Rishab Shetty is one of Kannada cinema’s most dynamic talents, he rose to nationwide fame with the cult hit Kantara in 2022. He is known for his unique storytelling and powerful screen presence and has quickly become a force to reckon with, both in front of and behind the camera. Now, as he gears up for his next big release, Kantara: Chapter 1, industry insiders are buzzing about a game-changing deal that could place him among the highest-paid stars in the country. Here’s what we know so far.

How much is Rishab Shetty earning from Kantara: Chapter 1?

Kannada cinema’s breakout star, Rishab Shetty, is set to return with Kantara: Chapter 1, a highly anticipated prequel to his 2022 blockbuster, Kantara. According to recent reports, Shetty is taking home a staggering Rs. 100 crore for the film, a figure that includes a Rs. 50 crore upfront fee and a share in the film’s post-release profits. This major deal puts Shetty in the elite club, joining the ranks with South Indian cinema’s top stars who have previously signed profit-sharing agreements.

Profit-sharing is becoming the new industry norm, and Rishab Shetty is also participating in it

By signing a profit-sharing deal, Rishab Shetty joins a league of top actors who have redefined how stars are compensated. South Indian superstar, Yash reportedly took a similar approach for KGF: Chapter 2. Meanwhile, Bollywood star, Deepika Padukone made headlines for including a profit-sharing clause in her upcoming film, Spirit. However, she ultimately left the project due to differences with the director, Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Although some actors have faced criticism for such clauses, including Deepika, the model continues to gain popularity as it aligns the interests of actors with the film’s success, often leading to larger payouts than flat fees.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 is set for an October 2025 release

Kantara: Chapter 1 is set to release on October 2, 2025, and promises to delve deeper into the spiritual and mythological elements introduced in the original film. Touted as a prequel, the movie will explore the backstory behind the deity, traditions, and mystical elements that captivated audiences in the first chapter. Earlier this week, Rishab Shetty’s look from the film was officially revealed, adding to the excitement. Despite reports of a boat accident during filming, the producers have reaffirmed that production is on schedule.

Rishab Shetty’s journey towards Pan-India stardom

Rishab Shetty’s rise to prominence was marked by the massive success of Kantara (2022), a mystical action drama rooted in the coastal folklore of Karnataka. The film, though made on a modest budget, went on to gross over Rs. 400 crore worldwide and earned critical acclaim for its cultural depth and visual storytelling. Shetty, who wrote, directed, and starred in the film, became an overnight sensation.

For Kantara, Shetty reportedly earned around Rs. 4 crore, making his Chapter 1 remuneration almost 25 times higher than his previous remuneration. The dramatic increase reflects not only the film’s impact but also Shetty’s growing influence in Indian cinema.