Rishab Shetty FINALLY addresses backlash over portrayal of women characters in 'Kantara': 'Even in a film where the story revolves around a man…'

Rishab Shetty's 'Kantara: Chapter 1' has been released in theaters and is raking up huge numbers at the box office. Amidst all the buzz around the film, its director and lead actor, Rishab Shetty, recently addressed the backlash the first part of the franchise faced after its release. While the 2022 film emerged as a massive blockbuster, it was also called out for the portrayal of women, especially Sapthami Gowda's character. The film received criticism for the misogynistic behavior of Shiva (played by Shetty).

Rishab Shetty talks about how his onscreen mother played an important character in 'Kantara'

In an interview with News18 Showsha, Rishab Shetty addressed the issue and said, "I don’t agree when you say that 'Kantara' is a man’s world. The character of the mother in the first film was very prominent."


Shetty stated that though the character of Daiva Nartak is quite significant in the story, the mother's role is also very important. Talking about the climax scene, Rishab shared that when he was performing the dance ritual, embodying the divine spirit, his on-screen mother was a part of it. The actor-filmmaker added that she was playing a dhol-like instrument. He said, "The daiva nartak could perform the ritual only after taking her blessings."

Shetty expressed, "Our film is about the divinity, and that’s a superior energy. In the same way, a mother is also synonymous with a superior energy."

Rishab Shetty feels he always justified female characters even when the film's story is about a man

In the same interview, Rishab Shetty added that the film was about the character Shiva, who was showcased as a borderline villainous character. The actor elaborated that though the character did negative activities and was fearless, he used to submit himself to his mother. He said, "We’ve also shown his vulnerable side in the film. When he sees a bad dream at night, he runs to his mother and sleeps next to her like a child would do."

Rishab went on to share that he gives a lot of importance to the female characters of his films. He added that even in the recent release, 'Kantara: Chapter 1', Kanakavathi (played by Rukmini Vasanth) is a strong character.

Shetty said, "I think I justify my female characters even in a film where the story revolves around a man. I understand the conversations that had happened. But that’s their perspective. I know that I’ve justified them."

Rishab Shetty talks about Rukmini Vasanth's character Kanakavathi

Rishab Shetty continued and elaborated on Rukmini Vasanth's character, Kanakavathi, in the film. He stated that her role explores feminine energy in its own capacity.

Shetty said, "Film mein yeh mudde ka exploration hua hai aur baad mein iske baare mein charche honge (This topic has been explored in the film, and later, there will be discussions about it)."

Reportedly, Rishab Shetty had no issues with people debating over the film, as he thinks it's "always nice to see" masses having a dialogue on the themes of the movie. He stated that Vasanth's character has been written with a lot of depth. He concluded the topic, saying, "The audience will find it interesting to see a female character with so much of agency within the Kantara universe."

More about 'Kantara: Chapter 1'

The film is a prequel to the 2022 release 'Kantara'. Released on October 2, 2025, the film has earned around Rs 94.71 crore at the box office, as per Sacnilk.