Rishab Shetty, an Indian filmmaker, actor, and writer, was honored with the special jury award for his work in 'Kantara' at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which concluded on November 28, 2023. A silver peacock medal, US$17,990 (INR 15 lakh), and a certificate were presented to the him.
In the film, Shetty played two characters: Kaadubettu Shiva, a Kambala champion who is possessed by Guliga Daiva and Panjurli Daiva, and Shiva's father, a Daiva Kola performer. Shetty expressed his gratitude, and said, "I am humbled by the warmth and honor bestowed upon me at such a prestigious platform."
About his filmmaking philosophy, the 40-year-old shared, "I believe in allowing my films to speak for themselves; the less spoken, the greater the success. My films are an extension of the stories and emotions that bind us as individuals."
The IFFI jury's recognition of Shetty's directorial expertise underlined his ability to convey narratives rooted in indigenous culture, resonate universally, transcending cultural and societal boundaries.
According to the actor, Indian cinema has a global audience because of the outstanding content created by the country's creative minds. Underscoring the universal appeal of Kannada cinema, he highlighted its ability to transcend linguistic barriers. He cited the overwhelming response to 'Kantara' as proof of this inclusiveness.
The first-look trailer for Kantara Chapter-1, a prequel to Kantara (2022), was released at the festival's closing ceremony, drawing applause from the captivated audience. Kantara, which was released in September 2022 in six languages Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Tulu, delves into the ideological conflict between humanity and nature within a fictitious village, delivering a powerful message amid the clash of tradition and modernity.
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