Rishab Shetty to play an 18th century rebel in Ashwin Gangaraju Telugu-Kannada bilingual

Ashwin Gangaraju's film is the latest addition to Kantara maker and actor Rishab Shetty's list of upcoming mythological/historical/period drama films

Rishab Shetty in yet another period drama

In early July it was reported that Kannada star Rishab Shetty was all set to do a Telugu movie to be produced by Naga Vamsi’s Sithara Entertainments and directed by young filmmaker Ashwin Gangaraju. Earlier today, on July 30, the banner officially announced the collaboration – an as-yet-untitled fictional historical action drama set in the 18th century. To be made simultaneously in Telugu and Kannada, the film, which is the banner’s 36thproduction, will also release with Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam versions.

Rishab's days of playing a common man over?

This is Rishab’s latest officially announced project in the historical/period drama genre, which comes close on the heels of speculation that the actor was set to play emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya in a biopic to be directed by Ashutosh Gowariker. Rishab’s upcoming slate of films includes only such films, which had prompted audiences to wonder if his days of playing a common man were over as they called him the brand ambassador of mythological/historical cinema.

Since the phenomenal success of Kantara in 2022, Rishab has been working on the prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1, which is scheduled to be in theatres on October 2, 2025. He is also committed to playing Hanuman in Telugu director Prashant Varma’s Jai Hanuman, and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Sandeep Singh’s The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. If the rumours about Ashutosh’s film are indeed true, that will be Rishab’s 5thconsecutive film in the genre.

Also read: Rishab Shetty as Sri Krishnadevaraya sparks debate: Tuluva, Kannada or Telugu pride?

Back in 2022, before the release of Kantara, Rishab was supposed to be a part of films like Bachelor Party (a Rakshit Shetty production), and his production Laughing Buddha, besides headlining the sequel of his first film as protagonist, Bell Bottom. In fact, one of the many films that Rakshit Shetty wants to do as a director is Midway To Moksha, a project that he wants to collaborate with both Rishab and Raj B Shetty for. Given Rishab’s current affinity for all things historical, Rakshit’s script will have to align with this if it is to get done.

Frequently asked questions about Rishab Shetty

Q. What is Rishab Shetty’s remuneration for Kantara Chapter 1?

A. According to reports, Rishab Shetty is getting a fixed remuneration of Rs 100 crore besides a profit share arrangement once Kantara Chapter 1 releases in theatres on October 2, 2025.

Q. What are Rishab Shetty’s upcoming films?

A. Rishab Shetty has officially announced collaborations with Hanu-Man maker Prashant Varma (Jai Hanuman), Sandeep Singh’s The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and now, Ashwin Gangaraju’s untitled actioner about an 18th century rebel. He is also rumoured to be playing Sri Krishnadevaraya in a biopic to be directed by Ashutosh Gowariker.

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