Kannada actor Rishabh Shetty recently stirred up a debate by voicing his criticism about Bollywood’s depiction of India. He has expressed a strong desire to portray the country in a more favourable light.
Kannada actor Rishab Shetty who gained a lot of praise for his 2022 blockbuster Kantara is back making the headlines. His brilliant performance in Kantara earned him a National Film Award, and since then he’s been busy promoting his forthcoming Kannada flick Laughing Buddha co-starring Pramod Shetty. However, his recent dialogue with MetroSaga grabbed significant online attention causing a stir on the internet.
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A report by Times of India stated the interaction between Rishab and the media portal it read, “Indian films, particularly Bollywood, often portray India negatively. These so-called art films get showcased at international events and receive special attention. For me, my nation, my state, and my language are sources of pride. I believe in presenting them in a positive light to the world, and that’s exactly what I strive to do.”
Take a look at the video:
RISHAB SHETTY: Indian films, especially Bollywood shows India in a Bad light, touted as art films, getting invited to global event, red carpets.
My nation, My state, My language-MY PRIDE, why not take it on a +ve note globally & that’s what I try to do.
— Christopher Kanagaraj (@Chrissuccess) August 20, 2024
Netizens React To Rishab Shetty’s Remarks On Reddit
One individual took to Reddit to express their discomfort about how South Indian songs have a tendency to overtly focus on the navel, something they felt was unsuitable even as a child. In addition, there was questioning about the high praises for the 2022 film, Kantara, with criticism towards its uneventful storyline until the last half an hour when the unexpected plot developments come to light.
Take a look at the video:
RISHABH SHETTY – Indian films,especially Bollywood shows india in bad light !
byu/Left_Bee5657 inBollyBlindsNGossip
Another comment on Reddit read, “When these South Indian Actors gonna stop playing and Pinching womens’ waist/stomach ? It’s so uncomfortable to watch.” Another commented, “Wasn’t it Kannada industry that made headlines for a superstar who murdered a guy? Real hypocrisy lies there, its easier to jump on bollywood hate train but these people need to seriously introspect their own film industries.”
Rishab Shetty’s Work Front
Rishab Shetty is gearing up for his upcoming blockbuster, previously known as Kantara 2 now officially titled Kantara: Chapter 1. This highly anticipated flick, sharing the screen with Jisshu Sengupta, is expected to hit the screens in the early half of 2025. As reported by Pinkvilla, the movie is set to roll its fourth shooting schedule in the last week of August.
In a recent chat with PTI, the accomplished National Award-winning director voiced his concerns on the struggles experienced by Kannada content on OTT platforms. He pointed out the unfortunate reality that Kannada films often lack the visibility they deserve, sometimes resorting to YouTube or film festivals for release.
Yet Shetty surpassed these hurdles and expressed a sense of achievement in securing the National Award for “Kantara”. This film not only won him appreciation but also succeeded in showcasing the brilliance of Kannada cinema at a national scale.
