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 ...