Within days of the release of Rishab Shetty’s Kantara, the film created quite the buzz not just in Kannada cinemas, but theatres nationwide. Considering the theme of the film, and its phenomenal success across the country, the makers quickly termed the film a 'divine blockbuster.' Staying true to its label, Kantara managed to hold its own ground in the theatres against some of the biggest films in the country, and even the film's release on OTT. 

In times like this, it is heartening to see a film complete its 50-day run in the theatres, and now, Kantara has reached the unique milestone of completing a 100-day run in the theatres. This is a huge moment in Kannada, and even Indian cinema, to see a grounded and rooted film making such a big impact among the theatre-going audience, especially since the pandemic questioned if films will make audience return to th theatres. The Kannada film, which was released on September 30, went on to have dubbed versions in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, and Tulu.  

In fact, Kantara is the third Rishab Shetty directorial after Kirik Party and Sarkari Hi Pra Shaale Kasaragodu to complete a 100-day run in the theatres. 

Apart from playing the lead, Rishab Shetty has written and directed Kantara. The story follows the struggle between villagers and forest authorities surrounding a land encroachment. The film produced by Vijay Kiragandur’s Hombale Films has Sapthami Gowda playing the female lead and actors Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty, Prasad Thuminad, Swaraj Shetty, and Manasi Sudhir in pivotal roles.