Rishab Shetty Unfollows Kantara Co-Stars; Rift Rumors Swirl in Sandalwood

New Delhi, March 28, 2026: The Kannada film industry, popularly known as Sandalwood, is currently abuzz with intense speculation following a series of unexpected social media moves by National Award-winning actor and director Rishab Shetty. Fans and industry insiders have noted that the Kantara star has reportedly unfollowed several key collaborators on Instagram, including his Kantara: Chapter 1 co-star Rukmini Vasanth and long-time friend and fellow filmmaker Raj B. Shetty.

The news has sent shockwaves through the fan communities, especially given the “RRR” trio—Rakshit Shetty, Rishab Shetty, and Raj B. Shetty—has long been celebrated as the backbone of the modern Kannada cinema renaissance.

A Growing Digital Distance

While an Instagram “unfollow” might seem trivial in everyday life, in the high-stakes world of celebrity PR, it often signals behind-the-scenes friction. Observers recently noticed that Rishab’s “following” list no longer includes:

• Raj B. Shetty: A close collaborator who previously worked on the choreography of the Kola sequences in the original Kantara.
• Rukmini Vasanth: The lead actress of the highly anticipated prequel, Kantara: Chapter 1.
• Hombale Films: The powerhouse production house behind the Kantara franchise and KGF.

Interestingly, while Rishab has distanced himself from the official production handle, he reportedly continues to follow Vijay Kiragandur, the founder of Hombale Films, suggesting that if there is a conflict, it may be professional or creative rather than a total personal fallout with the leadership.

The Origins of the Feud Speculation

Rumors of a rift between Rishab and Raj B. Shetty aren’t entirely new. Tension first bubbled to the surface in late 2025 during the promotions for the film 45. Fans pointed out that Rishab Shetty shared a video wishing the team success but notably omitted Raj B. Shetty’s name, despite Raj playing one of the primary lead roles alongside Shiva Rajkumar and Upendra.

Furthermore, Raj B. Shetty has remained uncharacteristically silent regarding the massive success of Kantara: Chapter 1, which dominated the box office in late 2025. This lack of public support stands in stark contrast to the vocal camaraderie the trio shared during the release of the first Kantara in 2022.

“In the flow of a conversation, names can sometimes be missed. I personally hold no grudge.” — Raj B. Shetty (addressing previous rumors in December 2025)

Professional Outlook: Life After Kantara

Despite the social media storm, Rishab Shetty’s professional trajectory remains on an upward swing. Following the monumental success of Kantara: Chapter 1, which reportedly crossed the ₹800 crore mark worldwide, Shetty is preparing for his next pan-India venture.

He is set to portray Lord Hanuman in Prasanth Varma’s Jai Hanuman, a sequel to the 2024 hit Hanu-Man. Production for this mythological epic officially commenced in February 2026 in Hampi, signaling Shetty’s transition into larger-than-life superhero roles.

What’s Next?

As of now, neither Rishab Shetty nor Rukmini Vasanth has issued an official statement regarding the social media activity. In an era where digital presence is closely monitored, many hope this is merely a “social media cleanse” rather than the end of a golden era of collaboration.