Rishab Shetty Breaks Silence On Kantara Women Criticism

Cinema works like a mirror to society, showing both its beauty and its flaws. Rishab Shetty, who wrote, directed, and starred in the Kantara films, spoke about criticism of how women are shown in his work. He said his female characters are strong, but their stories must follow the demands of the script. Changing them for public opinion would affect the story’s core.

The controversy began in 2022 over a scene where Shetty’s character pinches the heroine’s waist without her consent. It sparked a wide discussion online. Talking to Bollywood news, Shetty explained the context. “Shiva is not only a hero but also a villain. People misunderstood the scene. It was meant to show his flaws. The story is about his mistakes and eventual growth,” he said. He also noted that the mother’s character was designed to be powerful and meaningful, saying the story should not be altered for criticism.

Shetty said films often reflect reality with both positive and negative aspects. “Cinema shows society as it is. Filmmakers have the freedom to present reality. What people take away depends on them,” he added. His comments extended beyond his films, referring to other works like Animal where similar debates have happened.

Rukmini Vasanth, who played the lead in Kantara: Chapter One, supported Shetty. She said her role was well-written and meaningful. “It was a beautiful character. Playing it was a great experience both professionally and personally,” she said. For Shetty and his team, the goal is not avoiding criticism but telling stories that stay true to their vision while giving women strong voices.