Rishab Shetty Rises to 3rd Spot on IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Celebrities List

Rishab Shetty, who brought Kannada cinema to the national spotlight with Kantara, has once again made headlines with Kantara: Chapter 1. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, the film’s massive success has not only shattered box office records but also propelled its stars to new heights on IMDb’s list of India’s most popular celebrities.

In the latest weekly IMDb rankings, Rishab Shetty has soared from the 75th position to an impressive 3rd place. His co-star Rukmini Vasanth climbed from 37th to 5th, while Gulshan Devaiah, who plays the antagonist, jumped from 213th to 22nd — a testament to the film’s nationwide impact.

Kantara: Chapter 1, which has grossed over ₹450 crore worldwide, continues its phenomenal theatrical run. The film has been lauded for its breathtaking visuals by cinematographer Arvind Kashyap and a soul-stirring score by B Ajaneesh Loknath, both of whom have played key roles in shaping its immersive world.

As both director and lead actor, Rishab Shetty delivers a cinematic experience that blends mythology, folklore, and faith into a powerful narrative deeply rooted in Indian culture. The film’s resonance mirrors the success of the original Kantara, further establishing Rishab as one of Indian cinema’s most influential voices.

While stars like Ranbir Kapoor (now 18th) and Mrunal Thakur (23rd) also saw gains in the IMDb list, it’s the Kantara team’s meteoric rise that stands out — proving that regional storytelling, when crafted with authenticity, can truly capture the nation’s imagination.