“The story is so interesting” Rishab Shetty on joining Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman ahead of Kantara: Chapter 1 Release
As promotions for Kantara: Chapter 1 are in full swing, actor-director Rishab Shetty has shared new details about his upcoming project Jai Hanuman with filmmaker Prasanth Varma. In an exclusive conversation with Pinkvilla, Rishab spoke not only about the making of Kantara but also about why he chose to sign Jai Hanuman, which is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU).

Rishab Shetty on Joining Jai Hanuman
When asked how he came on board to play the divine role in Jai Hanuman, Rishab revealed that he initially didn’t want to commit to any new project before completing Kantara: Chapter 1. However, that changed once he heard the script from Prasanth Varma. “Prasanth Varma has a fabulous script. The story is so interesting,” Rishab said. “I had decided not to commit to anything before finishing Kantara, but when Prasanth narrated the story, I couldn’t say no. I immediately agreed. We even did a photoshoot afterward. His pre-production work is ongoing. Once Kantara releases, we’ll finalise the schedule and begin.” Rishab also expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with Prasanth and the team at Mythri Movie Makers, the production house behind successful films like Pushpa. “I’m excited to work with Prasanth and the entire Mythri team,” he added.
What We Know About Jai Hanuman
Jai Hanuman is expected to be the next major installment in the PVCU, following the success of HanuMan (2024), which starred Teja Sajja. Rishab Shetty will take on the titular role in this mythological superhero film. According to early reports, the film is expected to begin production in January 2026, with a tentative release in 2027. The project is being backed by Mythri Movie Makers, one of the leading production houses in South Indian cinema. Prasanth Varma, known for blending mythology with superhero storytelling, has also announced two other films in his cinematic universe—MahaKali and Adhira—which will expand the PVCU further.
About Kantara: Chapter 1
Kantara: Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, which was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Rishab Shetty, who directed and starred in the original, returns to lead the film’s narrative set in a deeper mythological context.
With Kantara: Chapter 1 nearing its release and Jai Hanuman on the horizon, Rishab Shetty continues to build a strong presence in Indian cinema, blending folklore, mythology, and contemporary storytelling. Stay tuned for updates on the official shooting schedule of Jai Hanuman once Kantara: Chapter 1 completes its theatrical run.
The post “The story is so interesting” Rishab Shetty on joining Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman ahead of Kantara: Chapter 1 Release appeared first on Bollywood Hungama.
