“Explained: Why imitating Kantara’s Daiva acts hurt Rishab Shetty, Tulu community”, India Today, October 08, 2025

“Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has been a box office phenomenon since its October 2 release. The film captivated audiences with powerful storytelling and an authentic portrayal of sacred traditions. However, its success is now overshadowed by a troubling trend. Fans have dressed up as Daiva and recreated possession scenes at cinema halls, sparking widespread debate about cultural sensitivity and respect for religious practices.

Rishab Shetty and the makers of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ have urged fans not to imitate the rituals and trivialise their tradition.

WHAT HAPPENED AT THEATRES DURING KANTARA SCREENINGS?

Videos have emerged from multiple locations showing fans re-enacting the film’s ritualistic Daiva possession scenes. In Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul, a fan dressed in a Daiva costume performed the act inside the Uma Rajendraa theatre’s auditorium……”

Read full article at Indiatoday.in