Kantara Chapter 1: Makers Appeal Fans Against 'Imitating, Mimicking Daiva Characters' Amid Viral Theatre Videos

Rishab Shetty starrer Kantara Chapter 1 released in theatres on October 2, just in time for the Dussehra weekend, and has taken the box office by storm. The film, released in multiple languages as a pan-India

offering, recorded a staggering Rs 90 crore on its opening day, marking one of the biggest openings of the year. Set during the era of the Kadamba dynasty, Kantara Chapter 1 delves deep into the spiritual and cultural roots of the region, offering a powerful portrayal of ancient traditions. One of the standout elements of the film is its authentic depiction of the Buta Kola ritual, charged with devotional moments. Of late, social media has been flooded with videos of people imitating the Devas and the rituals. Now, the makers have issued a public appeal to not perform such acts.

Kantara Chapter 1 makers issue public appeal against 'Imitating, Mimicking' Daiva personas

Taking to their official X handle (Formerly known as Twitter), makers of Kantara Chapter 1, Hombale films issued a detailed statement.At first, they thanked viewers for their unconditional support and wrote, "To the cinephiles and the global audience, Dhaivaradhane stands as a profound symbol of faith and cultural pride within Tulunadu, the coastal region of Karnataka. Our films, Kantara and Kantara Chapter-1, were created with the purpose of respectfully portraying this devotion and celebrating the glory of the Daivas. We have strived tirelessly to ensure that the profound respect and unwavering devotion central to Dhaivaradhane were honoured, successfully spreading the significance and heritage of the Tulu soil with the world. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming positive response. However, we have observed that certain individuals have been imitating the Daiva characters from the movie and engaging in inappropriate behaviour in public spaces and gatherings." The makers further appealed the audience to not imitate or mock the Daiva characters. They wrote, "Dhaivaradhane or Daiva worship, as featured in our film, is rooted in deep spiritual tradition and is not intended for performance or casual mimicry. Such acts amount to trivializing our belief system and deeply hurt the religious sentiments and faith of the Tulu community. Hombale Films therefore makes a strong and sincere appeal to the public and audiences to refrain from any act that involves imitating, mimicking, or trivializing the Daiva personas—whether in cinema halls or in public places." The statement further reads, "The sacred nature of Dhaivaradhane must always be upheld. We urge all citizens to recognize the spiritual importance of these portrayals and act responsibly, ensuring that the devotion we sought to celebrate is never compromised or treated lightly. We appreciate your continued support and cooperation in preserving the sanctity of this invaluable cultural heritage."

Fan dressed as Daiva stunned in theatre

The statement comes after several videos of fans imitating Daivas made their way on social media. Recently, a fan dressed as a goddess-like Daiva stunned moviegoers at a screening in Dindigul, capturing the awe and emotion of the crowd. Audience members were visibly moved.

This is not the first instance of such reactions. During the First Day First Show (FDFS) in Bengaluru, another fan was seen becoming deeply emotional after the screening, a video of which went viral on social media.

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About Kantara Chapter 1

Joining Rishab Shetty on screen are Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, and Kishore, who bring depth and nuance to their roles. The film’s music, composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, adds a divine layer to the visual storytelling, amplifying the mythic and spiritual tone of the narrative. Kantara Chapter 1 serves as the prequel to the 2022 cult hit Kantara, also helmed by Rishab Shetty. Continuing the legacy of its predecessor, the film has seen a phenomenal box office run, Rs 255 crore from India alone.