As Rishab Shetty Calls Out Bollywood For Negative India Depiction, 'Kantara's Waist-Pinching Scene Under Fire

Days after winning National Award for his performance in 'Kantara', actor Rishab Shetty has landed in a controversy after making a lose comments about the Bollywood.

In a clip doing rounds, Shetty registers his unhappiness over Bollywood projecting the India in a bad taste. He said, "Indian films, especially Bollywood, show India in a bad light. These art films are invited to global events and given a red carpet. My nation, my state, my language-my pride. Why not take it on a positive note globally, and that's what I try to do."

The Kannada actor-filmmaker's comments have met with strong reaction from netizens. Many have accused him of hypocrisy, pointing to scenes in 'Kantara' where his character pinches a woman's waist without her consent.

One user remarked, "Such a jealous soul. A die-hard Bollywood hater. He begged the Bollywood audience to support his overrated film filled with problematic content." The second user added, "Success is temporary, but pinching female waists and bashing Bollywood is permanent." Critics argue that Bollywood is the only Indian film industry recognized internationally and has paved the way for other Indian films to gain global traction.

Some reactions also criticized Shetty for overlooking the broader context of cinema and its societal impact. One critic pointed out, "As if not showing those realities on screen would change the living conditions of people in India. When you live in a posh apartment surrounded by the elite and 20 servants holding an umbrella for you, you forget there's another world out there."

Meanwhile, the actor is busy with the prequel to his blockbuster movie 'Kantara'. As per producer Vijay Kiragandur, 30 per cent of the shooting has been completed and the movie will appear before the audience mid 2025.