Amidst the widespread acclaim for "Kantara Chapter 1," the film's makers have issued an earnest appeal to audiences: refrain from imitating Daiva characters in public spaces. Hombale Films, the production house behind the Rishab Shetty starrer, released a statement emphasizing the sacred nature of Dhaivaradhane (Daiva worship) and the potential for misinterpretation and offense when it is trivialized through mimicry.
The appeal follows instances of individuals dressing as Daiva and mimicking scenes from the movie in theaters and public areas. Videos of such acts have circulated on social media, prompting concern from the filmmakers who worry that these actions diminish the spiritual significance of Daiva worship and hurt the religious sentiments of the Tulu community.
"Dhaivaradhane or Daiva worship, as featured in our film, is rooted in deep spiritual tradition and is not intended for performance or casual mimicry," the statement from Hombale Films read. "Such acts amount to trivializing our belief system and deeply hurt the religious sentiments and faith of the Tulu community". The production house urged the public to recognize the spiritual importance of the portrayals and act responsibly, ensuring that the devotion they sought to celebrate is never compromised or treated lightly.
Rishab Shetty himself has spoken out against the imitations, expressing his dismay in an interview. He emphasized that the film portrays Daiva Nartak (spiritual performers) with deep seriousness and respect, and any casual imitation undermines the devotion and cultural sentiments of the community. He clarified that the film's depiction is meant for a cinematic experience and requested audiences to enjoy the movie respectfully without trivializing its spiritual aspects.
"It is very sad. We didn't make the film with that thought," Shetty said. "I request them through you to not do that. See cinema as cinema… The Daiva whom we worship, it is very sacred". He further explained that the performers always maintain focus and seek blessings from the Daiva, and he discourages people from imitating in excitement.
"Kantara Chapter 1," a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster "Kantara," explores the origin story and expands on the folklore-driven universe that resonated with audiences nationwide. The film aims to respectfully portray Dhaivaradhane and celebrate the glory of the Daivas, spreading the significance and heritage of the Tulu soil to the world. The makers have expressed gratitude for the overwhelming positive response to the film.
In addition to concerns about mimicking Daiva characters, the "Kantara Chapter 1" team has also addressed piracy concerns. They have requested fans not to share recordings from theaters, emphasizing that it "takes away from the magic of cinema" and harms the efforts of those who worked to bring the film to life.
The film has faced other controversies as well, including backlash for Rishab Shetty speaking only Kannada at a promotional event in Hyderabad, which led to calls for a boycott. However, Shetty clarified his pride in Kannada while affirming his respect for all Indian languages.
