Rishab Shetty talks time travel, bhoota kola, and global reactions: "This time, it's more complicated"

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, actor-director Rishab Shetty opened up about how audiences in the United States responded to Kantara back in 2022. He also discussed the making of Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to his National Award-winning film Kantara, which released in 2022.

Rooted deeply in the culture and traditions of coastal Karnataka, Kantara blended folklore, mythology, and spiritual beliefs—especially the ritual of Bhoota Kola, a vibrant spirit-worship practice followed by Tulu-speaking communities. The film earned widespread appreciation for its storytelling and visuals.

Kantara Chapter 1, directed by Rishab Shetty, continues this journey and opened to strong box office numbers and positive reviews. Speaking with NDTV’s Deepak Bopanna, Shetty shared insights into how he crafted the film to connect with audiences across India, many of whom may not be familiar with Bhoota Kola.

How Rishab Shetty Conceived Kantara for a National Audience

Rishab Shetty acknowledged the high expectations following the success of Kantara (2022). When asked how he approached the prequel for a broader Indian audience, he said, “This time, the story is more complex. It involves time travel and moves back and forth. I had to include several themes like the human-nature relationship and the belief in daiva (spirit). There are also references to kings and how they used to trade. But I feel this belief system exists in different forms across India.”

He added that the most unexpected reaction came from the United States. “When I screened Kantara in Seattle, a senator told me, ‘It’s our story.’ I was surprised. How could they relate? They told me it reminded them of the struggle between Native Americans and lawmakers,” Shetty recalled.

How He Ensured Religious Beliefs Were Respected

NDTV also asked Shetty how he managed to tell a story so deeply rooted in local religious practices without offending sentiments. He responded, “It’s a positive story, and it reflects my own belief. As a filmmaker and storyteller, I want to present something uplifting. It’s up to the audience how they interpret it.”

About Kantara Chapter 1

Kantara Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 film and continues the cinematic exploration of Karnataka’s folklore. It has been directed by Rishab Shetty, who also co-wrote the script along with Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Guru. The film stars Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah in lead roles.

Rishab Shetty received the Best Actor National Award in 2024 for Kantara, which also won in the Best Popular Film category, further cementing its place as a milestone in Indian cinema.

Also Read: Pushpa director Sukumar applauds Rishab Shetty starrer Kantara: Chapter 1; calls it a powerful and passionate film

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