Ever since its release on September 30 this year, Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster Kannada film, Kantara, has been praised by Tamil film celebrities like Silambarasan TR and Dhanush. Now Rajinikanth has joined this list and has said that the movie highlighting the traditions and rituals of coastal Karnataka including the much-in-the-news** Bhoota Kola*, has given him goosebumps. 

 

“The unknown is more than the known” no one could have said this better in cinema than @hombalefilms #KantaraMovie you gave me goosebumps @shetty_rishab Rishab hats off to you as a writer,director and actor.Congrats to the whole cast and crew of this masterpiece in indian cinema

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) October 26, 2022

Rishab Shetty, who wrote, directed and played the lead in Kantara responded to Rajinikanth's tweet by calling it a 'dream come true'. Kantara, produced by Hombale Films of KGF fame, is set against the backdrop of a dominant caste landlord grabbing the land of a local tribal community. The story is intertwined with the native culture and rituals like much-in-the-news** Bhoota Kola*, practiced in coastal Karnataka.

Dear @rajinikanth sir 😍 you are biggest Superstar in India and I have been your fan since childhood. Your appreciation is my Dream come true. You inspire me to do more local stories and inspire our audiences everywhere. Thank you sir 🙏❤️ https://t.co/C7bBRpkguJ

— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) October 26, 2022

The Thalaiva has spoken. @Rajinikanth Sir Our team feel blessed n encouraged by your kind words. This has made our day n indeed our year too. At @hombalefilms we’re proud of our rich culture n it is our endeavour to bring our proud culture to the world
Wooooooooo #Kantara 🔥 https://t.co/xkGpLQxFjb

— Hombale Films (@hombalefilms) October 26, 2022

Thrilled to have received a call from superstar @rajinikanth sir after he watched #Kantara yesterday. His heartfelt Appreciation for the film has made us all emotional & full of gratitude @shetty_rishab @hombalefilms

— Karthik Gowda (@Karthik1423) October 26, 2022

When the biggest superstar of the country talks about our movie #kantara it gives the entire team a bigger energy boost.
I am too small to even talk about @rajinikanth sir all I can say is thank youuu 🥰🥰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/rBycr0fe0c

— Sapthami Gowda (@gowda_sapthami) October 26, 2022

*Bhoota Kola a ritual performance where a person temporarily becomes the local spirit/deity that is being worshipped. This performer is believed to have God descended on him and hence is treated as one.

**Rishab Shetty during an interview claimed Bhoota Kola to be a part of Hindu culture and has been countered by actors and activists, including his own co-star actor Kishore. The one's against the Hindu claim say that Bhoota Kola has been a part of native tribes and pre-dates the Aryan invasion/Vedic-Brahminical Hinduism.