Actor and director Rishab Shetty, whose film Kantara Chapter 1 is creating a nationwide buzz, reflected on his remarkable journey from struggling to secure even a single show to achieving 5,000 housefull screenings. On Friday, Shetty shared a heartfelt post on X, stating, “From working hard for a single evening show in 2016 to 5,000 housefull shows in 2025, this journey has been possible only because of your love, support, and God’s grace. I will forever be indebted to everyone who made this possible.” He also shared a throwback post from 2016, recalling the excitement of finally securing a 7 PM show at Big Cinemas in his hometown Mangaluru after numerous attempts.
The film has garnered widespread praise from industry peers. Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga called it “a true masterpiece, a cinematic storm unlike anything seen in Indian cinema before,” commending Shetty for single-handedly managing the project and bringing it to life. Such acclaim highlights the unique blend of storytelling, folklore, and cinematic execution that sets the film apart in contemporary Indian cinema.
Tollywood superstar Junior NTR also lauded Shetty’s talent, stating, “Congratulations to the Kantara Chapter 1 team for this grand success. Rishab Shetty has achieved an extraordinary feat as both an actor and a director. My best wishes to HomeLane Films, the cast, and crew who believed in his vision.” Released as a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, Kantara Chapter 1 intricately weaves folklore, divinity, and human emotion, earning critical acclaim and cementing Shetty’s reputation as a versatile and visionary filmmaker.