Kantara actor Rishab Shetty breaks silence on criticism over female characters: “we can't change the story”

Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty has addressed criticism regarding how women are depicted in his Kantara films. He stated that while female characters are designed to be strong and impactful, their arcs are ultimately dictated by the story. He emphasized that cinema often mirrors society and that filmmakers cannot always alter narratives to meet external expectations.

Rishab Shetty on Backlash Over Female Portrayals
After the release of Kantara in 2022, Rishab faced backlash over a scene where he pinched the heroine’s waist without consent. In a Times Now interview, he reflected on the criticism and explained the context behind the act.

“In it, there was Shiva’s journey, who is not just a hero but also a villain. People misunderstood him, thinking the hero is doing something wrong. I was just showing what he shouldn’t do, but is doing the opposite. He has faced a lot of negativity, but later he will reach enlightenment. The story also shows how situations lead to change. The mother’s character was very interesting and powerful. Many people may have opinions, but we can’t change the story. Cinema reflects society," Rishab said.

Responding to criticism of Kantara and films like Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, Rishab noted that films reflect reality, portraying both its light and dark aspects.

“Stories in cinema often reflect society. Cinematic liberty allows filmmakers to recreate what we see in society. Some of it is positive, some negative. We present everything, and it’s up to the audience how they perceive it. Films can give important points and information; people take away the good, while the negativity is shown and then left behind," he added.

About Kantara Chapter 1
Currently, Rishab is receiving praise for Kantara Chapter 1, which is performing well at the box office. Written and directed by him, the original Kantara was a sleeper hit, earning over ₹400 crore worldwide on a ₹15 crore budget. The prequel, set a thousand years before the events of the original, stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah, and has collected ₹370 crore globally in its first five days of release.