Rishabh Shetty is widely regarded as one of the finest talents to emerge from Sandalwood. The actor-director has consistently impressed audiences with his unique storytelling, but it was Kantara and Kantara: Chapter 1 that transformed him into a pan-Indian sensation. With an exciting lineup of Telugu and Hindi projects, his career is currently at its peak.
However, the spotlight has recently shifted from his relationship with Hombale Films. A few months ago, reports of a possible rift between Shetty and the production house began doing the rounds after fans noticed that he had unfollowed the banner on social media. The rumours only grew stronger as several theories surfaced online, although neither side addressed the speculation.
Now, those rumours have gained fresh momentum. Hombale Films, which has made it a tradition to wish Shetty on his birthday every year, remained silent this time. The absence of the customary birthday wish surprised fans, especially with Kantara: Chapter 2 still being produced under the banner. Adding to the speculation, Shetty has also reportedly unfollowed his close associate Raj B. Shetty and actress Rukmini Vasanth. Meanwhile, Kantara: Chapter 2 is increasingly being steered under his own banner, Rishabh Shetty Films, further fuelling talk that all may not be well between the actor-director and Hombale Films.
Whether the two sides will address the speculation or continue to maintain silence remains to be seen. On the professional front, Shetty has an enviable lineup that includes Jai Hanuman, the two-part historical biopic The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, an untitled period action drama under the Sithara Entertainment banner, and his most ambitious project yet, Kantara: Chapter 2, which he is writing and directing.