Rishab Shetty, the acclaimed Kannada actor and filmmaker celebrated for his 2022 blockbuster Kantara, has found himself at the centre of a heated controversy following his remarks about Bollywood’s depiction of India on the global stage. Shetty, who recently won the Best Actor National Film Award for his role in Kantara, has been promoting his upcoming Kannada film Laughing Buddha, starring Pramod Shetty. However, his recent comments have overshadowed his promotional efforts, igniting a strong reaction online.

Shetty’s Critique of Bollywood
In a widely circulated interview with MetroSaga, Shetty expressed his dissatisfaction with how Bollywood films portray India at international film festivals. Speaking in Kannada, Shetty stated, “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.”

Shetty’s remarks quickly went viral, drawing criticism from both Bollywood fans and the broader public. Many took issue with his comments, accusing him of hypocrisy, particularly in light of scenes from Kantara where his character behaves inappropriately towards a female character. Critics were quick to point out what they saw as a contradiction between Shetty’s critique of Bollywood and the content of his own films.

Backlash and Public Reaction
The backlash was swift, with netizens criticising Shetty for what they perceived as double standards. One user remarked, “Such a jealous soul. Kattar Bollywood hater. He begged Bollywood audience to support his overrated film filled with problematic content.” Another commented, “Success is temporary, but pinching female waists and sh*tting on Bollywood is permanent.”

Critics also challenged Shetty’s perspective, arguing that Bollywood has played a crucial role in bringing Indian cinema to the global stage. One commentator noted, “Bollywood is the only Indian industry recognised internationally and has helped other Indian films gain global traction.” Others pointed out that cinema’s role in depicting societal realities is essential, and glossing over these issues would do a disservice to the art form.

“As if not showing those realities on screen would change the living conditions of people in India. That’s what happens when you live in a posh apartment surrounded by elite class people and 20 servants holding an umbrella for you; you forget there is another world too,” one critic wrote, emphasising the importance of portraying diverse experiences in cinema.

Broader Conversations on Indian Cinema
Despite the controversy, Shetty’s comments have sparked a broader conversation about how Indian cinema, including both Bollywood and regional films, represents the country on the global stage. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between regional and mainstream Indian cinema, and the different approaches filmmakers take in depicting India’s complex social and cultural landscape.

As the conversation continues, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of filmmakers in representing their nation and the impact of their work on international perceptions of India. While Shetty’s critique has been met with significant opposition, it has also opened up space for a deeper discussion on the role of cinema in shaping narratives about India, both at home and abroad.

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