Rishab Shetty’s Game-Changing Deal for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’: Here’s What He Actually Took Home

Mumbai | Saturday, November 8, 2025: Actor-director Rishab Shetty is currently riding a massive wave of success. His film, Kantara: Chapter 1, has become a spectacular blockbuster. The film is a prequel to his 2022 cult hit, Kantara. The new movie has smashed box office records worldwide. It has become the highest-grossing Indian film of 2025. With such monumental success, everyone is curious about the paycheck of the man behind the magic.

Rishab Shetty’s Paycheck for Kantara Chapter 1

A Shift from Fixed Fee to Profit-Sharing

The real shocker is Rishab Shetty’s unique payment model for this film. Unlike many big stars who take a huge upfront fee, Rishab chose a different path. Reports suggest he opted not to take a fixed salary for his work as both the lead actor and the director of Kantara: Chapter 1.

Instead of a set fee, he will be compensated based entirely on the film’s box office performance and profits. This is called a profit-sharing deal. It’s a bold move. It shows the massive confidence Rishab Shetty had in his own storytelling and the film’s success. This kind of deal aligns the star’s earnings directly with the film’s earnings. The bigger the hit, the bigger his take-home amount.

The Money Talk: How Much is the Takeaway?

While an exact final number is still under wraps, industry insiders are buzzing about the potential scale of his earnings. Given the film’s colossal worldwide gross—which has reportedly crossed ₹950 crore to ₹1000 crore—Rishab Shetty’s share will be huge.

• Massive Rise: For the original Kantara in 2022, Rishab reportedly earned around ₹4 crore. His remuneration for the prequel is expected to be almost 25 times higher, thanks to the profit-sharing model.
• A ₹100 Crore Club Entry: Some reports hint that Rishab Shetty’s total earnings, including his profit share, could touch a staggering ₹100 crore. This would place him among the highest-paid stars in Indian cinema. This figure is said to include a potential upfront amount of ₹50 crore and a significant share in the profits after the film’s release.
• Self-Investment: Further details reveal that Rishab Shetty also reportedly invested his own money into the project. Kantara: Chapter 1 was mounted on a grand budget of ₹125 crore. Investing his own funds shows his commitment to the film’s vision.

A New Industry Norm?

Rishab Shetty’s choice for a profit-sharing deal is not entirely new. However, it highlights a growing trend in Indian cinema. Many top stars are now choosing this model. It ensures the star’s interest is directly tied to the film’s success. South Indian stars like Yash for KGF: Chapter 2 have also famously taken this route.

This model is a win-win for both the star and the production house. The star takes a risk, but in the case of a blockbuster, the rewards are monumental. The production house benefits by managing the initial budget better.

Kantara: Chapter 1 has not just delivered a spectacular cinematic experience. It has also set a new benchmark for star remuneration. Rishab Shetty, once a struggling filmmaker, has truly become a powerhouse. His journey from earning a modest fee for Kantara to potentially making over ₹100 crore for its prequel is an inspiring Bollywood story.

The film’s continuing strong performance, even after its OTT release, confirms the sheer magnitude of its success. It proves that a great story, when coupled with a passionate vision like Rishab Shetty’s, can redefine the rules of the game.