 "2 years of Kantara: How Rishab Shetty emerged as the most passionate storyteller, actor, director & writer")
Indian cinema opened up to a whole new world with the release of Kantara in 2022. No one knew that when this film released, it would begin to generate such strong word of mouth, eventually becoming the biggest sleeper hit. The credit, of course, goes to one man behind this epic cinematic wonder—Rishab Shetty. He not only acted in but also directed and wrote this story, bringing the hidden culture and traditions of India to the forefront. This reflects his sheer dedication to his craft, which he continues to demonstrate with the prequel, Kantara Chapter 1. Rishab Shetty has rightfully earned the title of India’s most dedicated and passionate storyteller, actor, director, and writer.
The amount of hard work Rishab Shetty puts into his films is truly beyond words. Just imagine—he learned bull racing for the scene we saw in Kantara. He performed the Kambala race sequence himself, fully immersing in the experience. Moreover, he delivered a goosebump-worthy performance in the Bhoota Kola sequence, showcasing his deep commitment. His dedication and belief in his craft are commendable, as he spent a significant amount of time researching, writing, and directing the film. He always ensures that he performs his own stunts, never relying on a body double.
Now, Rishab is preparing for the prequel, Kantara Chapter 1. The actor has consistently brought Indian traditional culture to the screen, and by showcasing the martial art of Kalaripayattu in the prequel, he will once again prove his commitment to presenting rooted stories through his films. He is indeed the first storyteller in India to bring such a deeply rooted story from the heartlands to the world. Rishab Shetty is undoubtedly one of the most exciting storytellers in India, and his films speak volumes about it.
His constant dedication has paid off, with his win of the National Award for Best Actor and Kantara winning the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment at the 70th National Film Awards for 2022. As the film completes two years, we can proudly say there hasn’t been another film quite like it.