Actor Allu Arjun has showered praise on Rishab Shetty’s latest magnum opus Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1, calling it a “mind-blowing film” and lauding Shetty’s multifaceted brilliance as writer, director, and actor.

“Watched #Kantara last night. Wow, what a mind-blowing film. I was in a trance watching it,” Arjun wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. “Kudos to @shetty_rishab garu for a one-man show as writer, director, and actor. He excelled in every craft.”

The Pushpa star also commended the film’s cast and technical team, singling out Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, and others for their performances. He further applauded the music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath, cinematography by Arvind S Kashyap, art direction by Dharani Gange Putra, and stunts by Arjun Raj, calling their contributions “aesthetic” and “brilliant.”

“Big congratulations to producer @VKiragandur garu and the entire @hombalefilms team. Honestly, words fall short to describe the experience. Lots of love, admiration, and respect,” he added.

Responding to the message, Shetty expressed his gratitude on X, saying, “Thank you @alluarjun avre for the lovely wishes. Truly grateful for your warmth and support. More power and success to you always.”

Set in pre-colonial Karnataka during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty, Kantara: Chapter 1 explores the origins of Daiva worship in Tulunadu, delving into the conflict between a royal family seeking to control the Kantara forest and the tribals who revere and protect it.

Shetty stars as Berme, the guardian of the forest and its people, alongside Rukmini Vasanth, Sapthami Gowda, Gulshan Devaiah, Jayaram, P. D. Satish Chandra, and Prakash Thuminad.

Written, directed, and headlined by Rishab Shetty, the film is produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under the Hombale Films banner. The cinematography is by Arvind S Kashyap, and the music is composed by B. Ajaneesh Loknath — both key collaborators from the original Kantara film.