Rishab Shetty Wins Best Director and Leadership in Cinema Awards for Kantara: Chapter 1 at IFFM 2026
Actor-director Rishab Shetty has received dual honours at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026, taking home the Best Director Award for his upcoming project Kantara: Chapter 1 alongside the Leadership in Cinema Award. The accolades highlight his ongoing storytelling efforts rooted in regional traditions.
What Happened
At the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on Sunday, Rishab Shetty was presented with two significant recognitions: the Leadership in Cinema Award and the Best Director Award for Kantara: Chapter 1. Shetty later turned to Instagram to share his reaction, posting images of his award certificates and expressing appreciation for the platform.
Reflecting on the achievement, Shetty stated: “Deeply honoured to receive the Best Director Award for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ and the Leadership in Cinema Award at @iffmelbourne 2026. These honours belong to my entire team. Kannada cinema and the culture and traditions that inspire our stories. Heartfelt gratitude.”
Key Highlights
- Two Major Wins: Rishab Shetty secured both the Best Director Award for Kantara: Chapter 1 and the Leadership in Cinema Award at IFFM 2026.
- Dedication: Shetty credited his achievements to his filmmaking team, Kannada cinema, and the foundational cultural traditions that shape the narrative.
- Story and Setting: Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, set within the historical era of the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty.
- Lead Character: Shetty portrays Berme, who acts as the protector of the Kantara forest and its local tribal inhabitants against a royal family attempting to claim dominance.
- Cast Members: Alongside Shetty, the film features Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram in primary roles, supported by Rakesh Poojari, Hariprashanth MG, Deepak Rai Panaje, Shaneel Gautham, and Naveen Bondel.
- Franchise Context: The project functions as a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara, which ranked among the highest-grossing releases of that year.
Why This Matters
The honours presented at the festival bring continued attention to regional storytelling, specifically narratives originating from Kannada cinema. Kantara: Chapter 1 continues the legacy of its predecessor, the 2022 release that achieved critical and box-office milestone status as one of the year’s highest earners.
By establishing its plot around the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty and the heritage of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, the prequel develops the lore established in the original release. The recognition of Shetty’s leadership and direction at an international venue like IFFM highlights the cross-border interest in these culturally specific stories.
What to Watch Next
Audiences can monitor further updates surrounding the release and promotional rollout of Kantara: Chapter 1 as post-festival developments unfold. The production showcases key performances from Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram alongside Shetty’s portrayal of Berme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which awards did Rishab Shetty receive at IFFM 2026?
Rishab Shetty won the Best Director Award for Kantara: Chapter 1 and the Leadership in Cinema Award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
What is the premise of Kantara: Chapter 1?
Set against the backdrop of the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty, the film depicts the roots of Daiva worship in Tulunadu and documents the resistance of forest tribals and Daivas against a royal family seeking control.
Who stars in Kantara: Chapter 1?
The film stars Rishab Shetty as Berme, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram, with supporting roles played by Rakesh Poojari, Hariprashanth MG, Deepak Rai Panaje, Shaneel Gautham, and Naveen Bondel.
Source: Bollywood Hungama