BENGALURU: Kannada actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty has expressed his gratitude after receiving high praise from veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) following the release of Kantara Chapter 1. RGV had earlier stated that “all filmmakers in India should feel ashamed” and called Rishab a pioneer of disruption in Indian cinema.
Shetty reacts to RGV’s praise
Speaking to Zoom, Rishab said, “Main ek bachcha hu film industry main, wo itne bade legend hai aur itne bade bade films kiyein aur hum bachpan se unka kaam dekhte aayein hai. Unka film praise karna ek bohot badi baat hai – toh main accept bhi nahi karta hu.” (Translation: I’m still a kid in the film industry, while he’s a legend who has made iconic films. I’ve grown up watching his work, so for him to praise Kantara is a huge thing – I can hardly accept it).
He added that RGV personally called him after watching the film, brimming with excitement. “Wo film dekh ke excitement main unhone mujhe call kiya tha, lekin sari industry ko legends, seniors ko jo hum dekhte hai – unke inspiration main hum aaye hai. So, wahi follow karta hu main. Mujhe kuch competition record ye sab kuch nahi hai mere dimag main.” (Translation: After watching the film, he called me in excitement. Honestly, we all in the industry are inspired by legends and seniors like him. I don’t think in terms of competition or records; those things don’t matter to me.)
About Kantara Chapter 1
Kantara Chapter 1, written and directed by Rishab Shetty, has already crossed ₹451 crore worldwide in its first week and surpassed ₹300 crore in India. The film stars Rishab in the lead role, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram, and serves as a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara.
The story revolves around a tribal man named Berme, who rises against the aristocracy, showcasing themes of rebellion, identity, and social justice. The film has been widely praised for its storytelling, performances, and technical brilliance, making it one of the highest-grossing Kannada films of recent times.
Industry response and significance
Rishab’s humble response reflects his grounded approach to fame and success. By acknowledging the inspiration he draws from industry legends like RGV, he underscores the value of mentorship and respect in the film fraternity. His comments also signal a focus on creativity and storytelling over competition or box-office records, which many industry observers have appreciated.
Kantara Chapter 1’s success has further reinforced the global reach of Kannada cinema, demonstrating that regional films with strong narratives can achieve significant box-office milestones. The film’s prequel format also sets the stage for potential sequels, creating anticipation among audiences for the continuation of Berme’s story.
Conclusion
Rishab Shetty’s acknowledgment of RGV’s praise not only highlights his humility but also reinforces the importance of inspiration and learning from legends in shaping one’s creative journey. As Kantara Chapter 1 continues to break records, Shetty remains focused on innovative storytelling, prioritising craft over competition.