Rishab Shetty responds to criticism over women’s portrayal in Kantara: “People misunderstood the intent…”

In 2022, following the release of Kantara, actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty faced criticism for a scene in which his character pinched the heroine’s waist without her consent. The moment sparked a broader conversation about the portrayal of women in the film.

In a recent interview with Times Now, Rishab addressed the backlash and shared the context behind the controversial scene. He explained that the scene was part of the character Shiva’s journey, who, according to him, is not portrayed as a conventional hero. “There, Shiva is not just a hero — he is also a flawed individual,” Rishab said. “People misunderstood the intent, thinking the hero was being glorified while doing something wrong. But I was showing what he shouldn’t be doing — his actions were deliberately problematic to set up his eventual growth. The story explores how experiences and circumstances shape a person’s transformation.”

Shetty also highlighted the strength of the female characters in the film. “Shiva’s mother, for instance, was written as a powerful and impactful figure. While audiences are free to interpret stories in their own way, as filmmakers, we cannot always change the narrative to meet external expectations. Cinema often mirrors society — both its good and its bad,” he added.

Responding to broader criticism directed not only at Kantara but also films like Animal by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Rishab emphasized that cinema reflects reality, with all its complexities. “Films portray what we see around us — some of it is positive, some negative. Cinematic liberty allows us to present both sides. It’s then up to the audience to decide what to take away. Stories can offer valuable messages, and while they may include uncomfortable elements, those moments often serve a purpose in the narrative arc,” he explained.

Kantara Chapter 1: Box Office Success

Currently, Rishab Shetty is enjoying success with Kantara Chapter 1, the prequel to the original Kantara. Set before the events of the first film, Kantara Chapter 1 has performed strongly at the box office.

The original Kantara, released in 2022, became a sleeper hit worldwide. The prequel, written and directed by Rishab, also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah.

Also Read: Rishab Shetty talks time travel, bhoota kola, and global reactions: “This time, it’s more complicated”

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