Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty, present at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) with his film 'Kantara' vying for the prestigious Golden Peacock award, voiced grievances regarding the treatment of Kannada cinema by OTT platforms.

Rishab Shetty lamented what he perceives as biased treatment towards Kannada films within the digital streaming landscape.Sharing his journey from the Bangalore Film Festival, where he served as a volunteer and absorbed cinematic experiences, to his participation at IFFI and other festivals with his films, Rishab Shetty expressed apprehension concerning the reception of Kannada cinema at such esteemed platforms.'Kantara 2' first look: Rishab Shetty shows birth of a legend in blood-soaked video.

WatchAddressing the impact of the pandemic on the festival market, the ‘Kantara’ actor highlighted its serious effect on revenue generation, particularly for Kannada cinema.

He remarked, "Pre-COVID, the festival circuit was beneficial for us, aiding in funding for film projects." However, he noted a significant collapse in this avenue post-pandemic.He raised concerns about OTT platforms allegedly closing doors for Kannada films after a commercial film faced a negative reception, citing a lack of subscriber interest in Kannada content.

Urging support from governmental bodies and festivals like IFFI, NFDC, and MAMI, he appealed for recognition and endorsements to facilitate the visibility of Kannada films on platforms like Jio and foreign streaming services.In addition to 'Kantara,' two other Indian films competing for the esteemed Golden Peacock are 'Sanaa,' starring Radhika Madan and Pooja Bhatt, and the Karbi film 'Mirbeen.'