The famous Kannada actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty, widely recognized for his 2022 hit Kantara, has created a controversy with his recent comments on how Bollywood portrays India.
Shetty, who recently received the Best Actor National Film Award for his role in Kantara, has been busy promoting his upcoming Kannada film Laughing Buddha, starring Pramod Shetty. However, his criticism of Bollywood has sparked a significant backlash.
In an interview, Shetty expressed his annoyance with Bollywood’s representation of India at international film festivals. Speaking in Kannada, he remarked, “Indian films, especially Bollywood, portray India negatively. These art films are invited to global events and given a red carpet. My nation, my state, my language—my pride. Why not present it positively on the global stage? That’s what I strive to do.”
Shetty’s remarks have triggered a strong response online. Critics have accused him of hypocrisy, pointing to a scene in Kantara where his character pinches a woman’s waist without her consent, leading to allegations of double standards.
Here are some reactions:
Such a jealous soul. Katter bollywood hater.
— अपना Bollywood🎥 (@Apna_Bollywood) August 20, 2024
He begged bollywood audience to support his third class overrated film that was filled with animal k!ling, s£x prevert, meat eating, women abuser etc.
Showing his true color.
success is temporary, but pinching female waist & shitting on Bollywood is permanent🤡🤡
— NJ (@Nilzrav) August 20, 2024
How about addressing the glorification of problematic behaviour in your movie Kantara?
— Prasad Rajguru (@PrasadRajguru1) August 20, 2024
What do you have to say in this regard?
