In the midst of the pan-India success of his film Kantara: Chapter 1, Kannada actor-director Rishab Shetty demonstrates his affection towards regional cinema. Shetty has never been shy about voicing his opinions regarding the narratives that Indian regional cinema is projecting. This time, he has lavished his appreciation on the 2025 Marathi film, Dashavatar.
A Filmmaker Who Appreciates Tradition
Popular for his strong affinity towards India’s rich heritage, Shetty has always promoted the stories that represent rural life, spirituality, and folklore. His films, such as Kantara (2022) and his recent release, Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025), have found popularity with people for their true representation of cultural aspects and the heritage of Indian rural existence.
‘Dashavatar’: A Film That Resonates
Under the direction of Subodh Khanolkar, Dashavatar is a Marathi adventure thriller drama that has been attracting film buffs all over India for its engaging storytelling and realist filmmaking. Although Shetty has not been able to see the movie as yet, owing to his commitments to his own film, he has heard good reviews and intends to watch it soon. He added, “I’ve heard about it and received good feedback, but I haven’t had time to watch it yet because our promotions started late. I will definitely watch it after our release.’’
The Significance and Importance of Cultural Cinema
According to Shetty, the movies that touch our roots, culture, traditions, and nature are not only fun but also form critical documents for generations to come. He highlights that such stories are ageless, providing entertainment as well as a more profound connection with one’s heritage. He feels that country industries are presently more culture-based and share stories of pure Indian origins, which are universally attractive.
Cinema of the Country
With Kantara: Chapter 1 marching on successfully and triumphantly at the box office, Shetty’s love for movies such as Dashavatar reflects the increasing trend in Indian cinema. Makers are going more and more out of their way to showcase themes that glorify India’s very own rich cultural diversity and the nature of our nation, making the country’s cinematic arena richer with meaningful and authentic tales.
