Rishabh Shetty Explores His Cinematic Journey And Impact Of Kantara On The Rana Daggubati Show

On the recent installment of The Rana Daggubati Show, available on Prime Video, Rishabh Shetty, celebrated for his groundbreaking work on the film Kantara, took center stage alongside Rana Daggubati. They were joined by actress Neha Shetty, and the trio ventured to Rishabh's birthplace, Keradi, where he candidly discussed his film career and aspirations to make his village a focal point for cinema.

During the discussion, Rishabh shared insights into how the idea for Kantara came to life, emphasizing the deep connection between the film and his village, Keradi. He explained, "Since childhood, I have dreamt of shooting a film in my village and its forests, Keradi. I scouted this location for multiple movies, but it never worked out. Then came Kantara — which was finally shot here. It was a collective effort, over 700 people from the village contributed. It's because of this overwhelming involvement that I call my home KFC – Keradi Film City." This endeavor not only fulfilled a personal dream but also changed the local community's engagement with cinema, making them see their realities reflected on screen and garnering widespread support and affection.

Rishabh's admiration for other filmmakers also came up, particularly Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for hits like Arjun Reddy and Animal. Despite controversies, Vanga's unique vision has garnered a massive fan base. Rishab expressed his respect for Vanga's distinct storytelling, saying, "It's crazy, nobody can think like him, and I think even he can't think the same way again. I'd love to be involved in any projects he's currently working on."

A touching anecdote highlighted in the conversation was the story of how Rishabh met his wife, Pragathi Shetty. She recalled, "I'm a Rakshit Shetty fan, so I went to a Ricky screening with my friends. One of them wanted a picture with the director, Rishabh, so we spoke. And I told him how proud I was of his journey—from a small village to achieving so much in cinema. That's when he fell for me! He sent me a friend request on social media, and that's where it all started."

The Rana Daggubati Show, produced by Rana Daggubati under Spirit Media, is an unscripted Telugu Original series spanning eight episodes. It has become a platform for some of the most influential figures in Indian cinema to share their stories and experiences, with guests including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, and S.S. Rajamouli, among others. The show's blend of humor, candidness, and insightful discussions has quickly built up an eager audience. The next episode is set to stream on Saturday, December 21, exclusively on Prime Video, reaching viewers across India and in over 240 countries and territories globally.

In essence, Rishabh Shetty's appearance on The Rana Daggubati Show provided an intimate look into his cinematic journey, from the early dreams of shooting in his hometown to the success of Kantara and the impact it has had on his community. Through heartfelt stories and shared experiences, the episode underscored the power of cinema in connecting people, transforming places, and inspiring stories that resonate across borders.