Loved Kantara: Chapter 1? Rishab Shetty has super amazing news in store for fans. The actor-director has confirmed that work on the next chapter in the Kantara franchise is officially underway. In a recent interview, Shetty revealed that he and his writing team have already begun developing the story, giving fans their first major update on what comes after Kantara: Chapter 1.
While he did not reveal plot details or a release timeline, his latest comments make one thing clear — the Kantara universe is far from over.
Rishab Shetty Confirms Kantara: Chapter 2
Speaking to Variety India, Rishab Shetty opened up about balancing acting and directing, admitting that filmmaking remains closest to his heart. He said, “I need to do that. I cannot keep quiet about my directorial work. I find peace of mind and happiness when I am doing it. I have my team of writers with me, and we are already working on Kantara: Chapter 2.”
The statement marks the first official confirmation that the next installment is already in development. Although the filmmaker didn’t reveal any storyline, cast details or production schedule, the update has left fans excited.
What’s Next For Rishab Shetty?
Apart from directing, Shetty also has a packed acting schedule. The actor confirmed that his immediate focus will be on two ambitious projects — Jai Hanuman and The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Explaining why the films will be completed one after the other instead of simultaneously, he said, “I have the two films lined up back to back. I cannot multitask and do two films simultaneously, so it will be Jai Hanuman followed by The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Both films require me to maintain distinct looks.”
Before audiences return to the world of Kantara, Rishab Shetty will first be seen in Jai Hanuman, director Prasanth Varma’s pan-India fantasy film and a follow-up to Hanu-Man (2024). In the film, Shetty takes on the role of Lord Hanuman.
He will also headline The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Kantara Franchise
Rishab Shetty was last seen leading and directing Kantara: Chapter 1, which serves as a prequel to the original Kantara and explores the origins of the story centuries before the events of the first film.
The film follows the ruthless king of Bhangra, who invades the spice-rich land of the peaceful Kantara tribe. As violence erupts, the divine spirits Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva intervene to protect the land and its people.
The story then shifts to the next generation, following Vijayendra and later his son Kulashekara, as the conflict between the royal family and the tribal community continues to unfold under the watch of the divine forces.
Alongside Rishab Shetty, the film features Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Pramod Shetty, Rakesh Poojari and Prakash Thuminad in key roles.
