Amid calls to boycott or restrict Kannada films such as Kantara: Chapter 1 in the Telugu states, Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and noted actor Pawan Kalyan has taken a firm stand against such retaliatory measures. Instead, he openly extended his support for the ticket price hike of Kantara: Chapter 1 in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring that cinema should unite people, not divide them. In a statement, Pawan Kalyan said: "Cinema, music, sports, and cultural arts have no boundaries of language, region, caste, or religion. Despite this, OG has performed well commercially and won positive reviews across Telugu states. His backing of Kantara: Chapter 1 reflects his larger vision of cinema as a cultural bridge rather than a tool for regional rivalry.