Rakshit Shetty

Indian actor and filmmaker

  • Filmmaker
  • actor
  • Producer
Years active2010–presentOrganizationParamvah StudiosWebsiteparamvah.com

Rakshit Shetty (born 6 June 1983)[1] is an Indian actor and filmmaker working predominantly in Kannada cinema. He is the recipient of one National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South, two Karnataka State Film Awards and five SIIMA Awards. He debuted with the film Namm Areal Ond Dina (2010) and got his breakthrough with Simple Agi Ondh Love Story and further shot to fame with the cult Blockbuster Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014) and further established himself as a lead actor in Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2015), Kirik Party (2016), Avane Srimannarayana (2019), 777 Charlie (2022), and Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A (2023), with 777 Charlie becoming the highest-grossing film of his career.[2]

Shetty is widely regarded as "Simple Star" for his style of filmmaking.[3] He owns the production and distribution company named Paramvah Studios.

Early life

Shetty was born in Udupi on 6 June 1983 in a Tulu-speaking Bunt family.[1][4][5] He completed his schooling at his hometown. During his schooling days he was an avid Pili Nalike dancer, a folk dance in the Tulu Nadu region.[6]

This made him provide a major role for the dancers in his 2014 film Ulidavaru Kandanthe.[7] Before starting his movie career, he completed his bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications engineering at N.M.A.M. Institute of Technology, Nitte, Karkala. After graduating, he worked as a software professional for two years before becoming an actor starting in theatre.[8][9]

Career

Debut and breakthrough (2010-2015)

Shetty made his acting debut as a parallel lead with Nam Areal Ond Dina (2010) directed by Aravind Kaushik. The film starred debutants Anish Tejeshwar and Meghana Gaonkar in lead roles. Though the filming was commenced in 2008, the film underwent several struggles and huddles and released in July 2010.[10] Though critics acclaimed the film for its non-linear narration, it didn't garner much popularity or success to Shetty.[11] Following this debut, Shetty again collaborated with Aravind Kaushik and Meghana Gaonkar in his next release, Tuglak (2012). He essayed the role of Raaghu, an angry young man and garnered positive reviews from critics for his performance. However, the film was criticized for its screenplay and direction.[12] The film also had actor Rishab Shetty in a pivotal role.

Shetty's big breakthrough came with the romance-comedy film Simple Agi Ondh Love Story (2013) directed by Simple Suni and co-starred Shwetha Srivatsav. The film turned out to be a major box-office success and also got critical acclaim.[13] The film's success gave stardom to Shetty and he was fondly called as "Simple Star" and director Sunil Kumar being called "Simple Suni".[14] Following this success, Shetty debuted as a director and screenwriter neo-noir gangster film Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014). The film was the first in Kannada to be shot entirely in sync sound technology. Upon release, the movie was praised for its regional authenticity in depicting Tulu Nadu and its people. Shetty won multiple awards including Karnataka State Film Award for Director's First Time Best Film and Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada for his direction[15][16] The film holds a cult following, and thus has become a part of new-age generation Kannada cinema.[17] Following this, in the same year Shetty did a cameo role in Suni's directorial Bahuparak with Srinagar Kitty in the lead role.[18]

Critical acclaim and continued success (2015-present)

Shetty began the year 2015 by coming out of his friends' circle and teaming up with the popular commercial director Yogaraj Bhat for the satire comedy film Vaastu Prakaara co-starring Jaggesh.[19] Following this, Shetty appeared in a cameo as himself in the film Jaathre.

In 2016, Shetty played the title role in the romantic thriller Ricky, a directorial debut film of his friend Rishab Shetty. The film was a commercial success and Shetty was appreciated for his powerful performance. This was followed by the critical success Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016). Shetty achieved further success with the 2016 college drama Kirik Party which he wrote and produced, it was a critical and commercial success.[20] In 2022, Shetty was seen in 777 Charlie, with his co-star, Charlie, a Labrador; Shetty produced 777 Charlie with the direction of Kiranraj K, under Paramvah Studios and opposite with Sangeetha Sringeri.[a] It was released on 10 June 2022. The shooting process of this film took more than five years. The film focuses on the relationship between pets and pet lovers.[21] In 2023, he starred in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello directed by Hemanth Rao and co-starred Rukmini Vasanth. The film was split into two parts with separate release dates.

