Rishab Shetty teams up with Manjummel Boys director for 2 films
Synopsis
Two of Indian regional cinema's most distinctive storytellers are joining forces: Rishab Shetty, the National Award-winning force behind the 'Kantara' franchise, and Chidambaram, the director who turned 'Manjummel Boys' into a pan-India blockbuster. Their first collaboration — a Kannada sports drama produced by Shibu Thameens — is already in pre-production, signalling a creative bet that crosses language lines.
Key Takeaways
Rishab Shetty and 'Manjummel Boys' director Chidambaram are collaborating on two films .
The first project is a Kannada-language sports drama , currently in pre-production and expected to go on floors in 2027 .
The film will be produced by Malayalam producer Shibu Thameens .
Details on cast, crew, and storyline are yet to be officially announced.
Rishab Shetty's other major upcoming project is 'Jai Hanuman' , while the second Chidambaram collaboration remains in early planning.
National Award-winning actor-filmmaker Rishab Shetty is set to collaborate with Malayalam director Chidambaram — best known for helming the blockbuster 'Manjummel Boys' — on two films, according to sources close to the project. The announcement marks one of the most anticipated creative partnerships in Indian regional cinema this year.
The Sports Drama Comes First
Of the two planned projects, the first to go into production will be a Kannada-language sports drama. According to sources, the film is currently in the pre-production stage and is expected to begin shooting sometime in 2027. The project will be bankrolled by prominent Malayalam film producer Shibu Thameens, adding further credibility to the venture. Finer details regarding the storyline, cast, and crew are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
What Makes This Collaboration Significant
Director Chidambaram has distinguished himself through unconventional storytelling and a rare ability to craft deeply human narratives — qualities on full display in 'Manjummel Boys', which became a pan-India sensation. Rishab Shetty, on his part, has built an unassailable reputation for culturally rooted filmmaking, most notably through the 'Kantara' franchise, for which he won the National Award. This convergence of two filmmakers with distinct but complementary sensibilities is what makes the pairing so compelling.
Rishab Shetty's Expanding Creative Slate
For Rishab Shetty, the sports drama represents a deliberate step into new genre territory. He continues to stay anchored in narratives drawn from local culture and lived traditions, even as he broadens his creative canvas. His much-anticipated upcoming project 'Jai Hanuman' remains among the most eagerly watched releases on his slate. Just days ago, Shetty also reflected on the journey of making 'Kantara: Chapter 1' through a social media post, marking the film's completion of one year — underscoring how deeply connected he remains to that body of work.
What to Watch Next
With pre-production underway for the sports drama and a second film also in the pipeline with director Chidambaram, industry observers will be watching closely for casting announcements and production timelines. The collaboration brings together Malayalam cinema's breakout storytelling voice and Kannada cinema's most celebrated contemporary filmmaker — a combination that raises expectations across both industries.
Point of View
Which makes a sports drama an interesting test: the genre demands universal emotional arcs while the duo's instinct is to go hyper-local. Whether they reconcile those impulses will determine if this becomes a template for deeper south Indian cinematic integration or a one-off novelty. The involvement of Shibu Thameens, a heavyweight Malayalam producer, also suggests serious commercial ambition behind the project.
NationPress
5 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which films are Rishab Shetty and director Chidambaram collaborating on?
Rishab Shetty and 'Manjummel Boys' director Chidambaram are set to work together on two films. The first is a Kannada-language sports drama currently in pre-production; details on the second project have not yet been disclosed.
Who is producing the Rishab Shetty and Chidambaram sports drama?
The Kannada sports drama will be produced by Malayalam film producer Shibu Thameens. The film is expected to go on floors sometime in 2027, according to sources close to the project.
Who is director Chidambaram and why is he significant?
Chidambaram is the Malayalam filmmaker who directed 'Manjummel Boys', a survival thriller that became a pan-India blockbuster. He is recognised for unconventional storytelling and deeply human narratives, making him one of the most sought-after directors in contemporary Indian cinema.
What other upcoming projects does Rishab Shetty have?
Rishab Shetty's most eagerly anticipated upcoming project is 'Jai Hanuman'. He is also continuing work related to the 'Kantara' franchise, for which he won a National Award, and has recently reflected publicly on the first year of 'Kantara: Chapter 1'.
When will the Rishab Shetty and Chidambaram sports drama release?
No release date has been announced yet. The film is in pre-production as of October 2026 and is expected to begin principal photography sometime in 2027, with cast and crew details still to be officially confirmed.
