Rishab Shetty, Jr NTR celebrate Kantara Chapter 1 amid language backlash

Hyderabad witnessed a star-studded evening this Sunday, as the Telugu pre-release event of Kantara: Chapter 1 took place at the JRC Convention Centre. The grand event brought together the film’s creator and lead actor Rishab Shetty alongside chief guest N.T. Rama Rao Jr., with both actors showering praise on each other’s craft and celebrating the cultural unity between Karnataka and the Telugu-speaking states.

Kantara Chapter 1 is one of the most anticipated films of the year, following the massive success of the 2022 blockbuster Kantara , which became a nationwide sensation with its rooted storytelling and spiritual themes inspired by folk traditions of coastal Karnataka. Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, the upcoming chapter delves deeper into the origins of the legend that captivated audiences three years ago, combining mysticism, folklore, and spectacle on a much larger scale.

However, the pre-release event sparked unexpected backlash on social media. Rishab Shetty, who chose to deliver his speech in Kannada, drew criticism from sections of Telugu audiences who felt slighted by the choice of language at a Telugu promotional event. This led to online outrage and the emergence of the hashtag **#BoyCottKantarachapter1, with some users also expressing discontent over reported ticket price hikes in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Despite the controversy, advance bookings for the film have been nothing short of phenomenal. Industry reports confirm that more than 239,000 tickets have already been sold worldwide, with Karnataka leading in domestic sales and the USA showing strong early demand. Trade analysts note that the online uproar may not significantly impact the film’s performance, given its strong fanbase and the widespread popularity of the Kantara brand.