Rishab Shetty Turns Down Massive Payday for Kantara Sequel

In September 2025, the highly anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to hit theaters on October 2. The sequel to the 2022 Kannada blockbuster, Kantara, is being produced on a grand scale with an estimated budget of 125 crores, making it one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.

However, the film's lead actor and director, Rishab Shetty, has reportedly taken an unconventional approach to his remuneration. According to reports, Shetty has opted for a profit-sharing deal instead of a huge upfront salary. This marks a departure from the typical model seen in big-budget South Indian films, where a significant portion of the budget is allocated towards star remuneration.

Shetty has also invested his own money into the project, indicating his confidence in the film's success and his willingness to share the financial risk. This move stands in contrast to the industry norm, where stars often demand hefty paychecks, sometimes even receiving performance-based incentives.

Kantara: Chapter 1 is touted as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster and is expected to be a cinematic event of epic proportions. The film is set to release in multiple languages, including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Hindi, and English, further expanding its reach and potential for success.