Rishab Shetty, the actor-director behind the blockbuster Kantara, has taken a big step forward by entering a profit-sharing agreement with production house Hombale Films for the upcoming film Kantara Chapter 1. This move mirrors the strategy used by Kannada superstar Yash, who adopted a similar deal for the KGF franchise.
Under this agreement, Rishab will not take a fixed fee for his role as lead actor and director. Instead, he will earn a share of the film’s profits, meaning his earnings will depend on how well the film performs at the box office. This type of arrangement is becoming more common in the South Indian film industry, especially for high-budget, high-risk projects with strong audience expectations.
Rishab’s decision to enter a profit-sharing deal shows his deep belief in the film and his close working relationship with Hombale Films. It also signals the increasing popularity of performance-based earnings among top actors, particularly when they have a creative stake in the project. This approach benefits both parties — the actor has the chance to earn more if the film becomes a hit, while the producer saves on upfront costs and shares the risk.
'Kantara', released in 2022, was a massive success and became one of the most talked-about films of the year. Known for its rich storytelling and cultural depth, it won praise from both critics and audiences across India. Naturally, expectations are high for Kantara Chapter 1, which is being positioned as a prequel to the original story.
First Look of 'Kantara Chapter 1' Unveiled on Rishab Shetty’s Birthday
On his birthday, Rishab Shetty gave fans a surprise by releasing the first-look poster of Kantara Chapter 1. The poster has quickly grabbed attention for its intense, mythological visuals, offering a hint at the film’s larger-than-life narrative and spiritual themes.
According to early reports, Kantara Chapter 1 will explore the origins of the folklore and traditions introduced in the first film. It will dive deeper into the backstory of the characters and the mystical elements that made Kantara unique. The new film is expected to be bigger in scale and will feature more elaborate sets, intense performances, and visually rich storytelling.
The film is slated for release in 2025, though an official date has not yet been confirmed. Fans are already showing strong interest, with the poster going viral on social media soon after its release. The combination of Rishab’s creative vision, Hombale’s backing, and a strong profit-sharing incentive gives the film a solid foundation.
Rishab Shetty’s journey with Kantara has been one of commitment, belief in original storytelling, and close ties with his production team. With Kantara Chapter 1, he’s not just acting and directing — he’s also betting on the film’s success in a business sense.
As more top actors adopt similar models, profit-sharing may soon become a standard practice for big-budget Indian films.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): hindustantimes
