Rishab Shetty, the actor-director behind the critically acclaimed "Kantara: Chapter 1," has recently shared behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos from the film's first workshop, offering fans a glimpse into the early stages of the movie's development. The shared images capture a pivotal moment in the making of the film, with Shetty reflecting on the journey and the "thrill of calling the shots".
The photos offer a peek into the creative process and the dedication that went into crafting the prequel to the 2022 hit film, "Kantara". Shetty's social media post quickly gained traction, resonating with fans who have been captivated by the film's gripping storytelling, powerful performances, and rich portrayal of Indian traditions.
In the shared images, Shetty is seen deeply involved in discussions and rehearsals with his team, demonstrating the collaborative spirit that fueled the project. The photos encapsulate the initial exploration of the film's themes, characters, and visual language. This glimpse into the workshop allows audiences to appreciate the meticulous planning and artistic vision that laid the foundation for "Kantara: Chapter 1".
Adding another layer to the BTS narrative, Shetty also shared images capturing the demanding nature of the film's climax shoot. These pictures reveal the physical challenges he faced, including a swollen leg and exhaustion, while filming the intense final sequence. Despite the pain and fatigue, Shetty persevered, driven by his commitment to the project and the "blessings of the divine energy" he believes in. He acknowledged the physical toll, stating he pushed through the pain with faith. The actor-director recalled how difficult the shoot was and how he pushed through it despite the physical pain.
"Kantara: Chapter 1," produced by Hombale Films, delves into the ancient origins of the divine forest and the conflict between a royal family and tribal communities. The film stars Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Deviah alongside Shetty. Released in multiple languages, the film has garnered significant attention and continues to draw audiences across the country.
Shetty also opened up about the unique challenges of simultaneously directing and acting in "Kantara: Chapter 1". He described the experience of switching between the roles, sometimes even within the same action sequence. In an interview with Variety, Shetty shared, “In some action sequences I was performing, and at the same time, in the background, there were issues. Immediately, I would grab the mic, go to a height and talk to the artists. It used to switch immediately between actor and director. But the character I play is also like that - so it felt organic".
At the trailer launch event in Bengaluru, Rishab revealed the intensity of the shoot, "We haven't slept properly for 3 months because of continuous work. Everyone, including the direction team and the producers, supported it as like their own film. There have been many accidents on the sets that the media reported. In fact, if I count, I was about to die 4 or 5 times during the shoot, the divinity we trust saved me and gave blessings to all of us".
