New Delhi: Rishab Shetty, the dynamic force behind the film sensation ‘Kantara,’ continues to capture hearts beyond the silver screen with a commendable act of kindness that strikes a chord with his impressive artistic ethos. Having reached stardom and critical acclaim with the portrayal of culturally rich stories, Shetty’s influence extends into the realm of societal impact through his recent philanthropic endeavor. The star has extended a helping hand to a Kannada educational institution, manifesting his respect for regional heritage and educational welfare.
Taking concrete action, Rishab Shetty embraced the noble responsibility of adopting the endangered government Kannada school located in Keradi, his native town, via the Rishab Shetty Foundation. The actor is dedicated to ensuring the survival and growth of Kannada schools in the area. His commitment was celebrated during a gathering where local village leaders and elders applauded Shetty’s significant contribution, highlighting his enduring spirit of fostering societal change through cinematic storytelling. Both Shetty’s on-screen projects and real-life initiatives reflect his devotion to his roots and community development.
Previously, Rishab Shetty has directed and acted in films that not only entertained but served as a platform to address pressing social issues. His film ‘Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale,’ which translates to ‘Government School,’ garnered immense popularity and resonated with many for its heartwarming portrayal of local culture and education. It was not only a box office hit but also the recipient of the Best Children’s Film at the 66th National Film Awards in 2019.
Shetty’s undying passion for cinema is unrivaled. Amidst the buzz surrounding his outreach activities, the multi-talented Shetty has already laid the groundwork for his highly anticipated next project, ‘Kantara Chapter 1.’ This sequel to the illustrious ‘Kantara’ is said to be a prequel imbued with the same rich cultural essence that its predecessor offered to audiences. Fans and film enthusiasts eagerly await as Shetty, wearing multiple hats of actor, writer, and director, prepares to bring this new chapter to life.
Rishab Shetty first leaped into the international limelight with the masterful execution of ‘Kantara,’ released on September 30, 2022. The film, enthralled viewers with its spellbinding narrative and mesmerizing visual storytelling, became a fortress of cultural pride, celebrating the arts, traditions, and folklore of the region it depicted. Crafted by Hombale Films, ‘Kantara’ stars a robust cast featuring Pramod Shetty, Achyuth Kumar, Sapthami Gowda, and South Indian actor Kishore, who all delivered stellar performances that significantly contributed to the film’s triumph.
In ‘Kantara,’ Shetty’s portrayal of a Kambala champion—an athlete in the traditional buffalo race of Karnataka—is both intense and evocative. The film is set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada and unfolds a riveting narrative that pits Shetty’s character against a principled Forest Range officer. The ensuing conflict and harmony between man and nature form the crux of the intriguing plot, and the narrative unfolds against the lush backdrop of regional landscapes and cultural ethos.
The adoption of a local school and the zeal for authentic storytelling reveal Rishab Shetty’s profound understanding of his cultural legacy and his unwavering commitment to his community. Through these sincere pursuits, he not only champions the cause of preserving local languages and education but also exemplifies the power of cinema as a transformative tool for societal enrichment. Shetty’s engagement both on and off the screen reaffirms the potential for artists to be catalysts for positive change, echoing the spirit that has made his films a new landmark in the canon of Indian cinema.
