Rishab Shetty, whose first major film as an actor is Tuglak (2012). But before that, the actor worked odd jobs in the film industry. After working on some films as the lead, he stepped into a new zone in cinema, directing, with Ricky (2016). But his latest projects Kantara (2022) and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025) saw him go back to his roots in the Kundanpura region of Karnataka.

Amongst the people who praised the film, was actor Vijay Sethupathi. Recalling a phone conversation with Vijay, during an event conducted by Galatta, Rishab said, "It was only (Vijay Sethupathi) sir, who watched Kantara and called me. He began speaking in English and said, 'I have watched you film. (It) feels really good.' I became excited and replied to him in Tamil by saying, 'Sir, thank you so much. You calling me was enough.' When he realised that I could speak in Tamil we had a good conversation."

He added, "There was an emotional connect when the conversation began. See, I have watched all of his films, and interviews, and I could relate to his journey, and describe it in one line like the dialogue Vadivelu sir says to Prabu Dheva sir in a film, 'Why blood, same blood.'"

Also starring Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and Prakash Thuminad, Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025), the prequel to Kantara (2022), collected over Rs 1500 crores worldwide.