Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara’ has recently triggered a huge debate on social media about the appropriation of non-Hindu cultures into the Hindu fold.
Bhoota Kola Isn’t Part of Brahminic Hinduism?
The Kannada film Kantara has been making waves at the box office, across the country, post its successful run in the South. Popular stars like Dhanush, Shilpa Shetty, Anushka Shetty, Prabhas, and Kangana have heaped praises on the film.
But despite all this, the film has sparked a controversy as actor and director of Kantara, Rishab Shetty, commented that Bhoota Kola – a form of spirit worship depicted in the film – is part of Hinduism. This led to a refutation from Kannada actor and activist Chetan Kumar, who said that the film has appropriated Bhoota Kola, which is a part of Tulu Adivasi culture.
Associating Panjurli, a spirit worshiped in Bhoota Kola, with the Hindu God Vishnu has led to a controversy on the appropriation of Adivasi culture in films that depict Hinduism. And now The Quint has claimed that some Tulu culture experts have revealed that depicting Bhoota Kola as a Hindu religious practice need not necessarily be accurate, culturally.
The controversy
Rishab Shetty, when asked in an interview whether Panjurli – a spirit that takes the form of a wild boar – was depicted in the movie as a Hindu deity, said: “Those Gods are all part of our tradition. Definitely, it is part of Hindu culture and Hindu rituals. Because I am a Hindu, I have belief and respect for my religion. But I will not say others are wrong. What we have said is through the element that is present in Hindu Dharma.”
It all started from Rishab Shetty’s interview where he said that Panjurli is depicted as Hindu God Vishnu’s incarnation – Varaha – in the film. The song ‘Varaha Roopam,’ which plays towards the end of the film and has Sanskrit lyrics, is noted by critics to emphasize the point that Panjurli is depicted as an incarnation of Vishnu.
“Gods shown in the movie are all part of our tradition. Definitely, it is part of Hindu culture and Hindu rituals. Because I am a Hindu, I have belief and respect for my religion. But I will not say others are wrong. What we have said is through the element that is present in Hindu Dharma.”
Actor Chetan Kumar, disagreeing with Rishab Shetty, stated that Pambada/Nalike/Paravar Bahujan traditions are more than Vedic Brahminical Hinduism. In one of his tweets, he urged that aboriginal cultures be represented truthfully on and off the silver screen.
Further, in a press conference held in Bengaluru, Chetan said that it is important to note how the word ‘Hindu’ is used.
“It is wrong to say that ‘Bhoota Kola’ is part of the Hindu religion. Adivasis practice the ritual and there is no ‘Brahminism’ in Bhoota Kola. Don’t say Hindu in the movie. It is the culture of the Adivasis. Do not put Adivasi culture in the column of Hindu religion.”
Glad our Kannada film ‘Kantara’ is making national waves
Director Rishabh Shetty claims Bhootha Kola is ‘Hindu culture’
False
Our Pambada/Nalike/Parawa’s Bahujan traditions predate Vedic-Brahminical Hinduism
We ask that Moolnivasi cultures be shown w/ truth on & off screen
— Chetan Kumar Ahimsa / ಚೇತನ್ ಅಹಿಂಸಾ (@ChetanAhimsa) October 18, 2022
Meanwhile, some Hindu groups have lodged a complaint against Chetan Kumar for “hurting religious sentiments.” The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s Minister for Culture C Sunil Kumar has also rubbished the actor’s claims. The minister said, “Daivaradhane is part of Hinduism. This is our culture and belongs to our land. The government is focused on strengthening and supporting these practices. Those who are not aware of this culture must abstain from making claims.”
