New Delhi:
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty says winning two National Film Awards for Kantara has motivated him to tell more stories inspired by what he has seen in society. Shetty directed, co-wrote and starred in the hit Kannada title that went viral across the country. He is currently working on its prequel.
Still in disbelief, the filmmaker said that Kantara winning two national awards is only the result of people’s wishes and blessings.
“There are many stories I want to tell about what I have seen in society. It is the people who made the first film such a big success. We have to give better content, entertain more and work harder,” Shetty told PTI in an interview.
“It’s more of a responsibility for us now. Awards like these motivate you to do more good work. We make a film with all our heart. People should like it, that’s the main thought,” he added. Kantara, which was made on a reported budget of Rs 16 crore by Hombale Films, went on to earn over Rs 400 crore worldwide. It won the National Award for Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and fetched Shetty his first National Award for best actor.
Asked if he is nervous about Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel, amid expectations and awards, the artist said he is not worried about it.
Shetty, however, gets a little tense around a film’s release.
“I feel the same way during the first morning show of the film. That’s what happens to me every time. I had thought for a long time that I had to do something that would get box office success and awards. But that’s not how you start making a film,” he added.
Before Kantara, which explored the conflict between humans and nature in the forests of Kaadubettu in Karnataka, the filmmaker won a National Award for the 2018 hit Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shale, Kasaragodu. in the Best Children’s Film category.
Shetty, who made his directorial debut with 2016’s Rickey, said he was initially only thinking about work.
“When I first got into the industry, I got a few opportunities here and there. I worked as an assistant director on a few films, then I got a chance to act, but it didn’t come to fruition.
“So 10 years of my life was like that. There was no excitement or anticipation. Then I got the chance to direct. I used to just work and tend not to get too excited because I’m just a part of the movie. I believe everything that happens is because of teamwork.” He may wear many hats on a film set, but writing remains his top priority, followed by directing.
“Overall, Kantara is my fourth film as a director and hero, but this was the first time that I directed and acted in the same film. I take the idea to my co-writers and then our brainstorming begins with my cinematographer, my wife (Pragati Shetty) who is a costume designer, and my producers. While this process is going on, I also keep thinking about how I will do the directing and acting side by side,” he said.
When it comes to the Kantara franchise, Shetty said that Hombale Films gives him “complete freedom” and that the final decision is always his.
“They have a different equation with me and a different equation with other artists. I freely discuss the subject with them and exchange ideas. If I like their input, I take it into consideration. I have no ego.” “Kantara” has a huge fan following in the North and actor-filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had praised it profusely when the film released.
Shetty said he is a big fan of Kashyap. “I am inspired by his writing and filmmaking.” In the future, he would love to collaborate with people like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)