Filmmaker-actor Rishab Shetty has finally opened up about the overwhelming praise he received from veteran director Ram Gopal Varma (RGV) following the release of his latest hit, Kantara Chapter 1.
RGV's sincere remarks have added even more significance to the Kannada star's most recent directing endeavour, which has not only dominated the box office but also won hearts all over the nation.
Fans were astounded by Ram Gopal Varma's candour when he took to social media to share his admiration for the movie. After watching Kantara Chapter 1, he wrote in one post that "all filmmakers in India should feel ashamed."
In another, he hailed Rishab as someone who “pioneered a movement of disruption” in Indian cinema. Coming from a filmmaker known for his brutally frank opinions, the praise felt even more meaningful.
In a recent conversation with Zoom, Rishab Shetty was asked about RGV’s remarks — and his humble response says everything about the man behind the phenomenon.
“Main ek bachcha hu film industry main, wo itne bade legend hai aur itne bade bade films kiyein aur hum bachpan se unka kaam dekhte aayein hai. Unka (film praise karna) ek bohot badi baat hai – toh main accept bhi nahi karta hu (I am still a newcomer in the film industry, and he is such a big legend who has done so many great films. We have been watching his work since childhood. For him to praise my film is a really big deal – so I don’t even accept it)" he said, acknowledging how surreal it felt to be appreciated by someone whose films he grew up watching.
Rishab also revealed that RGV personally called him after watching the film.
Also Read: Kantara Chapter 1 Box Office Collection Day 7: Rishab Shetty’s epic enters Rs 300 Cr club net, becomes second-highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025
“Wo film dekh ke excitement main unhone mujhe call kiya tha, lekin sari industry ko legends, seniors ko jo hum dekhte hai – unke inspiration main hum aaye hai. So, wahi follow karta hu main. Mujhe kuch competition record ye sab kuch nahi hai mere dimag main (After watching the film, he called me out of excitement, but the whole industry—the legends and seniors we look up to—have been our inspiration. So, that’s exactly what I follow. I don’t have competition or records or anything like that on my mind)”
Kantara Chapter 1 is still doing very well at the box office in the meantime. The film has crossed ₹451 crore worldwide and Rs 300 crore in India within its first week — a staggering feat. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab himself, the prequel to his 2022 blockbuster Kantara stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram.
The film explores the story of Berme, a tribal man who rises against the aristocracy — blending folklore, faith, and rebellion in a way that has struck a deep chord with audiences everywhere.
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