As Kanatara Chapter 1 Continues To Roar At Box Office, Top 5 Rishab Shetty Films To Watch This Diwali Weekend

Kannada cinema’s powerhouse talent Rishab Shetty has once again made headlines, this time by securing the top spot on IMDb’s prestigious list of the Most Popular Indian Celebrities. The recognition comes on the heels of the phenomenal success of Kantara Chapter 1, which continues to make waves at the global box office and is now inching towards the remarkable Rs 700 crore mark.

Over the years, Rishab Shetty has worn many hats, actor, writer, director and producer and each of his projects reflects his deep connection to his roots and a commitment to authenticity. Here’s a look at some of his most impactful works that showcase his evolution as one of India’s most compelling creative voices.

Kantara (2022):

Directed and headlined by Rishab Shetty

himself, Kantara has become a defining moment in contemporary Kannada cinema. Starring Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Kishore and Manasi Sudhir, the film is set in a forest-fringed coastal village where age-old traditions and modern governance collide. The story follows Shiva, played brilliantly by Rishab, a rebellious young man entangled in a fierce struggle between his ancestral beliefs and the encroaching power of the state.

What sets Kantara apart is its raw portrayal of indigenous folklore, particularly the Bhoota Kola, a sacred ritual that forms the emotional and spiritual core of the narrative. The film’s stunning cinematography, haunting score and Rishab’s powerhouse performance turned it into both a critical and commercial triumph.

Ricky (2016):

With Ricky, Rishab Shetty stepped behind the camera to deliver a story that intertwines personal emotion with political turbulence. Featuring Rakshit Shetty, Hari Priya and Pramod Shetty, the film follows a wildlife conservationist named Ricky who returns home only to discover that his beloved Radha has joined a Naxalite group.

What makes Ricky stand out is its courage to explore Naxalism, a subject rarely addressed in mainstream Kannada cinema. Rishab’s direction strikes a delicate balance between political commentary and human drama, weaving a poignant tale of two souls torn apart by circumstance.

Tuglak (2012):

Rishab Shetty made his acting debut in the 2012 film Tuglak, directed by Aravind Kaushik and starring Rakshit Shetty, Meghana Gaonkar and Anisha Ummer. In this film, Rishab portrayed a negative role, marking the beginning of his cinematic journey.

Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014):

Among Rishab Shetty’s most celebrated works, Ulidavaru Kandanthe remains a landmark in Kannada cinema. Featuring Rakshit Shetty, Kishore Kumar G., Achyuth Kumar and Rishab himself, the film unfolds like a mosaic of interconnected stories revolving around a robbery and its aftermath. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, each revealing new shades of truth, guilt and redemption.

Set against the scenic backdrop of a coastal town, Ulidavaru Kandanthe blends realism with myth, crime with emotion and folklore with film noir aesthetics. Rishab’s performance as a gritty local gangster adds a magnetic intensity to the film.

Bell Bottom (2019):

In Bell Bottom, directed by Jayatheertha, Rishab Shetty steps into a completely different avatar, playing Divakara, a small-town constable with a passion for detective novels. Set in the vibrant 1980s, the film follows Divakara’s unexpected transformation into a real-life sleuth when a mysterious robbery lands on his desk.

Supported by Hari Priya and Pramod Shetty, Bell Bottom is a delightful mix of suspense, humour and nostalgia. The movie’s retro setting, quirky characters and engaging mystery make it a refreshing watch. Rishab’s charismatic performance brings warmth and wit to the role, proving his range as an actor who can effortlessly switch between intense dramas and light-hearted entertainers.