Hombale Films' "Kantara" shines as a premier jewel in the crown of Indian cinema. Not only did this movie establish fresh standards for production, acting, and narrative, but it also transformed folk traditions into a highly revered genre. Throughout its runtime, "Kantara" had audiences thoroughly engaged; however, it was particularly the climactic Bhoota Kola scene that etched itself deeply into the collective memory of viewers.
If you enjoyed the movie, here are some intriguing and less widely known details about this iconic series.
Rishab Shetty injured his shoulder during the shooting of this scene.
While filming the intense climax, Rishab Shetty dislocated both shoulders but refused to halt shooting. In this pivotal scene, where his character Shiva is possessed by Panjurli and performs Bhoota Kola, his dedication added raw authenticity to what is now regarded as one of the most iconic moments in Indian cinema.
Rishab Shetty observed a fast for the Bhoota Kola scene.
Before shooting the Bhootha Kola scene, Rishab Shetty adopted a rigorous diet change. Over a period of 20-30 days prior to filming, he modified his food intake. Once dressed in the Daiv Kola attire, he sustained himself only with coconut water. This dedicated fast enhanced the spiritual and cultural depth of his portrayal.
Specialized instruction for conducting Bhootha Kola
In order to genuinely depict the Bhoota Kola ceremony in Kantara, Rishab Shetty turned to individuals who actually perform it for insight. This consultation enabled him to grasp the core of this custom, thereby infusing authenticity and richness into his compelling portrayal within the movie.
Rishab Shetty went through rigorous practice to master the ritual scene.
To deliver a genuine and emotionally impactful performance, Rishab Shetty engaged in extensive training for several months to master the traditional Bhoota Kola dance. He devoted himself to grasping its complex steps, exact facial expressions, and profound spirituality. This dedication enabled him to fully capture the spirit of the ceremony, resulting in a depiction that struck a deep chord with viewers while honoring the cultural legacy of coastal Karnataka.
Recorded the climactic scene using natural light.
Rishab Shetty paid close attention to keeping the authentic feel of the Bhoota Kola rituals in Kantara true both culturally and visually. He made sure that all such scenes utilized solely natural light, mirroring the atmosphere seen during actual events. Inspired by the customs found along the coast of Karnataka, his aim was to accurately depict the intense spiritual essence of these ceremonies, thus creating some of the movie’s most compelling and vividly portrayed segments.
Rishab did not helm the Bhoota Kola finale sequence.
Notably, the intense Bhoota Kola sequence at the climax of Kantara was the sole scene not helmed by Rishab Shetty himself but instead directed by filmmaker Raj Shetty. This choice permitted Rishab to concentrate completely on his portrayal, capturing the profound spiritual and emotional shift needed for the exorcism scene. Embracing the raw power of the moment, he offered a mesmerizing and authentically chilling interpretation of Bhoota Kola, thereby cementing the iconic nature of this segment within Indian film history.
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Serving as both the filmmaker behind the camera and the leading man on screen, Rishab Shetty brilliantly breathed new life into an ancient folk tale. He skillfully intertwined cultural elements, customs, and mythological stories with remarkable accuracy. His captivating portrayal left viewers spellbound, ensuring a deeply engaging journey for everyone who watched it.