Rishab Shetty, a renowned actor, director and storyteller, has been making waves in Indian cinema with his unique take on Kannada films. Known for bringing culture-rich stories and powerful performances to the big screen, Rishab continues to expand his cinematic legacy with a slate of exciting projects lined up for 2025 and 2026. Here’s a look at his upcoming movies, each of which holds a promise of action, thrill and cultural depth.
1. Kantara: Chapter 1 – August 2025
- Language: Kannada
- Genre: Period Action Thriller
- Director: Rishab Shetty
- Producer: Vijay Kiragandur (Hombale Films)
- Music: B. Ajaneesh Loknath
- Budget: ₹125 Crore
The highly anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1 is a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara. Set in ancient times during the reign of the Kadambas of Banavasi, this film dives into a historical backdrop filled with action, culture and intrigue. Rishab Shetty not only stars in the film but also directs it, ensuring that fans can expect the same depth and authenticity that made Kantara a phenomenon. With B. Ajaneesh Loknath providing the music, the movie promises to deliver a mesmerizing score to match its compelling narrative.
2. Jai Hanuman – January 2026 (Tentative)
- Language: Multi-language
- Genre: Mythological Action
- Director: Prasanth Varma
- Producer: Mythri Movie Makers
Following the success of Hanu-Man, Prasanth Varma is set to bring another exciting film in his cinematic universe, this time starring Rishab Shetty as Lord Hanuman. Titled Jai Hanuman, this movie is a sequel that dives into mythological action, with Rishab portraying the mighty deity Hanuman. Released as a Diwali poster reveal, the first look showcases Rishab in a powerful avatar that is bound to leave an impression on audiences. With Varma’s creative vision, Jai Hanuman is expected to be one of the major releases in 2026.
3. Bell Bottom 2 – Late 2026 (Possibly)
- Language: Kannada
- Genre: Crime Comedy
- Director: Jayatheertha
- Writer: T.K. Dayanand
Bell Bottom was a 2019 hit that showcased Rishab Shetty’s charm and comedic skills. Due to the success of the original, a sequel was announced in 2021. While there have been delays due to other projects and circumstances, fans can rest assured that Bell Bottom 2 will eventually happen, likely with Rishab reprising his role as Detective Diwakara. The sequel promises to deliver a fresh comedy-crime story, keeping the essence of the original while offering something new. If schedules go as planned, we might see Bell Bottom 2 hit the screens by late 2026.
4. Richard Anthony: Lord of the Sea – Expected in Late 2025
- Language: Kannada
- Genre: Thriller Drama
- Director: Rakshit Shetty
This film, directed by Rakshit Shetty, serves as a prequel to Ulidavaru Kandanthe and dives into the character Richie’s backstory. Fans are eager to see if Rishab Shetty will make an appearance, considering his significant role in the original film. Set against a coastal backdrop, Richard Anthony: Lord of the Sea promises intense drama and rich storytelling. With Rakshit at the helm, viewers can expect an emotionally charged experience with possible crossovers of popular characters from the previous film.
On Hold: Rishab Shetty’s Projects That May Never Hit the Screens
- Rudraprayag :-
Announced in 2020, Rudraprayag was set to be an intense drama blending suspense with regional folklore. Starring Gulshan Devaiah, Shraddha Srinath and Anant Nag, the film was highly anticipated for its fresh storytelling and compelling cast. However, pandemic restrictions, particularly those affecting senior actors like Anant Nag, halted production. Afterward, Rishab shifted focus to Kantara, which became a blockbuster, leaving Rudraprayag on the back burner. Despite this, Rishab has hinted at the possibility of revisiting the project in the future.
2. Antagoni Shetty :-
Another unique project, Antagoni Shetty was directed by Samarth Kadkol and had Rishab Shetty as the central character. With a storyline co-written by Kadkol and Sripad Joshi, the film promised a fresh take on character exploration and inner conflict. Although specifics remain undisclosed and no further updates have been provided, the film’s potential storyline has kept fans hopeful for its revival someday.
Rishab Shetty’s Upcoming Movies
| Movie | Genre | Release Month | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kantara: Chapter 1 | Period Action Thriller | August | 2025 |
| Richard Anthony | Thriller Drama | Late Half | 2025 |
| Jai Hanuman | Mythological Action | January | 2026 |
| Bell Bottom 2 | Crime Comedy | Later Half | 2026 |
Rishab Shetty’s upcoming films showcase his versatility and dedication to telling culturally rich stories. Whether he’s diving into mythology, historical drama or thrilling adventures, these movies promise to bring the same passion that defines his work. Fans of Kannada cinema and Rishab Shetty can eagerly await these films, knowing they’ll deliver entertainment with heart and depth.