Gulshan Devaiah: The Maverick’s Take on ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ and the Shifting Sands of Stardom

There’s a certain ease about Gulshan Devaiah, a delightful candidness that makes you feel, almost instantly, like you’re just chatting with a particularly insightful friend. And honestly, it’s this very quality that makes his perspective on the often-frenzied world of Indian cinema so utterly refreshing. When the conversation meandered, as good conversations often do, to the buzzing anticipation surrounding ‘Kantara Chapter 1,’ his enthusiasm was palpable, almost contagious.

Devaiah, you see, holds a profound respect for Rishab Shetty. It's not just the commercial success, not merely the roar of the box office that impresses him, but rather, the sheer, unadulterated vision that Shetty brings to his craft. He articulated it beautifully, talking about how the original ‘Kantara’ wasn't just a film; it was an experience, a visceral journey rooted deeply in culture and mythology. So, for him, ‘Kantara Chapter 1’ isn’t just a sequel or a prequel, but rather an expansion of a truly unique cinematic universe—a universe that Rishab, bless his singular talent, is painstakingly building.

But the talk didn’t stop at the enthralling folklore of Karnataka. No, our discussion drifted, quite naturally, to the wider landscape of Bollywood, to the fascinating — and sometimes frankly bewildering — dynamics of stardom. The names of Janhvi Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut popped up, not in a gossipy way, mind you, but more as benchmarks, as figures representing different facets of ambition and presence within the industry. It’s interesting, isn’t it, how certain actors become touchstones for larger conversations about craft, celebrity, and even, dare I say, controversy?

And then, as we delved a little deeper into what truly shapes an actor, the name Anurag Kashyap, almost inevitably, emerged. For Devaiah, who’s collaborated with Kashyap on projects like ‘That Girl in Yellow Boots,’ the filmmaker isn't just a director; he's a sort of artistic godfather, a guide who dares to push boundaries and nurture unconventional talent. You could say, in truth, that Kashyap represents a school of thought—one that values grit, authenticity, and a refusal to conform—that Devaiah himself embodies. It's a journey, this acting life, full of mentors and turning points, isn't it?

Ultimately, what became clear was Gulshan Devaiah's unwavering belief in original storytelling and genuine artistic expression. He seems to navigate the complexities of fame and industry pressures with an enviable clarity, always returning to the core of what he believes truly matters: the story, the performance, the unique human element. And perhaps, that's why his insights resonate so strongly—they come from a place of honest engagement, free from the usual industry gloss, offering a glimpse into the heart of a truly thoughtful artist.