Rishab Shetty is currently on a busy schedule in Bengaluru despite working on his next movie, a prequel to Kantara, in his hometown of Kundapura. Recently, the actor and director achieved great success at the 70th National Awards, winning accolades such as Best Actor and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Rishab had previously received the National Film Award for Best Children’s Film for his work on Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shale Kasaragodu in 2018. In expressing his joy over this achievement, Rishab shared that winning a national award had always been a cherished dream of his since he embarked on his career in the film industry two decades ago. He considers winning a national award as a significant milestone in his career due to the esteemed reputation associated with it. Rishab dedicated this prestigious award to his team, the people of Keradi, and the daiva nartakas, emphasizing the special connection of the award-winning film Kantara to his hometown and upbringing. He extended his gratitude to the film's producer, Vijay Kiragandur, for supporting a unique project like Kantara. Additionally, Rishab thanked the residents of Keradi for their unwavering support during the film's production, attributing his success to the blessings from the village's deities. In regard to the declining trend of movie theater attendance, Rishab emphasized the importance of creating memorable experiences for audiences. He stressed the value of engaging content that resonates with viewers, regardless of the scale of production, to ensure that moviegoers leave theaters feeling content and satisfied.