Following the nationwide success of Kantara in 2022, veteran Telugu producer Allu Aravind announced that he wanted to collaborate with its actor-director, Rishab Shetty, on a film under the Geetha Arts banner. The announcement was made at a success event for the Telugu version of Kantara in Hyderabad and quickly became a major talking point across Kannada and Telugu cinema.
The proposed collaboration reflected the growing reach of Kannada films beyond their home market. However, the announcement at the time was an expression of intent, not a confirmation that a film had entered production. Here is what was actually said, how the collaboration came about and what Rishab Shetty said about continuing to work in Kannada cinema.
Allu Aravind invites Rishab Shetty to work with Geetha Arts
On October 19, 2022, Allu Aravind attended a success meet for the Telugu-dubbed version of Kantara at Prasad Labs in Hyderabad. Geetha Arts had released the film in the Telugu states. During the event, Aravind praised Shetty’s performance and filmmaking and revealed that he had asked the actor-director to make a film for his production company.
Aravind said that he had requested Shetty to take up a project for Geetha Arts and that Shetty had readily agreed. He indicated that they hoped to make a film together soon. The announcement was widely reported by entertainment publications, including India Today and The News Minute.
Why the Geetha Arts collaboration attracted attention
Kantara, written, directed by and starring Rishab Shetty, had become a major success after its Kannada theatrical release on September 30, 2022. Its strong word of mouth led to dubbed releases in other languages, bringing the film to a much wider audience. Geetha Arts handled its Telugu-state release, helping introduce the film to more viewers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
For Geetha Arts, the proposed project offered an opportunity to work with a filmmaker whose storytelling had connected with audiences across language barriers. For Shetty, the offer showed how the success of a Kannada film could create opportunities for collaboration with producers from other Indian film industries.
What Rishab Shetty said about his future in Kannada cinema
The announcement also prompted speculation about whether Shetty would move away from Kannada cinema to work in other industries. He pushed back against that suggestion. In a response reported by The Indian Express, he made it clear that he was not leaving the Kannada film industry.
Shetty had also spoken about needing a break after the demanding period surrounding Kantara. At the time, he did not announce a confirmed schedule, cast or production date for the proposed Geetha Arts film. The distinction matters: Allu Aravind’s public invitation and Shetty’s agreement to collaborate were reported, but detailed project information was not announced at that event.
A quick look at Kantara
Kantara is a Kannada action drama rooted in the folklore and traditions of coastal Karnataka. The story follows a village community, its relationship with the forest and a conflict involving a local Kambala champion and a forest officer. Bhoota Kola, a traditional ritual performance connected with local spirit worship, is central to the film’s cultural setting.
Rishab Shetty wrote, directed and played the lead role. The film also featured Kishore, Achyuth Kumar, Sapthami Gowda and Pramod Shetty, and was produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films. Its mix of regional setting, folklore, action and emotional storytelling helped it find audiences well beyond Karnataka.
Was the Rishab Shetty and Allu Aravind film confirmed?
At the October 2022 success meet, Allu Aravind publicly said that Shetty had agreed to do a film for Geetha Arts. That announcement established the intention to collaborate. It did not, by itself, confirm a production start date, final script, cast, title or release date. Readers should treat those details as unannounced unless supported by a later official statement from the people or production company involved.
Frequently asked questions
Did Rishab Shetty agree to work with Allu Aravind?
Yes. At the October 2022 Kantara Telugu success meet, Allu Aravind said that Rishab Shetty had agreed to make a film for Geetha Arts.
Which production company was involved?
The proposed collaboration was announced under Geetha Arts, the production company associated with producer Allu Aravind.
Was the film announced as a sequel to Kantara?
No. The announcement concerned a separate project for Geetha Arts. It was not presented as a sequel to Kantara.
Did Rishab Shetty say he was leaving Kannada cinema?
No. When speculation arose after the collaboration announcement, Shetty indicated that he was not leaving the Kannada film industry.
Were the film’s title and release date announced?
No title, confirmed production schedule, complete cast or release date was announced at the October 2022 success meet. Avoid treating unverified reports or speculation as official project details.
Conclusion
Allu Aravind’s announcement in October 2022 showed the industry-wide interest generated by Kantara and its director-star, Rishab Shetty. The producer said Shetty had agreed to work with Geetha Arts, while Shetty made it clear that he remained committed to Kannada cinema. The key point is that the event announced a proposed collaboration, not a fully detailed film production. Any later update should be judged by official confirmation rather than assumptions.