Actor Gulshan Devaiah has found himself in an unfamiliar but gratifying position — basking in the overwhelming success of Kantara Chapter 1, a film that has shattered records and expectations alike. The Rishab Shetty-directed prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara has reportedly crossed ₹650 crore worldwide, outpacing even the mighty Baahubali. For Gulshan, who has long been regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most nuanced and underrated performers, the response marks a defining moment in his career — though he insists on keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, the actor opens up about the film’s extraordinary box office run, his skyrocketing IMDb popularity, how he handles fame, and the evolution of Indian cinema into a more inclusive, multilingual space.
“I Embrace the Love but Then Let It Go”
Reflecting on the global response to Kantara Chapter 1, Gulshan Devaiah exudes gratitude but remains pragmatic. “I enjoy the appreciation. Jab ho raha hai, main dono haathon se leke gale lagata hoon aur phir chhor deta hoon,” he says, smiling. “You move on to other things. You can’t let one success or one failure define you. It’s important to stay balanced.”
Yet, he acknowledges that a film of this magnitude inevitably transforms an actor’s professional standing. “I am sure this kind of attention does make a difference in terms of a career, so it is much more important in terms of what it can tangibly give you, like projects or deals. Remuneration aur profile thoda improve hoga,” he admits with characteristic candour.
For Gulshan, the acclaim feels both rewarding and surreal. Known for his diverse body of work — from Shaitan (2011) and Hunterrr (2015) to Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota (2019) and Duranga — he has often operated outside the mainstream limelight. Kantara Chapter 1, however, seems to have propelled him into a new league altogether.
On IMDb Stardom and His Playful Take on Fame
A clear indicator of Gulshan’s soaring popularity came in the form of his IMDb ranking. The actor jumped more than 200 spots on the Most Popular Indian Stars list after the film’s release — from 213th to 22nd.
With typical humour and self-deprecation, Gulshan says, “Jaise 213 se 22 mein jump kiya maine. Toh main kuch aise thoda bikini shoot karunga toh shayad main aur upar mein jaunga,” he laughs, joking about how his newfound visibility could be taken even further.
He admits being amused at finding himself ahead of some of India’s most glamorous stars. “I am above Mrunal Thakur and Triptii Dimri. How can that be?” he laughs. “I’m just making light of this moment. Mrunal is a friend, and Triptii is amazing too. So many people are doing wonderful work. I embrace it, but I’m ready to let go soon.”
For Gulshan, fame is fleeting, and he seems intent on not letting the numbers distract him from what truly matters — his craft. “These things come and go. You just keep doing good work and hope it connects with people,” he says.
A Kannada Film, But Not a Homecoming
Although Kantara Chapter 1 marks Gulshan Devaiah’s debut in Kannada cinema, he doesn’t view it as a “homecoming” in the conventional sense. Born and raised in Karnataka, the actor has deep cultural ties to the region — but for him, cinema transcends linguistic and geographical boundaries.
“I am from Karnataka, but I belong to cinema,” he explains thoughtfully. “The moment I started doing cinema, that was my homecoming. I was born in Bangalore. I am from Kodavu, which is part of Karnataka. I grew up speaking Kannada. I spent the first 30 years of my life there. So I associate with the culture, but for me, this was another good story.”
His perspective highlights the increasingly fluid nature of Indian cinema, where actors and filmmakers are increasingly crossing linguistic lines, creating content that appeals to audiences across regions.
Kantara Chapter 1: A Landmark Pan-Indian Success
Written and directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara Chapter 1 serves as a prequel to the original 2022 hit Kantara, exploring the origins of its mythic folklore and spiritual world. The film stars Rishab Shetty himself in the lead role, alongside Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, and Jayaram.
The movie has been hailed for its breathtaking visuals, deeply rooted storytelling, and immersive sound design — qualities that have helped it transcend regional boundaries. With over ₹150 crore grossed each in the Kannada and Hindi markets, and substantial earnings from Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam versions, the film stands as a testament to the expanding reach of regional cinema.
Gulshan attributes this shift to changing audience sensibilities. “I think our idea of what cinema is also expanding,” he says. “Once upon a time, when I was a kid, Hindi films used to be the pan-India films because they had a wider appeal. They also appealed to people who were not native Hindi speakers. But now, the native Hindi speakers are also interested in the stories that are rooted in other regions.”
The actor believes that the rise of streaming platforms, increased cultural curiosity, and better subtitling have all contributed to this transformation. “People are more open now. A good story can come from anywhere — Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, or Hindi. What matters is the authenticity,” he adds.
Staying Grounded Amid Massive Success
Despite being part of one of the year’s biggest cinematic phenomena, Gulshan insists he remains focused on his craft and personal growth rather than fame. “Success is lovely, but it’s temporary. What stays is your relationship with the work — the joy of being on set, of telling a story,” he says.
He credits Rishab Shetty for creating a film that’s both commercially spectacular and emotionally resonant. “Rishab has a unique way of blending mythology and realism. His storytelling is deeply local but universally emotional. That’s why people everywhere connect with it,” Gulshan observes.
The actor also hints at how the film’s success could shape his future choices. “I want to use this momentum to work on projects that challenge me. I like stories that make me uncomfortable in a good way,” he says.
The Evolution of Indian Cinema
Beyond personal success, Gulshan Devaiah is optimistic about where Indian cinema is headed. He sees the rise of films like Kantara, KGF, Pushpa, and Jigarthanda DoubleX as indicative of a more inclusive cinematic landscape — one where language barriers are fading and storytelling reigns supreme.
“The beauty of today’s Indian cinema is that audiences are no longer confined by region or language. They’re embracing diversity. A good story from Karnataka can touch someone in Kashmir or Kerala. That’s something truly special,” he says.
He further adds that the current era is redefining the notion of a “pan-India film.” “Earlier, pan-India meant a Hindi film that everyone watched. Now, it means a story that resonates with people across India, irrespective of the language it’s told in,” Gulshan explains.
What Lies Ahead for Gulshan Devaiah
While Kantara Chapter 1 has firmly cemented his place among India’s most bankable and respected performers, Gulshan is looking forward to exploring more unconventional roles. “I never plan too much. I just want to do good work, with good people. The rest will take care of itself,” he says.
He’s also aware that with greater visibility comes greater responsibility. “You have to be careful about how you use your platform. I want to be part of stories that say something meaningful, not just make noise,” he adds.
For fans, his success in Kantara Chapter 1 represents the triumph of talent and perseverance. For Gulshan himself, it’s simply another step in an ever-evolving artistic journey.
Conclusion
With Kantara Chapter 1, Gulshan Devaiah has not only delivered one of the standout performances of his career but also emerged as a symbol of India’s changing cinematic identity. His mix of humour, humility, and insight reflects a mature understanding of fame and artistry.
As he puts it, “You take the love, enjoy it, and then move on. The work must always come first.”
From jumping 200 places on IMDb to becoming part of a ₹650 crore blockbuster, Gulshan Devaiah’s journey is proof that talent, patience, and authenticity eventually find their spotlight.
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