Personal life

Shetty began dating his co-star Rashmika Mandanna during the making of Kirik Party, and the couple got engaged on 3 July 2017 in a private ceremony in her hometown of Virajpet.[22] The couple mutually broke off their engagement in September 2018, citing compatibility issues.[23]

In the media

Shetty at an interview in 2019

Shetty's performance in Ulidavaru Kandanthe is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion.[24] He was named the Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Men in 2017.[25] Further, Shetty was placed 2nd in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and 11th in 2020.[26][27][28]

Shetty has been credited by the media for having begun a new wave of filmmaking in Kannada cinema. Through his unconventional body of works, he has established himself as one of the prominent film makers in the Kannada film industry.[29][30]

Filmography

Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released

As actor

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2010 Nam Areal Ond Dina Aravind
2012 Tuglak Raaghu
2013 Simple Agi Ondh Love Story Kushal
2014 Ulidavaru Kandanthe Richard "Richie" Anthony
Bahuparak Richie Cameo
2015 Vaastu Prakaara Kubera
Jaathre Himself Guest appearance
2016 Ricky Ricky
Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu Shiva
Jigarthanda Himself Guest appearance
Kirik Party Karna
2019 Padde Huli Karna Cameo
Avane Srimannarayana Inspector Narayana
2022 777 Charlie Dharmaraj "Dharma" Dattana
2023 Vasantha Kokila Bharath Kannada version, guest appearance
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello - Side A Manu
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello - Side B
2024 Richard Anthony: Lord of the Sea Richard "Richie" Anthony Prequel of Ulidavaru Kandanthe

also Director

Other crew positions

Year Title Director Producer Writer Lyricist Presenter Notes
2014 Ulidavaru Kandanthe Yes No Yes Yes No
2016 Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu No No No Yes No
Kirik Party No Yes Yes Yes No
2018 Humble Politician Nograj No Yes No No No
Katheyondu Shuruvagide No Yes No No No
2019 Avane Srimannarayana No Yes Yes No No
2020 Bheemasena Nalamaharaja No Yes No No No
2021 Ramarjuna No Yes No No No
Garuda Gamana Vrishbha Vahana No No No No Yes
2022 Sakutumba Sametha No Yes No No No
777 Charlie No Yes No No No
Gargi No No No No Yes
2023 Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare No No No No Yes
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello - Side A No Yes No No No
Sapta Saagaradaache Ello - Side B No Yes No Yes No
2024 Bachelor Party No Yes No No No
Ekam No No No No Yes Web series
Richard Antony: Lord of the Sea Yes No Yes Yes No

Accolades

Shetty receiving National Film Award from President Droupadi Murmu at the 69th National Film Awards, 2023

Shetty is a recipient of three Filmfare Awards South — Best Director – Kannada for Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014), Best Actor Critics – Kannada for Kirik Party (2016), and Best Actor – Kannada for Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A & Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B (2023).[31][32]

Controversies

Regarding the film Kirik Party

Lahari Velu, the director of Lahari Music, had accused his banner Paramvah Studios of copyright infringement when his film Kirik Party was due for release. In his complaint, Velu claimed that the song 'Hey Who Are You' is similar to 'Madhya Raatrili', a Shanti Kranti film song by V. Ravichandran and owned by Velu.

Apart from him, Lahari Velu and her company Paramva Studios and the film's music director Ajaneesh Loknath have also filed a copyright infringement complaint. Due to these accusations of Velu, he was heavily trolled by Rakshit fans. Kirik Party was released without the song, but the film's producers were allowed to reintroduce the song in the film after they deposited Rs 10 lakh in court. He claims that he and the makers won the copyright infringement case but never made it public. However, in 2020, a non-bailable warrant was issued against him and Ajaneesh after they failed to appear when the court summoned them.

According to Deccan Chronicle, when asked to respond to the allegations, he denied the allegation and said, "We have not copied even a single note of the song. Hamsalekha and Ravichandran have inspired me since childhood. That's why we dedicated the song to them. We both understand each other's point of view."[33]

Regarding the movie Bachelor Party

The issue started when MRT Music, a renowned music label, accused he and his Paramvah Studios of using 2 songs 'Nyaya Ellide' and 'Omme Ninannu Kantumbha' from 'Nyaya Ellide' and 'Gaalimaathu' films respectively in this movie without permission. Naveen Kumar, partner of MRT Music, filed a complaint, highlighting that the music was used without proper licence, leading to a copyright infringement case against Rakshit Shetty.

