After the massive success of Kantara, Kannada actor Rishab Shetty has now set his sights on new territories—Telugu and Hindi cinema. Known for directing and starring in the original Kantara, which earned him a National Award and pan-India fame, Rishab is currently busy with its prequel, due to release in cinemas this October.
The upcoming prequel, directed by Rishab Shetty himself, is being made on a grand scale with a budget of around ₹125 crore, produced by Hombale Films. Music for the film is by Ajaneesh Loknath, and there are already high expectations from audiences across the country.
Rishab is also preparing to make his direct debut in the Telugu film industry with Jai Hanuman, directed by young filmmaker Prashanth Varma. In Bollywood, he is part of upcoming projects that explore patriotic and devotional themes, including stories inspired by figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Interestingly, Rishab currently has no new Kannada projects lined up, which has led to talk in film circles that he may be shifting his focus more towards Telugu and Hindi films. Industry insiders believe he is being offered significantly higher payments for these projects, especially in the Telugu industry, where producers see strong potential for his films.
With Telugu producers aiming for pan-India appeal, Rishab’s rising fame has made him a sought-after star. Sources say that production houses are willing to pay top fees to bring him on board, betting on his strong fan base and box office pull.
As the buzz around the Kantara prequel builds, Rishab’s journey from Kannada cinema to national stardom continues to draw attention—not just for his acting and directing talent, but also for his smart career choices across different film industries.
