New Delhi:
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty says winning two National Film Awards for Kantara has motivated him to tell more stories inspired by what he sees in society. Shetty directed, wrote and directed the Kannada blockbuster that became a rage across the country. He is currently working on its prequel.
Still in disbelief, the filmmaker said that Kantara winning two national awards is only the result of people’s wishes and blessings.
“I want to tell a lot of stories about what I have seen in the society. People made the first film such a big hit. We need to provide better content, entertain more and work hard,” Shetty told PTI in an interview.
“It’s more responsibility for us now. Such awards motivate us to do more good work. We are making the film with all our heart. People should like it, that’s the main idea,” he added. Kantara, which had a reported budget of Rs 16 crore by Hombale Films, grossed over Rs 400 crore worldwide. It won the National Award for Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and earned Shetty his first National Award for Best Actor.
When asked if he is excited about Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel amid the expectations and awards, the artist said he is not worried about it.
However, Shetty gets a little nervous right around the time of the film’s release.
“I have the same feeling at the first morning screening of a film. It happens to me every time. I had thought long ago that I have to do something that will generate both box office and awards. But that’s not how you start making a film. film,” he added.
Before Kantara, which explored the conflict between man and nature in the Kaadubettu forests of Karnataka, the filmmaker had won the National Award for the 2018 hit series Sarkari Hi. Pr. Shale, Kasaragodu. in the best children’s film category.
Shetty, who made his directorial debut with 2016’s Rickey, initially said he was interested in the job.
“When I came into the industry, I got opportunities here and there. I worked as an assistant director on a couple of films, then I got an opportunity to act, but it didn’t materialize.
“So 10 years of my life went just like that. There was no excitement or expectations. Then I got the chance to direct. Before I just worked and I usually don’t get too excited because I’m just part of the movie. I believe that everything that happens is due to teamwork.” He may wear many hats in the film industry, but writing remains his top priority, followed by directing.
“Overall, Kantara is my fourth film as director and hero, but this was the first time that I was both directing and acting in the same film. I take the idea to my writers and then we start brainstorming with my wife DOP. (Pragati Shetty), who is the costume designer, and my producer. While this process is going on, I’m also thinking about how to juggle directing and acting,” he said.
As for the Kantara franchise, Shetty said that Hombale Films gives him “complete freedom” and that the final decision is always his.
“They have a different equation than I do and other artists have a different equation. I discuss the subject freely with them and exchange ideas. If I like their contribution, I take it into account. I have no ego.” ‘Kantara’ has a lot of fans in the North and was lavishly praised by actor-filmmaker Anurag Kashyap when the film released.
Shetty said that he is a big fan of Kashyap. “I’m inspired by his writing and filmmaking.” Going forward, he would like to work with Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, he said.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff, except for the headline, and is published on a syndicated feed.)