As per a report by Pinkvilla the Delhi High Court took note of the situation and issued a notice to Rakshit Shetty and Paramvah Studios after they failed to appear in court. The court also ordered the immediate removal of the social media post in which the production house had defended its actions. The court’s ruling on August 12, 2024, was clear: Rakshit Shetty and Paramvah Studios must pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation to MRT Music for the unauthorized use of their songs.[34]

Notes

  1. ^ Rakshit Shetty established Bangalore Based VFX studio called "Pinaka Studios". /@pinakastudios.com

References

  1. ^ a b "Read about Rakshit Shetty's books of dreams". The Times of India. 27 January 2015. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  2. ^ "Kantara box office: Rishab Shetty's film is 6th biggest Kannada movie ever. See who else in on the list". Hindustan Times. 15 October 2022. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  3. ^ Raghuraman, Shreyas (22 January 2023). "Stars jump borders for South blitz". thefederal.com. Retrieved 19 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Bunts Premiere League cricket tourney from May 24". The Times of India. TNN. 22 May 2019. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  5. ^ "Rakshit Shetty, Pruthvi Ambaar, and others pursue Tulu's inclusion in the eighth schedule". The Times of India. 14 June 2021. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2021.
  6. ^ Mangalorean, Violet Pereira, Mangaluru Team (11 October 2016). "Incredible stunts at 'Pili Nalike 3', Polali Tigers Emerge Winners". Mangalorean.com. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ R, SHILPA SEBASTIAN (19 February 2018). "Rakshit Shetty reveals how he directed Ulidavaru Kandante". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  8. ^ "Rakshit Shetty is a BE graduate". The Times of India. 7 May 2014. Archived from the original on 24 July 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  9. ^ "Talking Cinema with Rakshit Shetty". themanipaljournal.com. 26 August 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  10. ^ "This Day That Year: 'Nam Areali Ondina' was released in 2010, introducing Meghana Gaonkar to Sandalwood; actress reminisces the days". The Times of India. 23 July 2020. Archived from the original on 21 August 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  11. ^ "Nam Areal Ondina: Fast but not furious". Bangalore Mirror. 23 July 2010. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2010.
  12. ^ "Review: Tughlaq is not engaging enough – Rediff.com". Rediff.com. 13 February 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2012.
  13. ^ "10 years of 'Simple Agi Ondh Love Story': A film that gave birth to three stars in Sandalwood". Rediff.com. 8 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  14. ^ "Rakshit Shetty completes 10 years in Sandalwood; fellow celebrities wish the actor on the occasion". Rediff.com. 23 July 2020. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
  15. ^ "Ulidavaru Kandante clinches three awards". Times of India. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 20 October 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  16. ^ "Rakshit Shetty bagged state award the best debut director award for Ulidavaru Kandante". The Times of India. 24 January 2017. Archived from the original on 20 April 2022. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  17. ^ Shivakuar, S. (18 February 2016). "A cult classic, and then…". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  18. ^ "Bahuparak begins shoot". The Times of India. 15 July 2015. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  19. ^ "Rakshit Shetty: I am scared to act in Yograj Bhat's film". Bangalore Mirror. 6 June 2014. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  20. ^ Khajane, Muralidhara (25 February 2017). "Kirik Party does a Mungaru Male". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  21. ^ Anandraj, Shilpa (29 July 2022). "Rakshit Shetty takes a 'paws' with 777 Charlie". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  22. ^ "Rakshit, Rashmika get engaged in Virajpet". Deccan Herald. 4 July 2017. Archived from the original on 13 July 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
  23. ^ "Rashmika Mandanna calls of engagement with Rakshit Shetty". indiatoday.com. 9 September 2018. Archived from the original on 3 June 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  24. ^ "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  25. ^ "Rakshit Shetty is Karnataka's Most Desirable Man of 2017". Times of India. 2 March 2018. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2018.
  26. ^ "Presenting The Bangalore Times 30 Most Desirable Men". Times of India. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  27. ^ "Bangalore Times' 30 Most Desirable Men of 2019". Times of India. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  28. ^ "Presenting The 30 Hunks Who Made It To The Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Men Of 2020 List". Times of India. Archived from the original on 30 April 2024. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  29. ^ "Is Rakshit Shetty sandalwood's next superstar?". The New Indian Express. 3 January 2017. Archived from the original on 2 February 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  30. ^ Barua, Richa (4 January 2017). "Rakshit Shetty the storm that rocked Kannada Film Industry". Asianet. Archived from the original on 5 March 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  31. ^ "Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South". Filmfare. filmfare.com. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 6 May 2020. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  32. ^ "Full list of Winners of the 69th SOBHA Filmfare Awards South (Kannada) 2024". Filmfare. 3 August 2024. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  33. ^ "When Rakshit Shetty Was Almost Arrested After City Court Issued A 'Non-Bailable' Warrant Against Him Over Kirik Party's 'Copyright Violation' Controversy". Koimoi. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  34. ^ "Delhi High Court orders Rakshit Shetty and his Paramvah Studios to pay Rs 20 lakh in copyright dispute". Pinkvilla. Archived from the original on 18 August 2024. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
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