After taking Kannada cinema to a national stage with Kantara, Rishab Shetty has once again made waves — this time with Kantara: Chapter 1, produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films. The film’s success has gone far beyond the box office, earning its stars top spots on IMDb’s list of India’s most popular celebrities.

In IMDb’s latest weekly rankings, Rishab has made an impressive jump from 75th to 3rd place, while his co-star Rukmini Vasanth has moved from 37th to 5th. Bollywood actor Gulshan Devaiah, who plays the antagonist in the film, has climbed from 213th to 22nd. The rise reflects how Kantara: Chapter 1 has connected with audiences across India, cutting across languages and regions.

Released to full houses, Kantara: Chapter 1 has already crossed ₹450 crore worldwide and continues its strong run in theatres. The film has been widely praised for its visuals by cinematographer Arvind Kashyap, who brings the landscapes of coastal Karnataka alive, and its evocative background score by B Ajaneesh Loknath, which amplifies the film’s spiritual and emotional tone.

Rishab Shetty, who also directed the film, blends mythology, folklore, and faith into a story that feels both rooted and universal. The narrative, rich in culture and emotion, has resonated deeply with viewers — much like the first Kantara did.

While other stars such as Ranbir Kapoor (now 18th) and Mrunal Thakur (23rd) have also moved up in the rankings, the rise of the Kantara team stands out as a reflection of how a regional story, told with conviction, can strike a national chord.