Rishab Shetty has urged his fans to refrain from dressing as Daiva characters while in cinema halls to watch Kantara Chapter 1. The actor made the emotional request after several videos went viral on social platforms of fans dressing in a sacred manner and imitating acts that had taken place inside and outside cinema halls.
Why the Actor Made This Request
The issue began with the excitement of fans over the Kantara film’s success. Some people had the idea that dressing similar to the divine characters in the movie and imitating actions of the film were a way to show their love for it publicly. But Shetty sees it differently. He told reporters that the actions-taking place really impacted him and the communities where Daiva worship is held in a much more sacred respect.
He explained to the reporters that in filming the movie, the intent was to portray respect to the traditions of Daiva worship. He stated they never made the film with the idea of someone dressing or imitating beliefs or sacred actions in a public place. For him, and the filmmakers, the Daiva ideology shown on screen or as part of a Kantara film is not just another aspect of cinema; it goes far beyond that.
What Actually Happened at Theatres
People got really creative with their love for the movie. Here are some things that happened:
- A person walked into a theatre in Dindigul wearing a full Daiva outfit and moved around the aisles while security tried to stop them
- Another fan in Bengaluru dressed in yellow clothes and copied a possession scene outside the cinema hall
- Several folks recorded themselves doing these acts and put the clips online where they spread fast
- These recordings got mixed reactions from people watching them on social platforms
The Makers Also Spoke Up
Similarly, Hombale Films, the studio behind the film Kantara Chapter 1, also responded to this issue. They made an official statement on their social accounts, encouraging everyone to “understand the things they were trying to accomplish with their films.”
The statement included information about how Dhaivaradhane means a lot to the people of the Tulunadu region of coastal Karnataka and is a symbol of belief and cultural identity. They stated that they made both movies of Kantara to express it in an appropriate manner and to share the significance of the traditions with the global audience.
They stated that the sacred figures depicted in their Kantara films are not for public imitation or representation. The production house fervently stated that they were careful to properly represent the deep reverence and devotion that was the basis for the actions shown in their films.
Why This Matters to the Community
For individuals who actively participate in these traditions, it is not cool to see people dress up and behave in the way of Daivas. There is a fine line between appreciating and being disrespectful. Members of the Tulu community, especially seniors, were upset when they saw these videos shared on social media.
The divine beings Guliga and Panjurli are very important to people in the Mangalore region. They are not characters in the Kantara film but are real beings that people worship and call sacred. When people don costumes to dance around for fun or for social media content, it diminishes the seriousness of those traditions.
What the Actor Actually Wants
Shetty was blunt in his interview. He stated that the movie is through an entertainment lens, but the spiritual ideas the film circles are deserving of respect. He wants the audience to consume the art and enjoy it, while still respecting the cultural aspects behind the Kantara film without appropriation.
The actor stated Kantara Chapter 1 was made to give the audience a larger-than-life experience while also offering a layered storyline worthy of engagements. However, spiritual elements in the film come from real traditions and repeatable practice that people value.
Just like how you might enjoy watching Khelofun content or checking out Khelofun related material online, the movie is meant to be enjoyed in its own space. Taking it outside that space and into real life in this way changes its meaning completely.
How People Reacted Online
The clips showing fans dressed as Daivas created big arguments on social platforms. Some people thought it showed how much the fans loved the movie and appreciated the cultural elements. But many others felt it was wrong to treat something sacred like a costume party.
One person wrote that they know fans get excited and want attention, but this was not the way to do it. They said these practices are at the core of their life and should not be treated this way. The divide in opinions shows how people see respect for cultural traditions differently.
Moving Forward
The message from both the actor and the production company is straightforward. They want audiences to keep loving the movie and celebrating its success. But they also want everyone to draw a line between enjoying cinema and respecting the real traditions that inspired it.
The film continues doing great at the box office and getting amazing reviews from viewers. But the makers hope that going forward, people will understand the difference between what belongs on screen and what should stay sacred in real life.
