He remarked that cinema inherently mirrors society, indicating that filmmakers often cannot alter their stories to fit external pressures.

Addressing the Backlash

Reflecting on the backlash from 2022, Rishab discussed a specific scene in which his character pinched a woman’s waist without consent. In a recent interview, he explained the context behind this action. “The character is not merely a hero; he embodies villainous traits as well. People perceived his actions negatively, but the intention was to illustrate what should not be done. His journey involves facing and overcoming obstacles,” he elaborated.

He acknowledged that opinions vary widely and emphasized that while input from the audience is valuable, altering narratives is not always feasible. Cinema, he reaffirmed, serves as a reflection of societal dynamics.

Commenting on the broader discussion about cinematic portrayals, Shetty pointed out that filmmakers often face similar scrutiny. “We portray both the positive and negative facets of society. Ultimately, how the audience interprets these stories is their choice,” he remarked.

Kantara Chapter 1: Success and Reception

Currently, Rishab is relishing the acclaim for *Kantara Chapter 1*, which continues to perform well at the box office. The original *Kantara*, which he wrote and directed, was a major hit, grossing over ₹400 crore on a budget of just ₹15 crore. The prequel, *Kantara Chapter 1*, unfolds a millennium prior to the original events and features cast members such as Rukmini Vasanth and Gulshan Devaiah. Within five days of its release, the film amassed around ₹370 crore worldwide.