Kantara 2: Urvashi Rautela claims she’s bagged role; Hombale Films denies the same

Kannada filmmaker-actor Rishab Shetty was at a special programme hosted by the Kannada Chalanachitra Pathrakartha Sangha on the morning of February 11, fielding an array of questions about the film, if life has changed for him since then and more. Around the same time, Urvashi Rautela, who, many years ago did a Kannada film opposite Darshan, Mr Airavata, posted a picture of herself with Rishab with an accompanying message that read, “#KANTARA 2 @rishabshettyofficial @hombalefilms loading.”

Soon enough, her PR machinery sent out a note that the actress had bagged a lead role in the upcoming prequel that Rishab is working on, calling it the biggest news of 2023. Her announcement, however, came on a day when Rishab was being asked about all the rumours surrounding possible casting for the film, including one about Rajinikanth being in it, to which the filmmaker had said that he had not given it any thought as he was still in the process of conducting research for his script.

As soon as Urvashi’s social media post and PR note came out, it was reported that there was no such development. The actress had a meeting with Kantara makers Hombale Films, and while there, had a chance encounter with Rishab, which resulted in the picture of the two of them together, it has been reported. A source from the production house was quoted in the report as saying that Urvashi’s picture with Rishab was nothing more than a photo-op. Netizens also debated the possibility of Urvashi being in the film and found it strange that Hombale Films would allow her to make an announcement, when the practice for them has always been to do so on their official social media pages at specified dates and times.