Every role that actor Gulshan Devaiah plays is intense and nuanced, but in Kantara: Chapter 1, he throws himself into a powerful, deeply flawed character whose influence on the narrative is both devastating and unforgettable.
In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Gulshan opened up about his performance, technical difficulties, and the reasons behind accepting a negative role at a time when he is declining many others.
Gulshan explained how he was able to emotionally engage the audience in spite of the film's overwhelming visual scale in a work praised for its rich, cinematic grandeur.
“It really helps to understand the vision of the director and also understand the frames for me. When I see the frame, I understand this is the space, this is the image that they are creating. This is how he is lighting it… So it really helps also because we prepare, rather I am preparing a certain way in my head how it is... it enhances the way you interact with the frame after that.”
He highlighted the brilliance of cinematographer Arvind S. Kashyap, whose precise lighting setup — often done with fire, diesel lamps, and candles — elevated the emotion of every scene, especially in the dramatic portions shot with a single camera.
Discussing his character, Gulshan didn’t hold back. His portrayal is of a man who believes himself to be powerful but is, in reality, dangerously incompetent.
“He is a person of weak character. He seems stronger, he thinks he is stronger, he is entitled. He is not worthy of this role. He is good for nothing. He is just entitled rubbish… And he has grown up like that in luxury, you know, he can do whatever.”
Though fictional, the role is grounded in timeless themes of power, entitlement, and chaos. Gulshan adds:
“So, but these sort of characters, you know, when you take a trunk, you know, impetuous and jealous and good for nothing piece of shit, and you give them power, they will destroy everything.”
He also added, "My character doesn't exist in history. It's based on a historical period, but all the characters are fiction. So, but these sort of characters, you know, when you take a trunk, you know, impetuous and jealous and good for nothing piece of shit, and you give them power, they will destroy everything. And that's what he does also. So for me, that was a thing that really attracted me because this thing is applicable everywhere."
The actor, who hails from Karnataka, did not have to learn Kannada for the role, but he did have to refine his delivery to match the Karavali dialect. He shared how writer Shanil Gautam helped him perfect the coastal tone.
“Born and brought up in Karnataka. But I did have to work on the Karavali (the style of speaking Kannada). So the writers, particularly Shanil Gautam, was of great help because he is from there and he would sit and practice the lines with me quite a bit.”
Cinematographer Arvind Kashyap even noted Gulshan’s passion on set extended beyond his own scenes:
“Even after their (Gulshan and Jayaram) part is done... he doesn't go. Especially Gulshan He is always there. They just keep exploring.”
When asked about why is he saying no to alot of negative roles lately, Gulshan offered a heartfelt explanation:
“Never say never. I want to do things where I can really have a genuine conviction... From the first film. Because I'm a fan. I saw the first film. It blew me away... it's almost like you are getting possessed.”
He concluded with honesty about his commitment:
“So never say never to negative parts unless that's a part that compels me to say that no, you have to do this. But I want to have a genuine point of interest also in exploring that part and being a part of that story. It's usually the character. First, it's the character and then how that character is in the story. And it has to be genuine from me. Because I'm a fan. I saw the first film. It blew me away. And it's one of the best climaxes I might have ever experienced. Not seen. Experienced. Because when that... When his framing and Rishabh's performance and Ajinish's music kicks in, it's almost like you are getting possessed."
Rishab Shetty recemtly revealed that he had shot the climax with swollen legs.
Taking to his Instagram on Monday, Rishab Shetty posted a series of pictures from the set, revealing that he shot the film's high-octane finale while struggling with a "swollen leg" and "an exhausted body."
The actor-director recalled in his post how challenging the shoot was and how he persevered in spite of the physical discomfort.
The same scene that Rishab filmed under extreme fatigue is now admired by millions of people, he added, and he attributes this to "the blessings of the divine energy we believe in."
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