Following the monumental success of "Kantara: Chapter 1", actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty has embarked on a spiritual journey, seeking blessings and expressing gratitude for the film's overwhelming reception. The actor, known for his deep-rooted connection to his culture and traditions, recently visited several temples in and around Mysuru.
Shetty's spiritual sojourn included visits to the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru and the Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud. At these sacred sites, he offered prayers and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the divine grace he credits for the film's triumph. A video shared by his team captured Shetty performing rituals and greeting devotees amidst chants and temple bells.
"With hearts full of gratitude, @shetty_rishab visits Chamundeshwari Temple and Srikanteshwara Temple, offering devotion and prayers following the phenomenal success of #BlockbusterKantara #KantaraChapter1 running successfully in cinemas near you," his team wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Shetty, hailing from Kundapura, has often spoken about the role of faith and divine blessings in his life and career. "I have a strong faith in the divine," he stated, emphasizing that he seeks guidance from elders to ensure authenticity when portraying sacred elements on screen. He sees a special bond between himself and the divine, viewing the success of "Kantara" as a true blessing.
"Kantara: Chapter 1" has resonated deeply with audiences across India and beyond. Released on October 2, 2025, in seven languages—Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, and English—the film has grossed over Rs 475 crore worldwide. The film's roaring success has not only cemented Shetty's stature as a storyteller but also spotlighted the rising power of Kannada cinema on the national stage. The film features stellar performances by Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah in key roles.
Acknowledging the film's success as a "divine blessing," Shetty is reportedly planning to extend his spiritual journey with a visit to the ancient Murudeshwari Temple in Bihar. This temple is known as one of the world's oldest, where traditional rituals are still performed, and it holds deep spiritual significance.
In addition to his temple visits, Shetty also met with former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda. Describing the meeting as an "honour," Shetty expressed gratitude for the former PM's blessings and kind words, which he said filled him with strength.
Shetty has also appealed to fans to maintain discipline and respect when celebrating the film in theaters. "Worship is sacred. It must be done in the right spirit, not in chaos. Please maintain that dignity," he urged. When asked about criticisms suggesting that "Kantara" may have offended certain beliefs, Shetty responded that the film was made with utmost respect and under the guidance of elders, staying true to their values.
Rishab Shetty's journey reflects a unique blend of cinema and spirituality. His dedication to his roots, coupled with his talent for storytelling, has made "Kantara: Chapter 1" a cinematic phenomenon, celebrated for its cultural depth and authentic filmmaking.
