Tue Oct 07 11:30:35 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewrite of the text as a news article:

**Summary:**

Rishab Shetty’s “Kantara Chapter 1″ successfully navigated boycott calls from a segment of the Telugu-speaking audience, despite a controversy sparked by Shetty speaking only in Kannada at a pre-release event in Hyderabad. Shetty clarified in an interview that he had no intention of disrespecting any language or hurting sentiments. He also expressed gratitude to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Telugu star Pawan Kalyan for his support. Shetty emphasized the importance of respecting all languages and highlighted the support he has received throughout his career.

**News Article:**

**”Kantara Chapter 1” Defies Boycott Calls, Rishab Shetty Clarifies Language Controversy**

Hyderabad, India – Rishab Shetty’s “Kantara Chapter 1” has proven to be a box-office success, overcoming boycott calls fueled by a language controversy. The Kannada film received a strong opening weekend, despite initial opposition from some Telugu-speaking viewers.

The controversy arose after Shetty, the film’s lead actor and director, spoke exclusively in Kannada at a pre-release event in Hyderabad, a city predominantly known for the Telugu language. This sparked backlash online, with some viewers calling for a boycott of the film.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Rishab Shetty addressed the concerns, stating that he had no intention to offend anyone and that the incident was misconstrued. “I’m a Kannadiga… I think in Kannada, I live in Kannada. If I respect and love my mother tongue Kannada, I can’t disrespect another language,” Shetty explained. He also referred to Andhra Pradesh as a “brother state.”

Shetty also thanked Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Telugu star Pawan Kalyan for his support during the controversy.

[Include Tweet]

He elaborated on his relationship with Telugu star Jr. NTR, emphasizing the brotherhood between the stars, while sharing how his speaking in Kannada was connected to an attempt to communicate with him.

[Include Instagram post]

The controversy hasn’t stopped “Kantara Chapter 1” from performing well at the box office, proving the film has resonated with audiences. Shetty, reflecting on his 21-year career, expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from across the film industry and acknowledged that records are meant to be broken and belong to the audience.

Read More