Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 makers urge fans to avoid…

The makers of Rishab Shetty’s film “Kantara Chapter 1” have issued a public appeal to fans, urging them to refrain from imitating the Daiva characters from the movie. This request comes after a video surfaced on social media showing a fan dressed as a Daiva entering a Tamil Nadu theatre, sparking mixed reactions online.

What did makers request?

In their statement, the makers expressed gratitude for the overwhelming positive response to the film but highlighted concerns about fans imitating the Daiva characters in public spaces and gatherings. They emphasized that Dhaivaradhane or Daiva worship, as featured in the film, is rooted in deep spiritual tradition and is not intended for performance or casual mimicry. “Such acts amount to trivialising our belief system and deeply hurt the religious sentiments and faith of the Tulu community,” the makers stated. They urged fans to recognize the spiritual importance of these portrayals and act responsibly.

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… pic.twitter.com/y6B9NjvfLr

— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) October 7, 2025

Rishab Shetty expressed his disappointment

Rishab Shetty, the actor and director of the film, also spoke about the issue, expressing disappointment over fans mimicking the Daiva characters. He emphasized that the film’s team ensures a respectful and careful portrayal of Daiva Nartaks during shooting, and any attempts by fans to replicate the rituals for social media attention or amusement hurt the sentiments of the community. “We do it for the cinematic experience and for the story’s emotional arc. But the concept of Daiva that we have brought into the film, that is not cinema for us.”

More about Kantara

“Kantara” is a 2022 Kannada-language action-thriller film starring Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, and Kishore. The story revolves around a clash between a Kambala athlete and a forest officer, exploring themes of land, identity, and tradition. A prequel, “Kantara: Chapter 1,” was released on October 2, 2025, featuring Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah, which delves into the origins of the divine spirit Panjurli Daiva and the legend that shaped the region’s culture and faith, Guliga Daiva.

Story Highlights

1. The makers of Kantara: Chapter 1 appealed to fans not to imitate Daiva characters in public, citing respect for spiritual traditions.
2. They warned that casual mimicking trivializes the faith of the Tulu community and can hurt religious sentiments.
3. Rishab Shetty expressed disappointment, explaining that cinematic ritual portrayals are for storytelling, not public performance.
4. The film explores the origin of Panjurli Daiva and respectfully weaves myth, tradition, and culture into its narrative.

The request from Kantara: Chapter 1’s team underscores the sensitivity required when dealing with cultural and religious beliefs on screen. While the film has been praised for its rooted storytelling and representation of Daiva traditions, the makers urge audiences to differentiate between cinematic portrayal and real belief.