Kantara Controversy: Rishab Shetty Warns Against Unauthorised Imitations

Mangaluru: The makers of Kantara, along with actor-director Rishab Shetty, have issued a stern warning against individuals imitating divine worship scenes from the film in public or sacred spaces. Such acts, the team said, disrespect cultural and religious sentiments and may attract legal action.

In a statement, the Kantara team expressed concern over “uncalled behaviour” where scenes from the movie are enacted in places of worship or other sacred settings. “When divine acts are imitated disrespectfully, it amounts to defamation of faith. We will not tolerate it, and appropriate legal steps will follow,” the statement read.

The filmmakers stressed that Kantara is a tribute to Tulu culture, indigenous beliefs, and devotion, and is not meant for improvisations or public theatrics. They also wrote to the Bangalore TuluKoota, urging awareness and restraint among the public.

While the team acknowledged the importance of freedom of expression, they emphasised that it should not offend religious sentiments or communal harmony, highlighting the delicate balance between cinema, faith, and public behaviour.