Actor Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 has taken theatres by storm, with audiences across India celebrating the film’s powerful storytelling and rich cultural roots.
But amid the wave of enthusiasm, one fan’s overzealous act at a screening in Tamil Nadu has sparked a heated debate on social media.
During a show at a theatre in Dindigul, a fan entered the auditorium dressed as a Daiva—the divine spirit central to the Kantara universe—and made a dramatic entrance that quickly drew everyone’s attention.
Videos from the screening show the fan moving up and down the aisles in full costume, while security personnel tried, unsuccessfully, to stop him. The crowd, caught between awe and surprise, watched in stunned silence.
Clips from the incident soon spread like wildfire online. One post read, “After the screening of Kantara Chapter 1 in Dindigul @UmaaRajendra, a fan dressed as a Daiva stunned the audience there. Goosebumps.” Another user shared, “This happened in Dindigul. TN people are going crazy for #KantaraChapter1.”
However, the moment has divided opinions. While some praised the fan’s passion and devotion, others strongly condemned the act, arguing that it disrespected a deeply sacred tradition. One user wrote, “This very wrong. I know people are excited and want some publicity. Please don’t do this. For us Tuluvas, these are sacred and core of our life. Please please don’t do such things.”
Another added, “Is this how we respect Daivaradhane? Dressing up as a Daiva itself goes against our aradhane. Turning a sacred tradition into entertainment is true disrespect.”
A few others urged restraint, with one commenting, “Please avoid doing this, it's a belief down here... not a subject of skit or performance.” Another frustrated viewer went as far as calling for action, saying, “This is the belief of many people please don't spoil it by mocking it you jokers i think movie team should take action against this theater @hombalefilms.”
Meanwhile, Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to roar at the box office. The prequel to the 2022 phenomenon Kantara has already crossed Rs 300 crore worldwide in just three days, proving that its connection to folklore and spirituality continues to resonate deeply with audiences.
Also Read: Kantara: Chapter 1 storms the box office, crosses Rs 335 crore worldwide in just 4 days
Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film also stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah.
Set during the Kadamba dynasty in Karnataka, the story explores the intertwining of faith, power, and identity.
Released in multiple languages, including Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English, Kantara: Chapter 1 cements Shetty’s reputation as a filmmaker who bridges cinema and tradition — even as fans blur the line between reverence and reality.
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