In a move to swiftly counter a wave of online misinformation, filmmaker and actor Rishab Shetty, the creative force behind the highly anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1, has publicly addressed a viral fake poster circulating on social media. The poster, which has been widely shared, purported to establish strict “Divine Cinema” rules for audiences, including prohibitions on smoking, drinking, and consuming meat.
Speaking at a recent press event, Shetty was unequivocal in his condemnation of the false claim. “I want to clarify that this information is completely fake and has no connection to our production team or Hombale Films,” he stated, his voice firm. “We came across this post and have already addressed it with the individual who created it. The person has since apologized for their actions.”
The fake post, which has been particularly active on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), falsely attributed a set of moralistic guidelines to the film’s release, leveraging the film’s mythological and spiritual themes to lend credibility to the fabrication. Shetty’s prompt response aimed to douse the fire of a burgeoning narrative that sought to misrepresent the film’s ethos and the team’s professional conduct. “Our film celebrates our culture and traditions, but it is in no way meant to dictate personal lifestyles,” he emphasized. “We believe in respecting the personal choices of every individual. Please do not fall for such misinformation.”
This incident highlights the growing challenge faced by public figures and film productions in managing their digital footprint and combating targeted disinformation campaigns. The fake poster, which has been repeatedly misused to target the Kantara team, serves as a stark reminder of the ease with which false narratives can spread and gain traction online.
Kantara: Chapter 1, a prequel to the blockbuster 2022 film Kantara, is one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema. The film delves deeper into the origins of the mythological tradition and ancestral conflict introduced in its predecessor. Set in pre-colonial coastal Karnataka during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, the film explores the ancient roots of the Bhuta Kola ritual and the mythological lore surrounding divine land guardianship.
With a scheduled release on October 2, 2025, in IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box formats, the production has already generated significant buzz. The first look and teaser, which were released on November 27, 2023, offered a glimpse of Rishab Shetty’s transformative role as a Naga Sadhu with superhuman powers. The film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the banner of Hombale Films, with music composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.
Shetty’s proactive and professional handling of the situation is a testament to the team’s commitment to maintaining a transparent and respectful relationship with their audience, ensuring that the focus remains on the film’s artistic and narrative merits rather than on baseless rumors.
