The movie Kantara was written by Rishab Shetty. He is a Kannada film actor, director, and screenwriter. He debuted as a director with the 2019 film Ondu Motteya Kathe. Kantara is his second directorial venture. The film stars Shetty as a Kambala champion who is at loggerheads with an upright forest officer, Murali (played by Kishore). The film also stars Samyuktha Hegde, Achyuth Kumar, and Neetha Ashok in supporting roles.
Kantara is a period supernatural action film set in the coastal region of Karnataka. The film is based on the folklore of the region and tells the story of a young tribal who is possessed by demi-gods Panjurli and Guliga. The film explores themes of good versus evil, nature versus man, and the power of faith.
Kantara was released on February 10, 2022. The film received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film was praised for its action sequences, visual effects, and performances. Kantara was a commercial success, grossing over ₹100 crore worldwide.
The success of Kantara has established Rishab Shetty as a leading figure in Kannada cinema. He is currently working on his third directorial venture, Vikrant Rona.