• Source:JND
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Pawan Kalyan has publicly backed the hike in ticket prices for Kantara: Chapter 1 in Andhra Pradesh, despite calls to boycott or prohibit Kannada films like this one in the Telugu states. Even though his own production has encountered difficulties in neighbouring states, he made it clear that he does not support retaliatory actions against films in other languages. The OG actor has publicly called for unity in the film industry in reaction to the ongoing regional disputes that are impacting film's release.

Pawan Kalyan's remarks follow the 2nd October global premiere of Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1. For those who don't know, the movie has sparked debates regarding ticket prices and promises to be an incredible experience. Kantara's producers, Hombale Films, requested legal permission to sell tickets at higher prices when Karnataka decided to impose uniform ticket prices; with government backing, this decision has now been extended to Andhra Pradesh.

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. 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."

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Pawan Kalyan further urged people to put aside preconceived notions and value quality art. He gave Kantara: Chapter 1 high marks for being a movie that creates a big, engrossing experience. He emphasized that the goal of film is to provide audiences with happiness, motivation, and a sense of shared culture.

The Deputy CM 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."

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Kantara: Chapter 1 takes place in Karnataka during the Kadamba era. The Kadambas were important Karnataka kings who had a big influence on the region's architecture and culture.