PremiumKantara: Chapter 1 – Rishab Shetty’s inviting acting talents; Payal Rajput among first to respond
Actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty has called for auditions of actors, both new and experienced, across age groups, to be a part of the prequel to Kantara
Last Updated: 02.50 PM, Dec 12, 2023
Rishab Shetty is all set to begin work on the prequel to Kantara, which he has called Kantara: Chapter 1, and is believed to be about the origin story of Panjurli daiva. While Rishab has not confirmed this rumour, Rakshit Shetty’s response to the first look seems to imply as much. The Hombale Films production had its muhurtha at the end of November, and the shoot is expected to begin shortly. Rishab had earlier conducted auditions to his direction team and now, he is looking at getting his cast in place. The actor-filmmaker has called talented new and experienced actors, both male and female, across a wide age group to be a part of his latest vision.
Rishab is looking for men in the age group of 30-60 and women between 18 and 60, but has not specified just how many he is looking for. Profiles are to be uploaded on the film’s official site, with shortlisted candidates then to be called for audition. Among the first to respond to Rishab’s call for actors is Payal Rajput, writing that she is interested in being part of this “outstanding film”. “Please consider me for an audition. This message is on my behalf,” she added. She followed that up with another message addressed to Rishab and Hombale Films reiterating that she is eager to be a part of the film and drawing their attention to her recent film Magalavaaram, for which she has garnered significant praise for her performance. Interestingly, Payal did not mention that she’s already done a Kannada film recently, having been a part of Daali Dhananjaya’s Head Bush.
The ’darshan’ of Kantara: Chapter 1, which will retell the story of a legend being born, had Rishab wielding an axe and trishul, with blood splatters dripping all over him, presumably from those who had crossed his path. The film is, reportedly, being made at a budget of Rs 100 crore. Set in 300 AD it will explore the origin story of Panjurli, the boar avatar demi-god.