Kannada cinema got a global recognition when actor, filmmaker and storyteller Rishab Shetty received two prestigious awards for his two films at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2026. The award-winning filmmaker won the Best Director Award for Kantara: Chapter 1 and also the Leadership in Cinema Award, and this is another great achievement in his career.
Rishab Shetty expressed gratitude and humility for the awards were his thanks to the people of Kannada cinema, the people and his fans and his well-wishers, who had supported him so much, and he said the awards were the result not only for him but for the whole Kannada team and Kannada cinema and the cultural traditions that inspired him in his storytelling. His kind of message resonated with the fans of India and abroad, who were moved by Rishab Shetty’s message and they all spoke with a smile and tears of gratitude.
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is widely considered one of the top venues to represent Indian cinema worldwide. Every year the festival honors the work of actors, directors, writers and filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the industry. Getting two major awards at the event highlights Rishab Shetty’s growing status as one of the most influential creative voices in Indian cinema.
Kantara: Chapter 1, the much anticipated prequel to the movie Kantara, has generated a lot of buzz among movie lovers in the last few months. Building upon the success of the original film, which has become a global phenomenon, the prequel delves into the mythology, folklore, traditions and cultural roots that make up the Kantara universe. The project has been praised for its ambitious scale, visual storytelling and commitment to preserving indigenous traditions through cinema.
Rishab Shetty's direction has been highly appreciated for its authenticity and emotional depth. In his work he has continuously highlighted the cultural heritage of Karnataka and has brought local stories to a national and international audience. His films are often a mix of folklore, spirituality, nature and human emotions with an eye for how viewers across many backgrounds will connect with the people who are in the film.
Shetty's work on the Leadership in Cinema Award is just one. All his career has been for Kannada cinema and has brought people to love the local stories and culture to tell it. And his success has brought the national cinema of Kannada films more to prominence, so now even those who don’t have access to mainstream movies will see local cinema as well.
Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages from fans, fellow actors, filmmakers and film fraternity members after the announcement. Shetty had held good shape as a person and remained true to his roots while making international fame. Kantara and its upcoming chapter are cultural pride and Karnataka’s traditions are now being celebrated around the world.
Deeply honoured to receive the Best Director Award for Kantara: Chapter 1 and the Leadership in Cinema Award at @iffmelb 2026. These honours belong to my entire team, Kannada cinema and the culture and traditions that inspire our stories. Heartfelt gratitudeπ#IFFM2026 ΰ²ΰ³ΰ²°ΰ²΅ΰ²ΰ³ΰ²ΰ³… pic.twitter.com/4pytLrLGHE
— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) August 16, 2026
The success of Kantara has had a lasting impact on Indian cinema. The original film was celebrated for its unique storytelling, powerful performances and immersive portrayal of local customs and beliefs. It created not just commercial success but also a dialogue regarding the importance of preserving indigenous stories and narratives in contemporary cinema. Kantara: Chapter 1 will continue to explore these themes in the form of mythology and characters of the story’s creation and the mythology of the story.
Kannada cinema is proud of Rishab Shetty’s latest achievement. The filmmaker’s awards at IFFM 2026 reflect the growing recognition of regional Indian cinema as a format to tell every kind of story with a very good story and the local culture.
The awards, as you can see, are a testament to Rishab Shetty’s vision, dedication and contribution to the film industry. On one of the world’s best Indian film festivals to the point of recognition and it is with the very best of them that his name does not only validate his own work, but the tradition of the film that he is the one that is celebrated.
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