Kantara Boycott Calls: Pawan Kalyan Breaks Silence and Stands for Cinema Unity

Actor and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has strongly condemned the growing calls to boycott Kantara: Chapter 1 in Telugu states. Speaking just days before the film’s October 2 theatrical release, he urged movie lovers to rise above regional disputes and let art unite audiences instead of dividing them.

Kalyan’s statement comes after his own film, They Call Him OG, faced restrictions in Karnataka. Despite the hurdles, he publicly supported a ticket price hike for Kantara: Chapter 1 in Andhra Pradesh and criticized retaliatory moves against Kannada cinema.

Pawan Kalyan Supports Kantara Despite OG Challenges

Pawan Kalyan revealed that OG had encountered screening challenges in Karnataka due to actions of certain groups with personal agendas. These attempts sparked backlash in Telugu states, with some voices demanding restrictions on Kannada films, including Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1. Kalyan refused to endorse such boycotts, saying the focus should remain on celebrating cinema across borders.

“Cinema, music, sports, and cultural arts have no boundaries of language, region, caste, or religion,” he said in a public note. “It’s unfortunate that some tried to block OG in Karnataka. Now some want to restrict Kannada films here — I do not support this. Art must bring people together.”

Kalyan also noted that Indian films are now celebrated globally. Limiting them through regional disputes, he warned, would hurt the industry and fans alike.

Industry Impact and Reactions

The Telugu film industry has seen frequent ticket price debates and regional release restrictions. Pawan Kalyan’s stand is being viewed as an effort to protect creative freedom and encourage cross-language appreciation. Industry insiders say his support for Kantara: Chapter 1 sends a strong message to both distributors and audiences at a time when language barriers are shrinking and pan-India films dominate box offices.

Trade analysts believe the statement could help ease tensions and ensure Kantara’s smooth release in Andhra Pradesh. It may also set an example for future film launches, where mutual support between industries is critical for business success.

With this call for unity, Pawan Kalyan placed art above rivalry and reinforced that cinema thrives when stories cross borders, not when they are blocked by regional politics.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Kantara facing boycott calls?

Some voices in Telugu states suggested banning or restricting Kantara after OG faced hurdles in Karnataka.

Q2: What did Pawan Kalyan say about the boycott?

He condemned the idea and urged people to let art unite rather than divide audiences.

Q3: Did Pawan Kalyan support Kantara in Andhra Pradesh?

Yes, he supported a ticket price hike for Kantara: Chapter 1 and opposed restrictions.

Q4: How does this affect the Telugu and Kannada film industries?

It may reduce tension between the two industries and promote cross-language movie success.

Q5: When will Kantara: Chapter 1 release?

The film is scheduled to release on October 2, 2025.