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."

Shetty also highlighted the strength of the female characters in Kantara, stating that Shiva's mother, for instance, was written as a "powerful and impactful figure." He emphasized that while audiences are free to interpret stories in their own way, as filmmakers, they cannot always change the narrative to meet external expectations.

Addressing the broader criticism directed at films like Kantara and Animal, Shetty said cinema often mirrors society, both its positive and negative aspects. "Cinematic liberty allows us to present both sides. It's then up to the audience to decide what to take away. Stories can offer valuable messages, and while they may include uncomfortable elements, those moments often serve a purpose in the narrative arc," he explained.