Earlier this year, reports had claimed that Kantara star Rishab Shetty was set to join politics. The actor-director had taken to social media to clarify his stand and said that he is not joining politics. He also appealed to fans to support his cinema.

Rishab Shetty, reacting to a tweet by a journalist that he is joining politics, stated, "Please state that it is false news. Say clearly that today is April 1. Few people have already projected me as a supporter of a certain party. I will never go into politics."

One of his fans had reacted that he should join politics, and he will support him. Rishab Shetty told him that he does not need his support in politics. "Please support my cinema, that is more than enough," he stated.

Rumours spread following the release of Kantara that he would join a certain political party. Rishab Shetty's appeal to moviegoers not to mock the screams of God shown in the movie Kantara, and his temple visits, also seemed to indicate that he would join politics.

Kantara was released in Kannada and Hindi versions on September 30th and October 14th, respectively. The film is written and directed by Rishab Shetty. Produced by Vijay Kiragandur and Chaluve Gowda under Hombale Films, the film features Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, and Kishore Kumar G in pivotal roles.