Rakshit Shetty's Long-Awaited Directorial 'Richard Anthony' Receives Crucial Production Update
Kannada cinema star Rakshit Shetty, last seen on screen in the 2023 film 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello – Side B', is finally making significant progress on his much-anticipated return to directing. The filmmaker, whose last directorial venture was the acclaimed 2014 movie 'Ulidavaru Kandanthe', has been promising to helm 'Richard Anthony' since 2021. Now, a fresh update from a key collaborator has reignited excitement among fans and the industry alike.
Pramod Shetty Confirms Script Completion and Upcoming Pre-Production Phase
According to a detailed report by OTTPlay, actor Pramod Shetty, who portrayed the character Dinesha in 'Ulidavaru Kandanthe', has shared substantial news about the project. Speaking at an event for his upcoming film 'Shesha', Pramod Shetty revealed that the script for 'Richard Anthony' is now fully ready. He further announced that the production team plans to move into the pre-production stage within the next two to three months. This announcement comes as a major relief to loyal followers who have endured years of uncertainty and speculation regarding the film's status.
Addressing Years of Rumors and Fan Concerns
For those unfamiliar with the background, 'Richard Anthony' was officially announced as a spin-off of the 2014 film 'Ulidavaru Kandanthe'. However, the subsequent years saw a noticeable lack of clear updates, leading to growing worry among the fanbase. Numerous rumors began circulating, with some sources claiming the project had been halted indefinitely, while others suggested that the original production banner had withdrawn its support. The prolonged silence only fueled these speculations, making Pramod Shetty's recent confirmation all the more significant for clarifying the film's active development.
Projected Timeline and Unique Narrative Structure
Earlier statements from Rakshit Shetty himself indicated that filming for 'Richard Anthony' is scheduled to commence in early 2025. He estimated that the production would require approximately one and a half years to complete. Based on this timeline, the release is now tentatively projected for late 2027 or early 2028. Interestingly, the film is described as both a prequel and a sequel, a creative choice necessitated by the fact that Rakshit's character Richie meets his demise in the original movie. The majority of the shooting is expected to take place in and around the coastal region of Udupi, supplemented by other locations that authentically reflect the story's temporal setting.
Rakshit Shetty's Recent Industry Involvement
While focusing on 'Richard Anthony', Rakshit Shetty has remained active in the Kannada film industry through other ventures. Most recently, he served as a producer for the 2024 romance drama 'Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali', which features Vihan Gowda, Mayuri Nataraj, and Ankita Amar in pivotal roles. This continued engagement highlights his multifaceted contributions to regional cinema, even as he prepares for his directorial comeback.
The entertainment landscape eagerly awaits further developments on 'Richard Anthony', as this update marks a pivotal step toward realizing a project that has been shrouded in mystery for nearly a decade. With the script finalized and pre-production on the horizon, the path is now clearer for Rakshit Shetty to deliver what promises to be a significant addition to Kannada cinematic storytelling.
