Kannada actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty, who recently won the National Award for Best Actor for his last film, Kantara, is currently in the midst of production of a prequel to the same that’s been called Kantara: Chapter 1. After Rishab had announced that he was doing a prequel, there was speculation galore about the subject of the film, whether it would delve into the origin story of Panjurli, the daiva referenced in Kantara. The title teaser of the film hinted at it being an action-packed period drama, what with Rishab wielding multiple weapons, with blood splatters all over him.

Kantara A Legend Chapter 1 to stream on THIS OTT platform after its theatrical run 

Rishab Shetty's new image in preparation for Kantara: Chapter 1

At the time, there was news that Rishab had spent months together hauled up in his hometown in Kundapura, not only to get into shape for the role and change his physical appearance with longer hair and a beard, but also to pick up certain skill sets. Mainly among them, it was said that Rishab was taking lessons in horse riding and kalarippayattu, with the latter now proved to be true. An image of the actor-filmmaker from one of his kalarippayattu training sessions is now viral on social media.

This, of course, has created new excitement around the project, which is being shot at a closely guarded set in Kundapura. Rishab has revealed that the film is set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. But sources close to him have said that the mythology that was at the heart of Kantara will be an integral part of Kantara: Chapter 1 as well.

Rishab, meanwhile, is currently busy promoting a film that he’s produced, which has Pramod Shetty in the lead. Called Laughing Buddha, the film has Pramod as a constable and follows certain events that unfold at the station he’s posted at. It is directed by Bharath Raj M, who had earlier made Hero with Rishab in the lead. In fact, Rishab was to do a role in Laughing Buddha, which he could not, eventually, as he was busy with Kantara: chapter 1. It then went to Diganth Manchale.

Kantara Chapter 1 first look - Five highlights of the new smashing teaser dropped by Rishab Shetty and co. 

Following the success of Kantara, Rishab had let go of roles in Bachelor Party, Laughing Buddha and Vaghachipani, which went to Yogi, Diganth and Dileesh Pothan, respectively. However, Rishab has said that Bell Bottom 2 is a project he does want to return to at some point.

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