Kantara Makers Urge Fans to Avoid Imitating Daiva Characters in Public

The makers of Kantara Chapter 1 have appealed to fans not to imitate the Daiva characters from the film in public, stressing that such acts could disrespect the cultural and spiritual significance of the traditions portrayed. The advisory comes after videos surfaced online showing fans dressed as Daiva figures and re-enacting scenes from the movie in theatres and public spaces.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, production house Hombale Films requested viewers to refrain from performing or impersonating Daiva characters outside the cultural context. The studio explained that Daiva worship, which plays a central role in Kantara, is an age-old ritual deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of the Tulunadu region in coastal Karnataka. Turning these sacred depictions into entertainment, they cautioned, risks undermining the reverence associated with them.

The production team emphasized that the film’s intent was to showcase the spiritual and cultural depth of Daiva traditions, not to inspire imitation. They reiterated that Daiva performances are an integral part of local religious practice, requiring spiritual preparation and adherence to customs, and should not be replicated casually for fun or promotion.

Kantara Chapter 1, released on October 2, serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara. Set in the era of the Kadamba dynasty, the film stars Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah. It has been released in multiple languages, including Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali, and English.

While thanking audiences for their overwhelming support, the makers urged fans to honour the faith and traditions that inspired the story. They called on viewers to celebrate the film’s success respectfully, ensuring that the sacred practices depicted continue to be viewed with the dignity they deserve.