Rishab Shetty Discusses ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and Its Universal Appeal
Rishab Shetty Reflects on the Success of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’
New Delhi—Rishab Shetty, the multifaceted Kannada actor-director, enthusiastically acknowledged the box office success of “Kantara: Chapter 1” on a recent press event. He emphasized that the film’s triumph underscores his belief that regional storytelling can genuinely resonate on a universal level.
Folklore Meets Global Appeal
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, “Kantara”—which captured hearts with its deep-rooted storytelling—the latest installment has garnered widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and superb performances. This new entry has proven to be a cultural phenomenon that explores the rich folklore and traditions of the coastline, earning accolades for both its story and execution.
The film achieved remarkable commercial success, grossing ₹427.5 crore within just six days of its release. Shetty remarked, “We began the world of ‘Kantara’ from the first film, exploring the dynamic between humans and nature. Our story draws from the folklore of coastal Karnataka, focusing on tribes and deity worship.”
The Universal Language of Cinema
Shetty believes the success of “Kantara: Chapter 1” reaffirms that regional films can indeed find acceptance across the globe. As someone deeply involved in the creation of the film—serving as its writer, director, producer, and lead actor—he stated, “This triumph proves that our film resonates globally.”
During the event, Shetty was joined by co-stars Jayaram, Gulshan Devaiah, cinematographer Arvind S Kashyap, costume designer Pragathi Shetty, and producer Chaulve Gowda of Hombale Films, all sharing their contributing experiences.
Set in pre-colonial Karnataka, the film portrays the struggle between local tribes and a tyrannical king, adding layers of complexity and intrigue.
A Diverse Audience Reach
In addition to Kannada, “Kantara: Chapter 1” was released in multiple languages including Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, Bengali, and English, broadening its audience appeal on October 2.
“We have stayed true to our roots, and the audience has appreciated this approach. Early reviews suggest this greater authenticity resonates well,” Shetty added, reflecting on the film’s reception.
He praised his team for their concerted efforts, noting, “We weren’t sure how we would achieve this, but our collaboration from the production team to everyone involved played a crucial role.”
Looking Beyond Language Barriers
Producer Gowda emphasized the goal of presenting Indian cinema as a universal narrative. “This film goes beyond serving just the Karnataka audience; it aims for a pan-Indian audience because language should no longer pose a barrier.
Actors Jayaram and Devaiah also provided insight into their experiences on this ambitious project, with Jayaram marking his second entry into Kannada cinema, expressing eagerness and excitement throughout the shooting process.
Devaiah, a newcomer to Kannada films, shared his admiration for Shetty’s passionate approach to storytelling deeply rooted in culture. He described the experience as special, connecting it to his own heritage.
Team Effort and Visual Impact
Cinematographer Kashyap credited the entire team for crafting a story that resonates with Indian audiences, emphasizing the role of visuals in capturing viewers’ attention. The collaboration and efforts of everyone involved, from writers to the crew, contributed significantly to this captivating cinematic experience.
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