Despite his film They Call Him OG facing release hurdles in Karnataka, actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan voiced strong support for Kannada cinema, opposing any boycott of Kantara: Chapter 1
Pawan Kalyan and Rishab Shetty
The recently released Telugu film They Call Him OG has been making waves at the box office, garnering widespread acclaim for its gripping narrative and compelling performances. While fans across the Telugu states celebrate the film's success, its journey has not been without challenges. In Karnataka, They Call Him OG faced hurdles in theatrical release, reportedly due to various political agendas.
Yet, amidst these regional tensions, Pawan Kalyan, the film’s lead actor and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, rose above with a broader vision for cinema and unity. Despite They Call Him OG facing restrictions in Karnataka, Pawan Kalyan garu showcased rare magnanimity by openly supporting a ticket hike for the Kannada film Kantara Chapter 1 in Andhra Pradesh. His message was clear: cinema, like all forms of art, is meant to unite people, not divide them. He reminded everyone that films, music, sports, and culture transcend language, religion, and region; they belong to everyone.
Pawan Kalyan opposes Kantara boycott
Pawan Kalyan said, "Cinema, music, sports, and cultural arts have no boundaries of language, region, caste, or religion. Their core purpose is to entertain and connect people from all walks of life. It is unfortunate that some individuals, driven by personal agendas, have tried to block the screening of OG in theatres across Karnataka - just as a few other Telugu films have faced similar obstacles in the past. In response, some voices have now begun to suggest that Kannada films like Kantara should be restricted in our Telugu states. I do not support this thinking.
He added, "Art and cinema must spread joy, bridge cultures, and bring people together, not drive them apart. Every individual has the right to watch the film they love. If you don’t like a film, you can choose not to watch it - but using personal hate or agendas to target films is simply unacceptable. Today, Indian cinema is being celebrated across the globe in every language. At a time like this, any attempt to confine art within regional limits must be strongly rejected. Let us support good films, wherever they come from."
About Kantara-Chapter 1
It is a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara. The upcoming film is set in the 5th century and will explore the traditions and cultures of coastal Karnataka during that time. The film which also stars Rukmini Vasanth has also been written and directed by Rishab Shetty.
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