Actor Rishab Shetty is pouring his heart and soul into the highly anticipated film Kantara: Chapter 1. As the fourth schedule of the movie approaches, Shetty is going above and beyond by immersing himself in the rigorous training of Kalaripayattu, one of India’s oldest martial art forms. This dedication marks a new chapter in his commitment to authenticity and delivering a powerful performance.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Rishab Shetty shared a sneak peek of his intense training sessions. The post captured him fully engrossed in the traditional combat practice, with a focused expression that conveyed his determination and passion for the craft. Keeping his caption minimal yet meaningful, Shetty added only a heart-shaped emoticon, letting his hard work speak for itself.
This deep dive into Kalaripayattu comes on the heels of a prestigious accolade for the actor. Earlier this month, Rishab Shetty clinched the National Award for Best Actor for his outstanding performance in Kantara. Reflecting on this achievement, Shetty emphasized the collaborative effort behind the film’s success. In a conversation with ANI, he said, “This has been possible because of my entire team. I am just the face of the film; it is all because of their hard work. The production house, the DOP, the technicians – it is all because of them.”
Shetty also took a moment to express his gratitude towards his fans, particularly acknowledging the support from his home state. “I want to thank the people of Karnataka. I want to thank the National Awards panel for recognising this film. The people have made this film a hit, I am very happy. I want to dedicate this win to the people of Karnataka,” he said.
Kantara, written and directed by Shetty, became a pan-India sensation in 2022. Set in the fictional village of Dakshina Kannada, the film weaves a compelling narrative around the life of a Kambala champion, played by Shetty, who finds himself in a dramatic face-off with an upright Forest Range officer. The movie’s unique storyline and cultural essence earned it widespread acclaim, including the ‘Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment’ award.
With Kantara: Chapter 1, Rishab Shetty is not only aiming to meet the expectations set by the original but to elevate the experience to a divine level. His commitment to authenticity, as evidenced by his training in Kalaripayattu, promises to bring a new dimension to the film. Fans are eagerly awaiting what Shetty describes as a cinematic experience like never before, blending tradition, action, and storytelling in an unforgettable journey.