Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty has responded to criticism concerning the portrayal of women in his film ‘Kantara.’ Shetty explained that while female characters are designed to be strong and impactful, their narratives are ultimately dictated by the story’s requirements. He believes that cinema serves as a reflection of society, and filmmakers cannot always alter narratives to align with external expectations.
Shetty addressed the backlash he received in 2022 for a scene in ‘Kantara’ where his character pinched the heroine’s waist without her consent. Reflecting on the criticism during an interview, he clarified the scene’s context, stating, “In it, there was Shiva’s journey, who is not just a hero but also a villain. People misunderstood him, thinking the hero is doing something wrong. I was just showing what he shouldn’t do, but is doing the opposite. He has faced a lot of negativity, but later he will reach enlightenment. The story also shows how situations lead to change. The mother’s character was very interesting and powerful. Many people may have opinions, but we can’t change the story. Cinema reflects society.”
When discussing criticism of his films and others like Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Animal,’ Shetty remarked that cinema is a mirror to reality, reflecting both its brighter and darker sides. “Stories in cinema often reflect society,” he said. “Cinematic liberty allows filmmakers to recreate what we see in society. Some of it is positive, some negative. We present everything, and it’s up to the audience how they perceive it. Films can give important points and information; people take away the good, while the negativity is shown and then left behind.”
Regarding ‘Kantara Chapter 1,’ Rishab Shetty is currently receiving praise for the film’s box office success. The original ‘Kantara’ was a sleeper hit, grossing over ₹400 crore globally on a budget of ₹15 crore. The prequel, ‘Kantara Chapter 1,’ is set a thousand years prior to the original film’s events and features Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah. The prequel has reportedly earned ₹370 crore worldwide within its first five days of release.