Rishab Shetty in controversy as 'Boycott Kantara' trends; what it means for the film

National Award-winning Kannada filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty is gearing up for the release of his ambitious prequel Kantara Chapter 1 on October 2. Hombale Films is producing the big-ticket project, which has already created significant buzz across multiple regions.

A special pre-release event for the Telugu version was held in Hyderabad on Sunday, with Tollywood star Jr. NTR attending as chief guest. While the occasion was expected to strengthen the film’s connect with Telugu audiences, the spotlight shifted elsewhere.

The Speech That Sparked a Row

At the Hyderabad event, Rishab chose to address the gathering in Kannada instead of opening his speech in Telugu. His words reflected pride in his mother tongue, but for many in attendance and those watching online, the choice came across as a snub. Within hours, social media began buzzing with criticism.

Fans pointed out that in Chennai, Rishab had made an effort to speak in Tamil, while in Mumbai he had delivered his thoughts fluently in Hindi. The lack of even a basic attempt in Telugu left many feeling overlooked, especially considering how strongly the first Kantara performed in the Telugu states.

Hashtags and Social Media Backlash

X (formerly Twitter) quickly filled with posts highlighting the issue. Several users insisted that stars promoting their films in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana should at least greet audiences in Telugu. The criticism snowballed into trolling, with hashtags calling for a boycott of Kantara Chapter 1 appearing among trending topics.

Adding to the unease, discussions have already begun around a potential ticket price hike for the dubbed version in Telugu states. If approved, such a move may fuel even more online negativity, with audiences already questioning whether the production is doing enough to respect regional viewers.

The NTR Factor

One aspect that drew attention during the event was Rishab’s interaction with Jr. NTR. The two shared warm camaraderie, with Rishab repeatedly acknowledging his admiration for the Telugu star. Their bond was one of the few lighter moments of the evening and was welcomed by fans of both actors.

However, even the presence of a celebrated Tollywood figure like NTR couldn’t fully deflect the online focus away from the Kannada-only speech. For many viewers, it reinforced the perception that the team wasn’t prioritizing local connect during promotions.

Why Telugu Audiences Feel Slighted

The reaction isn’t just about one speech. Over the last few years, the Telugu audience has played a decisive role in elevating several non-Telugu films to blockbuster status. Kantara itself saw a massive contribution from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Many believe that making an effort to connect linguistically is the least a visiting star can do when addressing these states.

This sentiment is not new. Bollywood and Kannada actors have often praised Telugu audiences as being among the most supportive of Indian cinema. But critics argue that these compliments ring hollow if performers don’t take small steps, like speaking a few lines in Telugu to show respect during promotional tours.

The Road Ahead for Kantara Chapter 1: The Legend

Despite the uproar, the film itself continues to generate strong curiosity. Marketed as a grand prequel to the 2022 phenomenon Kantara, the upcoming chapter explores the origin story and expands on the folklore-driven universe that struck a chord nationwide.

Yet, with controversy brewing just days before release, the Telugu reception has become unpredictable. If the backlash persists, opening numbers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may be affected, even though anticipation remains high. How the producers manage the narrative in the coming week could decide whether the noise dies down or grows into a bigger obstacle.

For now, Kantara Chapter 1 sits at the center of a debate that goes beyond one film—it reflects the growing expectation that pan-India projects must speak not only through dubbing but also through genuine cultural engagement during promotions.