Kannada Actor Rishab Shetty Faces Backlash for Kannada Speech at Telugu 'Kantara' Event

On September 29, 2025, Kannada actor-director Rishab Shetty found himself at the center of a controversy after delivering a speech in Kannada at the Telugu pre-release event of his film 'Kantara: Chapter 1' in Hyderabad. The event, held just days before the film's release on October 2, drew attention as many Telugu-speaking fans expressed disappointment over Shetty's decision to speak in his native language.

Many Telugu fans argued that a Telugu-language event should have warranted an address in the local language. One user on the social media platform X commented, "When you are promoting your film in Telugu, make an attempt to speak in Telugu," echoing a common sentiment among the audience.

However, Shetty defended his choice, explaining that he wanted to speak in Kannada as it allowed him to express himself from the heart. He also spoke fondly of his close friend and Telugu superstar Jr NTR, stating that he never sees him as just a "Telugu hero" but rather as a brother.

Despite the backlash, a few others supported Shetty by sharing the full video where he provided context for his decision to speak in Kannada. The 'Kantara' team, including Shetty and Jr NTR, also used the event to appreciate each other's work and discuss their bond.