Shontaan actor Ritwick Chakraborty on Sunday took a dig at Bengali star Dev’s fans following the box office clash of Khadaan and Shontaan, triggering a controversy on social media.

Raj Chakrabarty’s Shontaan released in theatres on December 20 alongside Dev-starrer Khadaan.

“Overheard a tea vendor quoting something from ‘social dilemma’. How some individuals, without understanding the nuances of cinema and commerce, freely dispense shallow opinions. It’s astonishing how easily they reveal their lack of insight,” Ritwick wrote on Facebook.

“I, too, shared this without much thought. Meanwhile, four diverse Bengali films are running in theatres. Watch the one that suits your preference,” he added.

The post drew strong reactions, particularly from fans of Dev, who perceived it as a direct attack on the actor since Ritwick used the phrase ‘shiray shiray rokto’, a coinage commonly used by Dev’s fans.

Filmmaker Birsa Dasgupta, who worked with Dev in Byomkesh O Durgo Rahasya (2023), publicly expressed his support for the actor. “Why are some people always so jealous of Dev's success? Why? Come on yaar, give him his due! Bengali mainstream cinema is back, thanks to @idevadhikari #Khadaan ✨,” Birsa posted on X.

Birsa added, “Such behavior only diminishes one’s own reputation. Eventually, everyone in the industry has to work together. Stirring unnecessary controversy achieves nothing. Let’s focus on our work.”

“Thanku Birsa ❤️ It’s ok ..I am used to it now 🙂,” Dev responded to Birsa.

Dev has been basking in the success of Khadaan, which has been a box-office success. “Thanku Everyone 🙏🏻 From adding shows from 9am to 12 midnight..all shows are houseful. From multiplex to single screen. From Kolkata to District. Everywhere it’s HOUSEFUL. Audience dancing n throwing money (coins) is something which I m witnessing after very long time. Happy Me …🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #Khadaan roaring at the Box Office 🙏🏻,” he wrote on X alongside photos of houseful boards at theatres.

Dev also thanked the audience for showering their love on his film. “I have no words to express my love and gratitude towards my audience. After Chander Pahar & Amazon Obhijaan the kind of response Khadaan is receiving, where 2nd day is bigger than 1st, and 3rd day is bigger than 2nd.. everyday it’s creating a record. I don’t know how to put my emotions in words.. I am just happy that my audience is happy.. Thank you 🙏🏻 Love You 😘 Sudhu Ami Na, Bangla Cinema is Back in KHADAAN,” Dev wrote.