Exclusive: Rishab Shetty’s Massive Five-Film Historical Slate

After the breakout success of Kantara, Rishab Shetty is steering his career toward culturally rooted storytelling. Over the next five years, the actor-director will focus exclusively on historical epics and mythological fantasy films across multiple languages and production houses.

Leading the lineup is Kantara Chapter 1, a prequel to his 2022 film. Shetty is directing and starring in the project, which is being produced by Hombale Films. The film is set for a theatrical release on October 2, 2025, and will delve deeper into the lore and spiritual elements that shaped the original.

Also confirmed is The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where Shetty will portray the iconic Maratha warrior. The film is being directed and potentially produced by Sandeep Singh, and has been announced for a January 2027 release. It aims to present a grand, pan-India narrative of Shivaji’s leadership and legacy.

Another significant project in development is ‘1770 Movie,’ based on Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s novel Anandamath. Directed by Ashwin Gangaraju (Aakashavani fame) and produced by Sithara Entertainments, the film is set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion and explores early anti-colonial resistance. While the release date is yet to be locked, the project is expected to go on floors soon.

He is also attached to a biopic on Sri Krishnadevaraya, to be directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, who’s known for period dramas like Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar. Vishnu Vardhan Induri is producing the film, which is still in early development.

Another confirmed project is Jai Hanuman, to be directed by Prasanth Varma and produced by Mythri Movie Makers. It is part of Varma’s expanding mythological universe that began with Hanu-Man. However, the film’s launch may be delayed, as Prasanth Varma is currently working on the pre-production of his next film starring Prabhas.

With this curated slate, Rishab Shetty is building a strong identity as a storyteller focused on India’s spiritual, mythological, and historical past. While each film explores a different era or theme, they all align with his current cinematic direction – grounded, large-scale, and culturally resonant.