Despite back-to-back hits, Kantara's Rishab Shetty had left Bengaluru life for his native village. He is still not sure to bring his kids to city for education

Kantara Chapter 1 is showing no signs of slowing down at the box office. The film has already crossed the Rs 250 crore mark and continues to attract packed theatres across the country. Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film released on October 2 and opened to positive reviews from critics and fans alike. But even as the movie continues to dominate the box office, Rishab’s personal choices off-screen are winning hearts, the actor revealed that he and his family had moved out of Bengaluru city life and settled in their native village of Kundapura.

Kantara actor shifted from Bengaluru to native village with family

While most celebrities enjoy the hustle and luxury of city life, Rishab chose the opposite path. Despite delivering back-to-back blockbusters with Kantara and its prequel Kantara Chapter 1, he decided to step away from the chaos and move closer to his roots. In a recent interview with ETV, he shared that his family, wife Pragathi Shetty and children Ranvit and Raadya - now live with him in Kundapura, where his kids attend local schools.


For the past five years, Rishab Shetty, along with his family, children, and close friends involved in the project, has been living in his village.

The actor-director said that during the long and demanding production schedule of Kantara Chapter 1, he found it difficult to stay away from his family. That’s when he made the decision to bring them along to the coastal village, where the film’s sets were being constructed. "We brought them here and got the kids admitted to schools nearby."

Rishab Shetty's constant support is his wife Pragati

Rishab’s wife, Pragathi, has been a constant support throughout his journey. The filmmaker often credits her for standing by him during the three years it took to complete Kantara Chapter 1. “She took care of everything while I was lost in the world of Kantara,” he said.

Now, with the film finally released and achieving historic success, Rishab admits he still hasn’t decided whether to continue living in the village. He shared that they are still yet to decide by next March if we are continuing the kids’ education here or taking them back to Bengaluru. For now, he says, they are enjoying the calm and closeness of village life after years of hectic city schedules.


Rishab’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From starting as a driver and office boy in Mumbai to becoming a National Award-winning filmmaker, he has come a long way. Reflecting on his journey, he wrote in a heartfelt post, “From struggling to get one evening show in 2016 to 5000+ housefull shows in 2025, this journey is all your love, support, and God’s grace.”

With Kantara and Kantara Chapter 1 collectively grossing over Rs 700 crore worldwide, Rishab Shetty has firmly carved his place as one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers and actors. The sequel is currently running in theatres nearby.