babu plays Arjun Varma, an archaeologist and devout believer in spiritual balance. Arjun is not aware of his true destiny at first; he is drawn to the temple by strange visions and recurring dreams of a deity calling out to him. As he investigates the temple’s history, he discovers ancient scriptures foretelling the return of Jatadhara — a being who would awaken when darkness threatens to consume humanity. His journey begins as one of curiosity but slowly transforms into a path of divine purpose. Meanwhile, Sonakshi Sinha plays Maya Devi, a powerful and mysterious woman who represents greed incarnate. Her character is not a typical antagonist — she is the embodiment of Avarana, the veil of illusion and desire that blinds humankind. Maya’s presence is magnetic, beautiful, and destructive. She leads a secret cult that believes the hidden vault beneath the temple contains the secret to immortality and infinite wealth. For her, opening the vault is not just about gold or treasure; it is about achieving godlike power — to rise above life and death, and to rule the world as a goddess of material abundance. As Arjun’s research intensifies, he encounters several inexplicable events: shadows moving in the temple corridors, mysterious chants echoing in the night, and strange symbols appearing on his body. He meets Swami Rudrananda (played by Mukesh Rishi), an aged sage who reveals the truth — Arjun is not an ordinary man but the chosen vessel of Lord Shiva’s energy. He was destined to be the protector of the sacred vault, the reincarnation of the first Jatadhara who once sealed the temple centuries ago. The film then shifts to its spiritual core — the contrast between Arjun’s awakening and Maya’s descent. While Arjun learns meditation, penance, and the significance of sacrifice, Maya’s path is fueled by rage, lust for power, and vengeance against the gods. The screenplay builds this duality visually: Arjun’s journey is filled with light, silence, and introspection, while Maya’s world is drenched in fire, ritual, and chaos. As the forces of greed begin to rise, Maya’s cult infiltrates the temple town, manipulating politics, religion, and human fear to gain access to the sacred chamber. Their rituals invoke demonic entities tied to ancient lore, leading to supernatural disturbances across the region — earthquakes, storms, and blood-red rain. The town’s people begin to panic, and Arjun realizes the final battle between good and evil is approaching. In a breathtaking mid-act sequence, Arjun enters a trance during meditation and meets Lord Shiva in a vision. The deity, appearing as a cosmic force surrounded by the dance of destruction (Tandava), tells him that the balance of creation rests upon human choice — the courage to sacrifice self-interest for the greater good. Empowered by divine insight, Arjun accepts his destiny as Jatadhara, the guardian of the sacred energy. The climax unfolds on the night of the solar eclipse when Maya’s cult performs their final ritual to unseal the vault. The temple’s walls tremble as the ancient seals begin to crack open. Arjun, adorned in traditional warrior attire symbolizing Lord Shiva’s spirit, confronts Maya in the inner sanctum. The confrontation between them is not just physical but philosophical. Maya taunts him, declaring that humanity will always choose greed over sacrifice, while Arjun insists that true power lies in renunciation. A massive supernatural battle follows — lightning, fire, and chants fill the temple as the two forces clash. Maya unleashes dark energy drawn from forbidden rituals, while Arjun channels divine energy through his devotion. The fight symbolizes the collision of two universal truths: the desire to possess and the courage to surrender. In the emotional finale, Maya almost succeeds in unlocking the vault, but Arjun sacrifices himself to contain the destructive power within. His body disintegrates into divine light, sealing the darkness once again. Maya’s spirit, stripped of its arrogance, dissolves into dust as she realizes the futility of her greed. The vault reseals, and peace returns to the temple. The film ends with the symbolic image of Lord Shiva’s statue shedding a tear — a reminder that even gods mourn human ignorance but never abandon their creation. The final scene shows a child playing near the temple, holding a rudraksha bead that glows faintly — hinting that the spirit of Jatadhara lives on, waiting to awaken whenever the world’s balance is threatened again. Jatadhara thus becomes a story about the eternal cycle of greed and sacrifice, and the timeless battle within every human soul. It’s not just a tale of myth and fantasy, but a moral reflection on modern society — how our obsession with wealth and power can blind us to spiritual truth. Through breathtaking visuals, haunting music, and symbolic storytelling, the film tries to remind audiences that while greed may offer temporary victory, only selflessness brings eternal peace.