Gulshan Devaiah on His Role in Kantara: Chapter 1, Kannada Debut & working with Rishab Shetty

Gulshan Devaiah spoke about his new film role on 11 October 2025. He said the day felt special to him. He also spoke about meeting Rishab Shetty and joining the Kantara world. These words came in an interview that many news outlets ran after the film’s release.

Gulshan called Rishab “a man of cinema”. He first met Shetty in 2019. He watched the original Kantara (2022) and was deeply impressed. When Shetty finally offered him a part, Gulshan did not think twice. He said, “If I don’t do this, I’d be an idiot.” He felt the director’s passion. He wanted to be part of that energy.

This film is Gulshan’s Kannada debut. He is from Kodagu and grew up with the language. So the debut had a personal touch for him. He said he did long workshops before the shoot. He wanted to shape his character well. He added parts of the role that were in the script. Some parts came from his own ideas. And some were built on the set while shooting. Rishab gave him creative freedom.

Gulshan plays King Kulashekara. He described the man as “entitled, jealous, and perpetually drunk.” He also said the character has small human moments. These moments make the role feel real and not just a villain. Gulshan told reporters that real people like Kulashekara exist. This made his approach to the role more honest.

The film’s makers released Gulshan’s first look months ago. The poster showed him as a regal and fierce ruler. Fans reacted fast. Many said his casting was a strong move. The poster and trailer added to the public interest before release.

Kantara: Chapter 1 hit theatres on 2 October 2025. It opened across many languages. The film was praised for its scale and action. It also drew strong box office numbers in the first week. The success made headlines across the country. Gulshan said he was happy with the audience’s love. He thanked viewers and said he belongs to cinema and art beyond any single language.

There was also a fan reaction that worried the makers. Some fans came to shows dressed as the film’s deity, or Daiva. Rishab Shetty asked them not to do such acts in theatres. Gulshan supported this request. He said the film had made people feel deeply. But he asked fans to respect the story and culture. He did not want the film to turn into a gimmick.

Critics praised Gulshan’s work. Many reviews said he brought nuance to the villain role. He played a man who is cruel yet small in his private life. This mix gave the film emotional depth. The writing and direction also got credit. Rishab’s vision and the scale of the project kept viewers talking.

Gulshan also wrote on social media about the warm response. He thanked fans and said recognition was not the main goal. He said good work with good people mattered more. This line struck a chord with many followers. It showed his humble approach after a big debut.

In short, Gulshan called the movie a learning experience. He praised Rishab Shetty’s storytelling. He said working with Shetty taught him a lot. He also felt proud to make a Kannada debut that connected with many audiences. The film’s early run looks strong. And Gulshan’s performance is one reason people are talking.