The film features no LGBTQ+ characters or themes, centering on ancient folklore, divine interventions, and cultural clashes in coastal Karnataka.

No transgender characters or themes appear in the film. The mythological plot focuses on folklore, deities, and human-nature conflicts, offering no portrayal of transsexual identity.

Female characters like Kanakavathi engage in confrontations involving swordplay and rituals, but rely on black magic rather than physical prowess to challenge male opponents. No instances occur where a female character victoriously defeats males in direct hand-to-hand or melee combat.

The film draws from coastal Karnataka folklore and Kadamba dynasty history, portraying characters like Berme, Kanakavathi, and daivas such as Panjurli and Chavundi in line with their established genders, without any swaps.

Kantara: Chapter 1 draws from coastal Karnataka folklore for its characters, including tribal guardians and daivas, all portrayed by South Indian actors consistent with the regional ethnic context of the original myths and the 2022 predecessor film, presenting no race swaps.