KL Rahul reviews Kantara Chapter 1, says Rishab Shetty has done Mangaluru proud

Indian cricketer KL Rahul seems to be among those deeply moved by Kantara Chapter 1. After watching the film, he shared his thoughts on Instagram, calling it an emotionally charged portrayal of Mangaluru’s people and beliefs.

Rahul posted a picture of the title card of the film and wrote, “Just watched Kantara. Blown away by the magic Rishab Shetty has created yet again. All heart and beautifully represents the people and belief of Mangaluru,” adding folded hands and heart emojis.

Rishab Acknowledges Rahul’s Review

Rishab Shetty quickly acknowledged KL Rahul’s appreciation by resharing the cricketer’s Instagram story with two heart emojis. The brief exchange between the filmmaker and the Indian cricketer caught the attention of fans online, who were thrilled to see two popular figures from Karnataka connecting over Kantara Chapter 1.

Rahul’s admiration for Kantara isn’t new. Earlier this year, during an IPL match at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, he celebrated a crucial win in a style that instantly reminded viewers of Rishab Shetty’s 2022 hit. He drew a circle on the ground with his bat, thumped his chest, and pointed to his jersey—symbolic gestures that echoed the tribal energy seen in the film. Rahul later confirmed that his celebration was inspired by Kantara, calling it a nod to the film’s raw emotion and spirit. His father-in-law, actor Suniel Shetty, later spoke about the moment from the commentary box, saying he “loved” the tribute.

Kantara’s Ongoing Impact

Directed by Rishab Shetty and backed by Hombale Films, Kantara Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster that became a cultural phenomenon. The new chapter features Rishab alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in leading roles. The film opened to massive anticipation and glowing reviews from audiences and critics alike. Within just five days of release, it raked in over Rs 370 crore globally, reinforcing the franchise’s powerful impact and further establishing Rishab Shetty as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Indian cinema.