Rishab Shetty will be next seen in Kantara Chapter 1. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Rishab Shetty’s 2022 film Kantara was a blockbuster hit at the box office and also received critical acclaim.
The 70th National Film Awards gave much-deserved recognition to one of the blockbuster films of the Kannada film industry, Kantara, on August 16. Kannada actor Rishab Shetty took home the prestigious Best Actor Award for his exceptional performance in Kantara. Adding another milestone, the film has won the National Award for Best Entertaining Film.
After this monumental achievement, Rishab Shetty revealed the plight of Kannada films these days. In an interview with PTI, the actor highlighted how the filmmakers struggle to find a proper release platform since no OTT channels support them.
Rishab Shetty said that many filmmakers of the Kannada film industry face challenges to secure a good release platform and that’s why they release their movies on YouTube. Sharing his views, the acclaimed actor said, “We premiere at festivals and win awards, but we do not get any platform for that. OTT platforms do not buy Kannada content, so we are forced to put it on YouTube channels. I am done with that. We don’t get any recovery from such films.”
At the end of the interview, Rishab expressed his feelings over winning the National Award. Crediting all the members who worked hard to bring the film to the screen, the star stated, “I just do my work, but Kantara’s win should go to every team member involved in it. I am just a face of it, but there were a lot of technicians who gave their best for the film. I want to thank the people on their behalf.”
Released in 2022, Kantara is a critically acclaimed Kannada film headlined by Rishab Shetty. The film, with its folklore-based storytelling, chronicled a conflict between the villagers and powerful landowners, exploring themes of justice, faith, and the relationship between humans and nature. Shot in a small coastal village in Karnataka, Keradi, this action-drama delves deep into the cultural and spiritual traditions of the region.
In the film, Shiva, the protagonist plays a rebel defying societal norms and raising voice against exploitation of nature.
Apart from taking up the lead role, Rishab Shetty also donned the director’s hat. The film garnered more than Rs 450 crore at the box office, surpassing several films that featured A-listers across the industries.
On the professional front, Rishab last worked in the 2023 film Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare. He will be next seen in Kantara Chapter 1, the prequel to the Kantara.
