Kantara: Chapter 1 - A folklore epic beyond politics, says Rishab Shetty

Rishab Shetty, actor-director of the Kannada sensation Kantara: Chapter 1, says his latest film is rooted in Karnataka’s folklore and spirituality, not in promoting any political ideology. Released on October 2, the pre-colonial epic has already earned Rs 600 crore worldwide.

Speaking to PTI, Shetty said, “As a storyteller, I believe in sharing stories without bias. We wanted to explore our folklore, Bharatiyata, and the belief system of nature worship. There’s no agenda here, we’re simply telling a story, and audiences are connecting with it.”

Serving as a prelude to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, this chapter delves into the conflict between tribals of the Kantara forest and a tyrannical king. Shetty, who co-wrote the film with Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Guru, explained that his aim was to create an immersive experience for viewers rather than push a personal perspective.

“You should have your own experience. If you pray or worship, that feeling is personal. Through this story, we tried to offer that experience, it’s up to each viewer how they interpret it,” he said.

Shetty’s own spiritual upbringing has shaped his approach to filmmaking. “My family and I worship regularly. On set, we even perform puja before shooting, respecting the camera as part of our ritual,” he shared.

The biggest challenge in making Kantara: Chapter 1, according to Shetty, was building the complex narrative and recreating a bygone era. “Unlike the first Kantara, where the story was straightforward, here we had to establish multiple characters, their motivations, and their interactions with the first king, Vijayendra. It took extensive research and teamwork,” he noted.

From creating visually rich sets to designing costumes inspired by temple architecture, Shetty credited Hombale Films and his team for their dedication. “Everyone worked tirelessly, cinematography, production design, costumes, to ensure authenticity and vibrancy,” he said, highlighting his wife Pragathi’s role in costume research.

Looking ahead, Shetty promised to expand the Kantara universe. “There are many stories yet to be told here, though I don’t know when or how. Next year, I’ll start work on my new film Jai Hanuman,” he revealed.