"Filming in my village was a dream”: Rishab on The Rana Daggubati Show

Rana Daggubati's highly anticipated talk show, The Rana Daggubati Show, continues to captivate Indian cinema enthusiasts with its engaging blend of candid and insightful conversations. Streamed exclusively on Prime Video, this talk show brings together some of the biggest stars of the film industry, offering a glimpse into their personal and professional journeys.

This weekend, the spotlight shines on the visionary filmmaker, Rishabh Shetty, the creative force behind the groundbreaking film Kantara. Joining him in this unfiltered conversation is actress Neha Shetty (DJ Tillu, Mungaru Male 2), and together, they take a nostalgic trip to Rishabh’s hometown of Keradi, a place that holds a deep connection to the roots of Kantara.

Rishabh Shetty opens up about the personal and emotional journey that led to the making of Kantara. “Since childhood, I have dreamt of shooting a film in my village and its forests, Keradi,” he says, reflecting on how his vision for the film has always been closely tied to his home. “I scouted this location for multiple movies, but it never worked out. Then came Kantara — which was finally shot here. It was a collective effort, with over 700 people from the village contributing. It’s because of this overwhelming involvement that I call my home KFC – Keradi Film City.”
For Rishabh, Kantara isn’t just a film, but a testament to his roots and the power of community. He recalls how the film shifted perceptions in the region. “This area isn’t traditionally big on films, but Kantara made them see their own on screen. It became relatable, and the love and blessings poured in abundantly.”

The conversation takes a deeper turn when Rishabh shares his admiration for filmmakers like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the genius behind hits like Arjun Reddy and Animal. Rishabh praises Vanga's unique vision and style, saying, "It’s crazy, nobody can think like him, and I think even he can’t think the same way again. I'd love to be involved in any projects he's currently working on.” Despite the controversies surrounding these directors, Rishabh acknowledges the widespread fanbase and the impact they have on the film industry.

In a heartwarming moment during the episode, Rishabh’s wife, Pragathi Shetty, recounts the charming story of how their paths first crossed. “I’m a Rakshit Shetty fan, so I went to a Ricky screening with my friends. One of them wanted a picture with the director, Rishabh, so we spoke. And I told him how proud I was of his journey—from a small village to achieving so much in cinema. That’s when he fell for me! He sent me a friend request on social media, and that’s where it all started.”

Created, hosted, and executive produced by Rana Daggubati under the banner of Spirit Media, The Rana Daggubati Show is an unscripted Telugu Original series with an exciting line-up of guests, including Dulquer Salmaan, Naga Chaitanya Akkineni, Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Sreeleela, Nani, S.S. Rajamouli, Ram Gopal Varma, and many more. The fifth episode, featuring Rishabh Shetty, will be available for streaming on Saturday, December 21, exclusively on Prime Video in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.

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