'Proud And Joyous': Rishab Shetty On Kantara's Golden Peacock Nomination At IFFI 2023

The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) opened the doors for the audience to watch critically acclaimed national and international films. The 54th edition of this festival took place in Goa from November 20 to November 28. One of the films which made the headlines at the festival was Rishab Shetty starrer Kanatara.

It was nominated in the category of Best Film for the Golden Peacock Award in the festival. Kanatara was the second highest-grossing Kannada movie in 2022. On the occasion, Rishab Shetty recalled his old days when he used to work as a volunteer at the Bangalore International Film Festival at the beginning of his film career. He called it a joyous feeling to have his movie nominated for IFFI 2023.

Kantara which focuses on the portrayal of demigods in the contemporary world has won the hearts of the Indian audience with its novel concept and storytelling. It was directed by the actor Rishab Shetty himself. The film gained immense success and was nominated for the Golden Peacock Award at IFFI this year. Notably, the Persian film Endless Borders won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award.

While talking to the media, the actor asserted the importance of film festivals before the onset of OTT platforms. He said that IFFI in Goa is similar to the Bangalore International Festival where he used to work as a volunteer while he was entering the Kannada cinema. He also claimed that most of the movies which were screened in Goa were also shown in Bangalore.

The actor called the Goa film festival a nostalgic feeling. “Before the onset of OTTs, film festivals were the only medium to watch international films. It was like a summer camp for many cinema enthusiasts,” said Rishab Shetty. The actor came last year as well, but this time he felt proud to become part of the competition.

Kantara went on to win the ‘Special Jury Award’ at the International Film Festival of India.

Rishab Shetty is currently working on the sequel of the movie Kantara. It is titled as Kantara: Chapter 1. He recently revealed the first look of the movie.