‘Kantara’s box office rampage and all the negative words

Rishab Shetty's ‘Kantara’ is literally on a rampage ever since it released in theatres on September 30. The positive word of mouth have seen the film being dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam and later released in mid-October to attract more audience. The Hindi version of Kantara, especially, is enjoying an unbelievable run at the theatres. However, amid all the praise and appreciation, ‘Kantara’ has had its fair share of rare negative reviews and even dragged into a few controversies.

Exclusive! Filmmaker Abhiroop Basu slams Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’, calls the film ‘overhyped’

Kolkata-based filmmaker Abhiroop Basu first raised his voice and called Rishab Shetty’s ‘overhyped’ and it created social media uproar. Many didn’t like what the young filmmaker had to say about the film. Abhiroop who has worked with seasoned actors like Pankaj Tripathi and Adil Hussain said he feels ‘Kantara’ is overhyped. To justify his comment the Kolkata boy explained, “I feel it's a mockery of anyone's intelligence. Poorly made, regressive, loud, replete with tropes, no real character to root for, so called plot twists appear dishonest and merely serve as gimmicks, the protagonist's redemption arc is laughable and by the time the film reaches the much talked about climax, I am not really interested anymore.”

He further added, “But I guess it's shouldn't really be shocking for a film that forces you to believe in 'divine intervention' earning aplenty, especially in a time when you are trying hard as a country to prove the scientific relevance of a mythological character. So really, it all fits in.” As expected, his comments received outrage but the young filmmaker has no intention to change his stand.

Days after Abhiroop’s contgroversial comment, another filmmaker took a dig at ‘Kantara’ and pointed out the flaws in the film. Aneek Chaudhuri who is known for his experimental films like ‘White’, ‘Cactus’ and ‘Jharokh’ said that the Rishab Shetty film could have been made into a much more layered one. Kantara speaks of roots; I agree to that but in a way, the film is loud and humor does not seem necessary and it is pretty much male toxic. Moreover, the success of the film is of course a great sign for theatre goers, but the film could have been more layered. The topic itself is so interesting and it leaves a lot more scopes that could have been utilized in a better way,” the director told ETimes.

Despite receiving appreciation for its storytelling, visuals and music, ‘Kantara’ kicked up a social media storm after Kerala-based music band Thaikkudam Bridge accused the makers of plagiarism and copyright infringement. Pointing out the similarities between the popular song in ‘Kantara’, ‘Varaha Roopam’ and their 2017 song ‘Navarasam’, the music band alleged “infringement of copyright law” and revealed they want to initiate legal action against the team of ‘Kantara’.

Rishab Shetty in an interview claimed that Bhoota Kola was part of Hindu culture. “It is part of Hindu culture and rituals. I am a Hindu and I believe in my religion and customs which nobody can question. What we have said is through the element that is present in Hindu dharma,” he said during a media interaction. His statement came amid the criticism that Panjurli, a spirit worshiped in Bhoota Kola, has been depicted as Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Varaha, in the film. Actor and activist Chetan courted controversy with his remarks on the cultural practice of Bhoota Kola depicted in the movie. Several complaints have been filed against him in Karnataka.