Exclusive: Rishab, Ashutosh Epic On King Krishnadevaraya On Track?
Renowned for his expertise in period dramas such as Panipat and Mohenjo-Daro, Gowariker is said to have been fascinated by the grandeur and cultural richness of Krishnadevaraya’s reign.
Despite juggling multiple projects, Kannada superstar Rishab Shetty is set to team up with acclaimed Bollywood director Ashutosh Gowariker for a historical magnum opus. “He will allot dates for this grand historical epic while also working parallelly on his other Telugu film ‘Jai Hanuman’,” reveals a source, adding, “Rishab has now emerged as a pan-India star with a larger-than-life image, and his connect with audiences is unmatched.”
On the wave of offers pouring in for Rishab from Telugu cinema, the source explains, “The days of limiting stars to one region or language are gone. Rishab has built a following that extends far beyond the Kannada audience.”
Industry buzz suggests that noted producer Vishnu Vardhan Induri — known for big-ticket films like Thalaivii and 83 — is planning this historical drama with Rishab Shetty in the titular role. “Rishab has in principle agreed to play the legendary emperor, alongside other prominent Bollywood and South actors, to create an epic that will be both memorable and everlasting,” adds the source. “Rishab is getting closer to Telugu filmmakers lately, as they’re coming up with projects that are larger-than-life and backed by big budgets.”
Adding further heft to the project, ace filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker — celebrated for iconic films like Lagaan and Jodhaa Akbar — is poised to make his South Indian debut. “Ashutosh was deeply moved by the valiant story of Krishnadevaraya, the great Vijayanagara emperor who ruled from 1509 to 1529. He was one of the greatest rulers in Indian history, known for titles like ‘Andhra Bhoja’ and ‘Karnatakaratna’,” the source notes.
Renowned for his expertise in period dramas such as Panipat and Mohenjo-Daro, Gowariker is said to have been fascinated by the grandeur and cultural richness of Krishnadevaraya’s reign. “He and his team have worked extensively on the script to craft a compelling narrative about the emperor, who was a trailblazer in many ways. The film will feature lavish sets to recreate the magnificence of the Vijayanagara Empire, with plans to mount it on a massive budget,” the source adds.
When contacted, producer Vishnu Induri confirmed the development: “Yes, we are planning a magnum opus with Rishab Shetty and director Ashutosh Gowariker, and it will start sometime soon,” he briefly said.