Acclaimed actor Rishab Shetty, known for his blockbuster film Kantara, recently shared his thoughts on the evolving landscape of Kannada cinema and provided exciting updates on the much-anticipated sequel, Kantara Part 2. Speaking with ANI at the International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), Shetty addressed his previous comments regarding the limited availability of Kannada content on OTT platforms and emphasized the need for increased support for the industry.
"We are getting very few opportunities for Kannada films, and I hope for better prospects in the future. We should prioritize it because that will also bolster the industry," Shetty stated, reflecting his concerns for the future of regional cinema.
The actor also shared his feelings about winning the National Award, noting, "I don't experience excitement or expectation. This honour is significant and comes with responsibility. I'm grateful and committed to working hard moving forward." He highlighted the importance of recognition in overcoming language barriers, asserting that audiences from diverse backgrounds can now appreciate quality content regardless of language.
Shetty remarked on how the award has impacted his career, saying, "As soon as it happened, I started working on another project. The love and recognition from people and the industry have changed everything." Despite the allure of opportunities in Bollywood, he reaffirmed his commitment to Kannada cinema, stating, "If I get an opportunity, I will definitely do it. But right now, my concentration is in Kannada."
Set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, Kantara features Shetty as a Kambala champion who faces off against a Forest Range officer. The film received critical acclaim and won the award for 'Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment' at the 70th National Film Awards.
Regarding the progress of Kantara Part 2, Shetty confirmed, "It's in the works. Winning the National Award has elevated the responsibility for the sequel."
Meanwhile, the IIFA celebrations are currently taking place in Abu Dhabi from September 27 to September 29. This three-day event includes IIFA Utsavam, dedicated to southern film industries such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. Notable stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, and Karan Johar are set to take the stage, with Rekha making her much-anticipated return to IIFA after a long hiatus. The event will culminate with the exclusive, invitation-only IIFA Rocks, featuring live performances from artists like Honey Singh, Shilpa Rao, and Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
