Interviewer: Kantara: Chapter 1 has become a massive success. How do you feel about the overwhelming response from the audience?
Rishab Shetty: I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support from the Telugu audience. The response has been beyond what I imagined—just as overwhelming as the reception for the original Kantara. I’ll always cherish the affection shown by the people of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Interviewer: Was the idea of making a prequel always part of the plan?
Rishab Shetty: Yes, the idea for a prequel existed even during the making of Kantara. After seeing how deeply the audience connected with the story, we felt it was the right time to explore the origin story and dive deeper into the world we created.

Interviewer: Many have praised you for bringing back the essence of folk tales. What inspired you to do that?
Rishab Shetty: India has such a rich heritage of folklore, and with Kantara, I wanted to tell a story that honored our roots. It was a huge challenge to bring that authenticity to the screen, from the scripting to recreating the local essence. I’m grateful that the audience embraced it so wholeheartedly.

Interviewer: What was the most challenging aspect of making Kantara: Chapter 1?
Rishab Shetty: The most challenging part was definitely the world-building. We even set up a special studio in my native region to capture the authenticity of the setting. Each day on set brought new challenges, but the love and support we’re receiving makes it all worthwhile.

Interviewer: How would you describe the performances of Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram?
Rishab Shetty: They all delivered exceptional performances. Rukmini brought a lot of emotional depth to her role, Gulshan gave it his all with incredible intensity, and Jayaram sir’s presence added grace to the film. Their contributions were integral to bringing the story to life.

Interviewer: As both an actor and director, which role brings you more satisfaction?
Rishab Shetty: Direction is where my heart lies. While acting brings me joy, direction gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. As a director, I get to shape the story and the characters in ways that acting alone can’t provide.

Interviewer: The background score by Ajinish Loknath has received high praise. How did he contribute to the film?
Rishab Shetty: Ajinish is incredibly talented. He went to great lengths to capture tribal sounds directly from native regions, which added an authentic layer to the film. His work truly brought Kantara to life, and the score became an integral part of the experience.

Interviewer: You have mentioned your bond with NTR. Can you tell us more about that?
Rishab Shetty: NTR is like a brother to me. His encouragement and support mean a lot to me. I’m forever grateful for his belief in me and the constant motivation he provides.

Interviewer: How was your collaboration with Hombale Films?
Rishab Shetty: Working with Hombale Films has been an absolute privilege. They are visionaries, not just producers. Their trust and the creative freedom they gave us were instrumental in making Kantara the success it is today.

Interviewer: What’s next for you after Kantara?
Rishab Shetty: My next project is Jai Hanuman. It’s very close to my heart, and I’m excited to share it with the audience. I also have a few other ideas in mind, but they will take some time to develop further.

Interviewer: Any final message for your fans?
Rishab Shetty: I want to thank every single person who made Kantara: Chapter 1 such a grand success. Your love and support give me the strength to continue telling stories that are rooted in our culture and spirit. Thank you for believing in me and the film. I promise to keep delivering stories that touch your hearts.