Rishab Shetty to Receive Prestigious Leadership in Cinema Award at IFFM 2026

Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty will be honoured with the Leadership in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026, recognising his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema and his role in taking culturally rooted storytelling to audiences across the world.

According to the festival, the award acknowledges Rishab Shetty's efforts in expanding the global conversation around Indian cinema by creating stories that are deeply rooted in Indian culture, folklore and traditions, while remaining artistically ambitious and universally relatable. His work has demonstrated that regional narratives can transcend borders without losing their authenticity.

Over the past few years, Rishab Shetty has emerged as one of India's most distinctive filmmakers through the acclaimed 'Kantara' franchise. As its writer, director and lead actor, he brought the rich folklore, traditions and the Bhoota Kola ritual of coastal Karnataka to international audiences, helping showcase the strength of Kannada cinema on the global stage. His storytelling has been widely praised for blending mythology, spirituality and social themes while preserving India's cultural heritage.

Expressing his gratitude, Shetty said he was deeply honoured to receive the award, adding that storytelling has always been his way of celebrating India's culture, traditions and communities. He said it was meaningful to see stories rooted in the country's heritage resonate with audiences worldwide and looked forward to celebrating the diversity and strength of Indian cinema at IFFM 2026.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange described Shetty as a representative of a new generation of Indian filmmakers whose work is both deeply rooted and globally relevant. She said his unique storytelling proves that local stories can connect with audiences across the world, making him a deserving recipient of the honour.

On the work front, Rishab Shetty will next headline the two-part historical epic 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj', produced by Sandeep Singh. Bhumi Pednekar has joined the cast as Belawadi Mallamma, while Arjun Rampal and Vivek Oberoi will play pivotal roles. Written by Rishi Virmani, the film is scheduled to begin principal photography later this year.