Rishabh shetty, the visionary filmmaker and actor who took Indian cinema By storm with ‘Kantara- The Legend’, is back with edged chapter 1, releases on October 2. Known to mix raw stories with deeply rooted cultural and spiritual themes, Shetty has once again taken on the double mantle by the director and the main actor. In this exclusive conversation with Etimes, he opens up the film’s festive connection, his intense physical preparation, the responsibility to continue a legacy, how his family became his strongest support system during this journey and much more.
‘Kantara chapter 1’ will be released today, October 2, which is Dusssehra. Interesting, ‘
I think “Kantara” is supposed to be released around this time. The first part came out under Navratri, and now ‘edge chapter 1’ comes to Dusssehra. It feels natural, like deserted.
The trailer grips – it gives away a lot but also hides a lot. Will the audience get answers to the questions it asks?
Yes, absolutely. This is the second part of the story, not just another movie. Everything connects. What you see in the trailer is from the movie itself. There is much more to come, and as we say: “Bild Abhi Baaki Hai.”
Did you perform any rituals or sought blessings before you started this project? Heard that you took permissions from the deity Panjorli before you started this project.
Yes, always. Just as people pray before we start something important, build a house, start a new job or launch something new – we are also looking for blessings. Faith is deeply rooted in Kantara, and of course it is part of our process.
In the trailer, the war sequence stands out. Can you share something about it?
Yes, it’s part of the movie. The story lies in the fourth or fifth century, so it explores the war and conflicts of war. I can’t reveal too much – the trailer shows as much as I can right now. But soon the audience will see everything in theaters.
For this role you followed a strict diet and physical discipline. How did it help you as an actor? Also followed a certain discipline on the sets. How did that help the movie?
(smiles) I don’t diet like a heroine! I wanted the look of a tribal warrior – it had to feel genuine. Physically it was very challenging, but the appearance was crucial. I followed discipline on and outside the set because it helped me stay in character. It was all for the experience and to make the powerful look alive on the screen.
You play a character that bears greater responsibility. Do you feel happy, almost chosen for this role?
I don’t believe in these terms. When we started writing, this character was always in mind, so of course I felt I should play him. Beyond that, I do not live on whether I am chosen or not. The story drives me. My focus is on how to explore it deeper, how to create a better script and how to perform it in a way that maintains and reason with the audience.
Your family has been closely involved in your trip. How did they support you during this movie?
My wife, Pragati, was the designer for this movie, just like in the last. She also succeeded a lot at home, especially with the children. Sometimes my daughter would visit the set, see me with blood on my face and ask, “Who struck you?” (Smiles). My family has always supported me – even baths for me under risky action sequences. Their strength has been invaluable.
You got too
It is one of the most respected awards, a matter of pride for our country. We had already shot half the movie when I got it. I didn’t celebrate much – I gave the award at home and went back to the shooting the next day. For me, work always continues.
