New Delhi: In 2022, Hombale Films, one of India’s leading production houses, caused a significant stir with the release of “Kantara,” a film that captured the hearts of many. The film’s magnetic storyline, centered around the mystical character Panjurli Daiva, starred Rishab Shetty in a performance that has etched an indelible mark. His portrayal was so convincing and powerful that many viewers have perceived him as the divine entity he played on screen.
Rishab Shetty’s spellbinding performance in “Kantara” created an image of him as a deity, earning him immense admiration from the audiences. However, in his true characteristic humility, Rishab insists that he is merely an actor and not the divine figure that people have come to associate him with. In a recent candid conversation with the Times of India, Rishab opened up about his experiences and the unexpected reactions from fans since the film’s release.
Expressing his thoughts on the audience’s reactions, Rishab Shetty said, “I really don’t know how to react to all this. It’s been close to two years since ‘Kantara’ was released.” At various events, the overwhelming regard for his character becomes evident as people approach him with profound reverence, often falling at his feet. “At events, many people come and fall at my feet, treating me with immense reverence. I’m at a loss for words when this happens. I’m not some divine entity; I am just an actor. What you saw in ‘Kantara’ was the character I played, not me. I owe it to the daivas and the people for their love, but please treat me as an artist. Let the reverence be for the gods!” he added earnestly.
Rishab’s portrayal of Daiva in “Kantara” has struck a deep chord with the audience, creating an image that blurs the lines between actor and character. Despite the constant shower of adulation, Rishab Shetty remains grounded and wishes for the adoration to be directed towards the divine characters he portrayed, rather than himself.
. This reflection of humility further endears him to his fans and peers in the industry.
In the same interview, Rishab hinted at the monumental efforts that have gone into the upcoming continuation of the “Kantara” saga, referring to ‘Kantara: Chapter 1.’ Rishab recounted the rigorous work that has been ongoing in his hometown Keradi, highlighting that a dedicated team of 600 people has been tirelessly toiling for four months to bring the next chapter to life. “A team of 600 people has been working non-stop for four months in my hometown in Keradi to put up sets for ‘Kantara Chapter 1.’ I’ve not had a single moment to rest, but no complaints!” he mentioned, underscoring the immense dedication behind the production.
Understanding the high expectations from their audience, the makers of “Kantara: Chapter 1” are determined to deliver a visually enriching experience. Speaking about the visual effects (VFX) in the film, Rishab stated, “Considering the kind of expectations audiences have from ‘Kantara Chapter 1,’ we decided that they must have a fully loaded visual treat. So in portions that VFX is required, we wanted to enlist the best, so the studio that worked on films like ‘Lion King’ and ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ are on board and the work has been split up and going on briskly across the world including the US, UK, and Bengaluru.”
While the team is putting in their best efforts, the excitement among fans continues to mount. Hombale Films, the production house behind this phenomenon, has also announced a scintillating lineup of upcoming releases, with “Kantara: Chapter 1” and “Salaar: Part 2 – Shouryanga Parvam” topping the list. The anticipation for these films is palpable, as each project promises to build upon the success and quality that Hombale Films is known for.
With each passing day, the legacy of “Kantara” grows, bolstered by the dedication of Rishab Shetty and his team. As they work diligently to meet and exceed the expectations of their audience, the reverberations of Rishab’s performance in the original film continue to resonate. His plea to be seen as an artist above all else is a humble reminder of the power of storytelling and the profound impact of cinema on people’s hearts and minds.
In conclusion, Rishab Shetty’s journey from playing a divine role in “Kantara” to preparing for its sequel is a testament to his devotion to his craft and his grounded nature. As the release of “Kantara: Chapter 1” approaches, fans eagerly await another stellar display of cinematic brilliance, knowing that behind the screen, Rishab remains the humble artist they’ve come to love and respect.
