How Many Drafts Did Rishab Shetty Need to Finalize the Screenplay for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’?

Click to start listening
How Many Drafts Did Rishab Shetty Need to Finalize the Screenplay for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’?

Synopsis

In a recent interview, Rishab Shetty opened up about the extensive drafting process behind the blockbuster film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’. Discover how the actor navigated through 15-16 drafts to create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. Explore the challenges and successes of this cinematic journey.

Key Takeaways

  • Extensive Drafting: 15-16 drafts were essential for the screenplay.
  • Cultural Resonance: The film’s depth struck a chord with audiences.
  • Box Office Success: Achieved INR 421.12 crore in India.
  • Authenticity Matters: Filmmakers focused on genuine storytelling.
  • Learning Experience: Importance of backstory was highlighted in revisions.

Mumbai, Oct 12 (NationPress) Actor Rishab Shetty, who is garnering significant acclaim for his recently released film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, has disclosed the extensive number of drafts required to finalize the film's screenplay.

During a conversation with IANS at a luxurious venue in Bandra West, Mumbai, the actor celebrated the film's success and revealed that achieving a polished screenplay involved 15-16 drafts, ensuring that every theme and narrative thread intended by the creators was incorporated.

The inaugural installment of the ‘Kantara’ franchise, ‘Kantara: A Legend’, became an unexpected triumph for the filmmakers, including Rishab Shetty, who approached the project with sincerity, avoiding reliance on market trends.

Reflecting on the process, Rishab Shetty shared with IANS, “For the first part, we wrote only 3-4 drafts, completing the writing in about 3-4 months before moving directly to shooting. It was quite straightforward. For the prequel, we began discussing the story of Shiva's father and completed that script. However, we later realized the need for a backstory for the first part, leading us to rethink its narrative structure.”

He elaborated, “Once we finalized it, it transformed into a comprehensive script. We understood that we couldn’t convey everything in a brief segment; it required a full backstory.”

When prompted about the number of drafts, he clarified, “No, it was approximately 15-16 drafts. Yes, we had nearly 15-16 narration drafts.”

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback, celebrated for its visuals, scale, and cultural richness, amassing an impressive INR 421.12 crore net in India.

Point of View

The success of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ reflects the evolving dynamics of Indian cinema, where authenticity and cultural richness resonate deeply with audiences. Rishab Shetty's dedication to refining the screenplay highlights the importance of storytelling depth in today’s entertainment landscape.
NationPress
13/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

How many drafts did Rishab Shetty go through for ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’?
Rishab Shetty revealed that it took approximately 15-16 drafts to finalize the screenplay of ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’.
What themes did Rishab Shetty ensure were included in the screenplay?
The screenplay aimed to incorporate every theme and narrative thread that the makers intended, ensuring a comprehensive storytelling experience.
How successful has ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ been at the box office?
The film has garnered a remarkable INR 421.12 crore net in India, receiving widespread acclaim.
What was different about the drafting process for the prequel?
In contrast to ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, the prequel involved fewer drafts, with only 3-4 drafts completed in a few months.
What did Rishab Shetty learn from the screenplay process?
He learned that a rich backstory is essential for narrative depth, prompting revisions in the script's structure.
Nation Press