Kantara actor Rishab Shetty — who wrote, directed and starred in the film — has landed himself and the film in a controversy owing to his recent statements on Bhootas. The film has been accused of appropriation of non-Hindu cultures. To top it off, Rishab has said that the Dakshina Kannada region’s Bhoota Kola tradition is a part of Hindu culture. These alleged inaccuracies have left several social media users divided.
Speaking with the Tamil channel Cinema Vikatan, Rishab was asked about Panjurli — a bhoota that is believed to take the form of a wild boar and is the protector of righteousness — is shown as a Hindu god in Kantara. The actor said, “Those gods, they are all part of our tradition. Definitely, it is part of Hindu culture and Hindu rituals. Because I am a Hindu, I have belief and respect for my religion. But I will not say others are wrong. What we have said is through the element that is present in Hindu dharma.”
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The clip from the interview is now going viral and has paved the way for discussion. While some believe that including Bhoota under the spectrum of Hindu would be wrong, a few others believe that it is very much a part of the Hindi culture.
“Glad our Kannada film ‘Kantara’ is making national waves. Director Rishabh Shetty claims Bhootha Kola is ‘Hindu culture’. False. Our Pambada/Nalike/Parawa’s Bahujan traditions predate Vedic-Brahminical Hinduism. We ask that Moolnivasi cultures be shown w/ truth on & off screen,” actor and activist Chetan Kumar Ahimsa.
However, a few disagreed. A Twitter user said, “You have zero knowledge regarding this. Being Brahmin/Mangalorian, Me and my family worship Daiva, and Bhoota & follow our traditions, and customs. There is nothing related to Brahmin and Daiva.” “Bhoota kola is part of my community and culture; we have our Bhootas in addition to our kuladevatha, gramadevatha and personal Ishta-devathas. To say bhootas are non-Hindu is laughably RIDICULOUS. Glad #Kantara showcases the rituals so aesthetically,” another added.
Meanwhile, Kantara has been doing impressive business at the box office. The Kannada film has not only won over viewers in Kannada-speaking regions but also taken over Bollywood. The Hindi version of the film has already recorded a box office collection of Rs 11.15 crore in five days.
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