Rishab Shetty responds to criticism on women in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, highlights strong female roles

Rishab Shetty responds to criticism on women in ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’

Kantara: Chapter 1 has generated a lot of buzz at the box office, but it also generates discussion.

On October 2, 2025, the prequel to the National Award-winning 2022 blockbuster Kantara opened in theaters, and viewers have been flocking to watch the story of Shiva's ancestors play out.

But amid the applause, director and lead actor Rishab Shetty opened up about a criticism that’s been swirling online: some felt the Kantara universe leans too heavily on male characters.

Speaking with News18 Showsha, Rishab Shetty didn’t mince words. “I don’t agree when you say that Kantara is a man’s world. The character of the mother, played by Manasi Sudhir, was very prominent. Her role was crucial, especially during the climax when the dance ritual unfolds. She was an integral part of the story,” he explained.

Giving Importance to Women On-Screen

Rishab Shetty further elaborated that strong female characters have always been central to his storytelling. “I give a lot of importance to my female characters in all of my films, since the very beginning. In my opinion, even in Kantara: Chapter 1, Kanakavathi, portrayed by Rukmini Vasanth, is a very strong character. I think I justify my female characters even in a film where the story revolves around a man,” he said, addressing critics directly.

Adding to this, Rukmini Vasanth defended the portrayal of women in the Kantara universe, highlighting the depth and agency of her character Kanakavathi. “It explores feminine energy in its own capacity. The character has been written with a lot of depth, and audiences will remember her,” Rukmini stated. “It’s always nice to see people discussing these themes. Kanakavathi is a female character with immense agency within the Kantara universe.”

Box Office Triumph

Commercially speaking, Kantara: Chapter 1 is still doing very well at the box office, surpassing the Rs 100 crore milestone in just two days. This is evidence of the franchise's ongoing appeal as well as the audience's affinity for its characters.

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FAQs:

Q: Who plays Kanakavathi in Kantara: Chapter 1?

A: Rukmini Vasanth portrays the strong female character Kanakavathi.

Q: Did Rishab Shetty respond to criticism about women in Kantara?

A: Yes, he emphasized the importance and strength of female characters like Manasi Sudhir’s mother and Kanakavathi.

Q: How much has Kantara: Chapter 1 earned so far?

A: The film has crossed Rs 100 crore in India within just two days of its release.