What was the controversial scene in Kantara that Rishab Shetty addressed?

Rishab Shetty addressed a scene in Kantara where his character Shiva pinched the heroine's waist without her consent.

How did Rishab Shetty explain the intent behind the controversial Kantara scene?

Shetty said the scene was part of Shiva's journey as a flawed individual, not meant to glorify the action, but to show what the character should not be doing and explore his eventual transformation.

What did Rishab Shetty say about the portrayal of female characters in Kantara?

Shetty highlighted the strength of female characters in the film, such as Shiva's mother, who was written as a powerful and impactful figure.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rishab Shetty Defends Controversial Kantara Scene, Calls It a Narrative Choice

Rishab Shetty Defends Controversial Kantara Scene, Calls It a Narrative Choice

8 Oct

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Summary

Rishab Shetty faced criticism for a scene in Kantara where his character pinched the heroine's waist without consent
Shetty explains the scene was part of the character's journey, not meant to glorify the action
Shetty highlights the strength of female characters in the film, says cinema reflects society's complexities

Rishab Shetty Defends Controversial Kantara Scene, Calls It a Narrative Choice

In October 2025, Kantara director Rishab Shetty responded to the criticism he faced last year over a scene in the film where his character pinched the heroine's waist without her consent. Shetty explained that the scene was part of the character Shiva's journey, who he says is not portrayed as a conventional hero, but rather as a "flawed individual."

"People misunderstood the intent, thinking the hero was being glorified while doing something wrong," Shetty said. "But I was showing what he shouldn't be doing -- his actions were deliberately problematic to set up his eventual growth. The story explores how experiences and circumstances shape a person's transformation."