Rishab Shetty, the acclaimed actor and filmmaker behind the record-breaking film Kantara: Chapter 1, recently opened up about the overwhelming response to the movie and the controversies surrounding it, particularly regarding the depiction of the Daiva ritual, also known as Buta Kola. In an exclusive conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment & Lifestyle, on The Right Angle, Shetty spoke candidly about the emotional and cultural significance of the ritual, the reaction to people mimicking it on social media, and his perspective on balancing creative expression with respect for tradition.

Since its release, Kantara: Chapter 1 has garnered widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. The film’s narrative, which intricately weaves the relationship between humans and nature with the spiritual practices of coastal Karnataka, has struck a chord with audiences. Central to the story is the Buta Kola ritual, a traditional Daiva worship ceremony performed in the Tulu Nadu region. The ritual involves invoking the spirits of local deities, a practice that holds deep cultural and emotional significance for practitioners and the local community. Through the film, Shetty and his team sought to portray this ancient ritual with authenticity and reverence, highlighting its spiritual essence and the profound connection it fosters between people and their natural surroundings.

However, along with the movie’s success came an unexpected challenge. Many social media users began creating short-form videos, particularly on Instagram Reels, attempting to mimic the Daiva ritual seen in the film. While intended as entertainment, these imitations quickly drew criticism for trivializing a deeply spiritual tradition. In his interview, Shetty expressed his disappointment and hurt over this trend. “When you’re emotionally low, witnessing the Daiva ritual can hit harder — we call it avaahan, where you lose your external self. I understand that. But those mimicking it just to go viral… we’re upset with that mindset,” he explained.

The actor-director emphasized that the ritual is not merely a performance or spectacle; it is an integral part of the Tulu Nadu community’s spiritual life. It is performed with devotion, respect, and an understanding of its deeper purpose. When people imitate it casually for social media engagement, it diminishes its sanctity and can be deeply offensive to those who revere the practice. Shetty, who himself follows and respects these traditions, described how witnessing such acts can feel hurtful. “Main Daiva ko maanta hoon, mere ghar ke hain voh, we worship them. I don’t want to be disrespectful. These reels are hurting the sentiments of people belonging to a region and its belief system. Yeh sab hota hai toh bura lagta hai. Main har baar request karta hoon logon ko,” he said, highlighting the need for sensitivity and awareness when engaging with cultural and religious symbols.

The makers of Kantara had earlier issued an official statement on social media addressing the issue. They expressed gratitude for the positive response to the film but cautioned against inappropriate mimicry of Daiva characters in public spaces or casual gatherings. The statement read, in part, “Dhaivaradhane or Daiva worship, as featured in our film, is rooted in deep spiritual tradition and is not intended for performance or casual mimicry. Such acts amount to trivialising our belief system and deeply hurt the religious sentiments and faith of the Tulu community.” The filmmakers’ statement underscores the delicate balance between celebrating cultural practices through cinema and ensuring that these practices are treated with the respect they deserve.

Shetty’s comments also touch on a broader conversation about cultural representation in contemporary media. In an age where social media platforms encourage quick, viral content, there is often little understanding of the context or significance behind the traditions being portrayed. What is presented on screen as part of a narrative may be misunderstood or misrepresented when extracted from its cultural and spiritual context. By addressing the issue publicly, Shetty not only defends the integrity of his film but also educates audiences on the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible engagement with traditions that may not be widely understood outside their communities.

Beyond this controversy, Shetty’s interview with The Right Angle covered a range of topics, including the film’s extraordinary box office performance and his future projects. Kantara: Chapter 1 has broken records across multiple regions, highlighting the appeal of authentic storytelling and the power of regional cinema to connect with diverse audiences. The film’s success has also sparked interest in Shetty’s upcoming ventures, including his plans to work in Hindi cinema for the first time. While details about the project remain under wraps, Shetty’s enthusiasm for expanding his creative reach and bringing regional narratives to a wider audience was evident during the conversation.

Shetty’s reflections reveal a filmmaker deeply committed to the cultural and spiritual integrity of his work. His dual role as director and lead actor in Kantara meant that he was intimately involved in every aspect of the film’s creation, from scripting and casting to choreography and cinematography. This hands-on approach allowed him to ensure that the rituals, landscapes, and characters depicted were authentic and respectful of the traditions they represented. The film’s success, therefore, is not only a testament to its entertainment value but also to Shetty’s dedication to cultural storytelling and meticulous attention to detail.

At the heart of Shetty’s concerns is the impact that casual mimicry can have on the perception of sacred rituals. He explained that the Daiva ritual, or Buta Kola, is a deeply emotional experience for those who participate in it. During the ceremony, individuals enter a state known as avaahan, where they symbolically lose their external self and connect with the divine. This transformative experience is meant to inspire devotion and reflection, not to be reduced to a trend for social media. By trivializing it, even unintentionally, people risk undermining the spiritual and emotional resonance that the ritual holds for the Tulu community.

Shetty’s plea to audiences is rooted in both respect for tradition and a desire to foster genuine appreciation for the culture depicted in Kantara. His comments encourage viewers to engage with cultural practices thoughtfully, recognizing that what may appear entertaining in a film has profound meaning in real life. He also emphasized the responsibility of creators and consumers alike in promoting awareness and sensitivity, reinforcing the idea that cultural representation comes with ethical considerations and respect for the communities involved.

In addition to addressing these concerns, Shetty’s discussion on The Right Angle offered insight into the collaborative process behind Kantara. From working closely with local communities to ensure authenticity in depicting rituals to meticulously designing sets and costumes, the film reflects a deep engagement with regional culture. Shetty’s dedication to authenticity has been a key factor in the film’s widespread acclaim and commercial success. His approach demonstrates how cinema can serve as a bridge between entertainment and cultural education, fostering understanding and appreciation for traditions that may be unfamiliar to broader audiences.

As conversations around Kantara continue, the dialogue initiated by Shetty’s remarks highlights the intersection of cinema, social media, and cultural sensitivity. While the film has inspired audiences and creators alike, it also serves as a reminder that cultural practices are not merely aesthetic elements to be replicated for entertainment. The respect for tradition, the understanding of context, and the acknowledgment of emotional and spiritual significance are essential components of responsible engagement with culture in contemporary media.

In conclusion, Rishab Shetty’s candid reflections on the Daiva ritual controversy surrounding Kantara: Chapter 1 shed light on the deeper responsibilities of filmmakers and audiences in preserving cultural integrity. His heartfelt plea against trivialization, combined with his commitment to authentic storytelling, underscores the importance of respect, sensitivity, and awareness in representing sacred traditions. Beyond the controversy, Shetty’s vision for cinema, his dedication to regional storytelling, and his plans to expand into Hindi films make him one of the most influential and conscientious voices in Indian cinema today. Through Kantara, he has not only created a cinematic success but also initiated an important conversation about cultural reverence, responsibility, and the power of storytelling to connect audiences to meaningful traditions.

The full episode of The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra featuring Rishab Shetty is available on YouTube across the Hindustan Times, Hindustan, Livemint, and HT City channels, offering audiences a comprehensive look at the film, its cultural context, and Shetty’s future endeavors in cinema.

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