Rishab Shetty is one of the Kannada film industry’s most bankable stars. Rishab Shetty’s journey in cinema is a story of passion and perseverance.
From his early days working behind the scenes to becoming a celebrated director and actor, he has carved a unique space in Indian cinema alongside the likes of Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and Kamal Haasan.
Known for his deep connection to culture, rooted storytelling, and powerful performances, Rishab Shetty has redefined regional cinema by blending tradition with contemporary narratives. Check out Rishab Shetty’s movie list.
Top Rishab Shetty-Directed Movies
Ricky
Rishab Shetty’s directorial debut is Ricky. Ricky is a strange crime thriller, where the leading man, Rakshit Shetty, returns from the North of India to discover that his lady love has vanished into thin air, breaking a childhood promise to be his and his alone.
| Film Name | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Ricky | Rakshit ShettyHaripriyaPramod Shetty | 2h 17m | 2016 |
Kirik Party
Kirik Party is a fresh look at the troubled state of affairs of college youth Karna and his first taste of life and love on campus. Threaded into Karna’s story is the raging angst, uncertainty, and personal drive that fuel today’s youth to look for something beyond the typical life. This movie is one of the best Rishab Shetty-directed movies starring his close collaborator Rakshit Shetty.
| Film Name | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Kirik Party | Rakshit Shetty Rashmika Mandanna Samyuktha Hegde Achyuth Kumar | 165 minutes | 2016 |
Sa.Hi.Pra.Shaale Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai
A Kannada-medium school situated in Kerala is threatened with closure, but the bad news does not deter students who band together to take on the corrupt government. It’s a subtle take on the sensitive topic of language supremacy among the Southern states themselves.
| Film Name | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Sa.Hi.Pra.Shaale Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai | Anant NagVishwanath AsaigoliRamesh Bhat | 2h 27m | 2018 |
Kantara Franchise
The Kantara franchise has made its mark on Indian cinema as a unique take on Bhuta Kola, an esoteric religion practiced in coastal Karnataka. The performance of the cast has been appreciated across the length and breadth of the country.
| Film Name | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Kantara | Rishab ShettyKishore Kumar G.Achyuth Kumar | 2h 28m | 2022 |
The Best of Actor Rishab Shetty Films
Tuglak
As the name suggests, the film is based on the sometimes wise but mostly strange decision-making typified by the Indian Emperor Tuglak and how people to this day struggle to make the right decisions. It’s one of the key Rishab Shetty films that actually helped his career take off from way back in 2012.
| Film Name | Director | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Tuglak | Aravind Kaushik | Rakshit ShettyMeghana GaonkarRishab Shetty | 2h 16m | 2012 |
Bell Bottom
Bell Bottom: The Adventures of Detective Diwakara is a crime story with a touch of rip-roaring humour. The story centers around Diwakara, a wannabe detective, and his escapades. It’s a rare feel-good film from Rishab Shetty, who plays the titular character.
| Film Name | Director | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Bell Bottom | Jayathirtha | Rishab ShettyHaripriyaYograj Bhat | 2h 10m | 2019 |
Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana
A Rishab Shetty film that explores the relationship between two gangsters, Hari and Shiva, and the gang violence in seedy modern-day Mangalore. It’s a stark depiction of how that which is begun in violence ends in violence. The ending is a poignant depiction of how evil meets an evil end.
| Film Name | Director | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana | Raj B. Shetty | Raj B. ShettyRishab ShettyGopalkrishna Deshpande | 2h 31m | 2021 |
Kantara
Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara is widely praised for its power and authenticity. As Shiva, he convincingly portrays innocence, arrogance, and deep spirituality. His acting truly shines in the climax, where he transforms into the divine Panjurli. The shift from a village youth to a spiritual force is seamless, emotionally gripping, and visually striking, making this a career-defining and memorable performance in Indian cinema.
| Film Name | Director | Cast | Runtime | Release Year |
| Kantara | Rishab Shetty | Rishab ShettyKishore Kumar G.Achyuth Kumar | 2h 28m | 2022 |
Wrapping Up
The film life of Rishab Shetty reflects his commitment to meaningful storytelling. As both a director and actor, he has consistently pushed creative boundaries.
His work, especially films like Kantara, has earned him national and global recognition, proving that authentic stories can resonate universally. Rishab Shetty’s journey continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and stands as a testament to the power of passion-driven cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
What themes commonly appear in Rishab Shetty’s films?
Common themes in Rishab Shetty’s films include identity, tradition, morality, power, and the conflict between modernity and culture. His storytelling often reflects deep respect for regional roots while addressing universal human struggles.
Which Rishab Shetty films helped establish his career?
Films like Tuglak and Ricky played a crucial role in establishing Rishab Shetty in the Kannada film industry, while Kirik Party cemented his reputation as a director capable of connecting deeply with youth audiences.
How did Kantara change Rishab Shetty’s career?
Kantara marked a turning point in Rishab Shetty’s career, earning him national awards, massive box-office success, and pan-India recognition. The film proved that culturally rooted stories can achieve universal appeal.
Which Rishab Shetty-directed movie is the most popular?
Kantara is the most popular and influential Rishab Shetty-directed movie to date. The film gained nationwide and international acclaim for its portrayal of Bhuta Kola traditions and Rishab Shetty’s powerful dual role as actor and director.
