Fans' Dramatic Daiva Impersonations Spark Controversy Over 'Kantara' Film

In the weeks following the nationwide release of the film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' on October 2, 2025, a series of controversial incidents have unfolded across southern India. Viral videos have emerged showing fans dressed as the Daiva character from the film, dramatically re-enacting possession scenes inside theaters.

One such incident occurred at the Uma Rajendraa theatre in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul, where a fan mimicked the film's famous possession sequence. Another fan, dressed in traditional attire, performed a similar act outside the Anjan theatre in Bengaluru. These imitative performances quickly gained traction online, sparking outrage among many social media users.

Critics have condemned the acts as disrespectful towards the Tulunadu tradition of Daiva worship, which holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in the region. Many argued that the fans' actions crossed the line from admiration to mockery, trivializing a revered practice. One user commented, "This is not any divine visual but a mockery of the Tulunadu tradition."