Kantara Actor Rishab Shetty opens up about his filmmaking journey, dreams and more on Rana Daggubati Show

Rishab Shetty emerges as one of the most talented figures in Indian cinema, having caused a sensation with Kantara. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited another cinematic masterpiece from him. The announcement of Kantara: Chapter 1 has kept fans captivated, while Rishab's recent declaration of assuming the role of Lord Hanuman in Mythri's Jai Hanuman has sparked tremendous excitement among audiences.

Rana Daggubati is uniting some of the most sought-after celebrities in Indian cinema on his new talk-show, The Rana Daggubati Show, available on Prime Video. The show's mix of candid, humorous, and thought-provoking discussions has swiftly attracted an eager audience anticipating each new episode weekly. The upcoming episode this weekend will showcase Rishab Shetty, the creative genius behind the groundbreaking film Kantara, joining Rana alongside actress Neha Shetty (known for DJ Tillu, Mungaru Male 2) for an unfiltered chat. They explore Rishab’s hometown, Keradi, the birthplace of his inspiration, where he shares insights into his filmmaking journey and his vision to turn his village into a cinematic hub.

Rishab delves into the roots of Kantara, unveiling how the movie is intricately linked with his home and community. “Since childhood, I have dreamt of shooting a film in my village and its forests, Keradi. I scouted this location for multiple movies, but it never worked out. Then came Kantara — which was finally shot here. It was a collective effort, over 700 people from the village contributed. It’s because of this overwhelming involvement that I call my home KFC – Keradi Film City.”

He added, "This region isn't huge on films, but Kantara made them see their own on screen. It became relatable, and the love and blessings poured in abundantly.”

The discussion then shifted towards their perspectives on renowned directors, prompting him to express his admiration for filmmakers like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, recognized for blockbuster hits such as Arjun Reddy and Animal. Emphasizing that despite being embroiled in controversies, directors like Vanga command a massive fan base, Rishab remarked, "It’s crazy, nobody can think like him, and I think even he can’t think the same way again. I'd love to be involved in any projects he's currently working on.”

In a sweet moment on the show, Rishabh’s wife, Pragathi Shetty, shares the heartwarming tale of their initial encounter. “I’m a Rakshit Shetty fan, so I went to a Ricky screening with my friends. One of them wanted a picture with the director, Rishabh, so we spoke. And I told him how proud I was of his journey—from a small village to achieving so much in cinema. That’s when he fell for me! He sent me a friend request on social media, and that’s where it all started.”