Kantara: Chapter 1 continues to smash box office records and has fans raving about the film. But apart from his movie, fans are also fascinated by Rishab Shetty’s Rs 12-crore mansion in Kundapura, Udupi, Karnataka. The house reflects his love for art, tradition, and culture, with every corner telling a story.
Built on ancestral land once owned by his great-grand uncle, the mansion blends classic South Indian architecture with modern comforts. The grand entrance has a brass-studded Burma teakwood door and a hand-pulled temple bell, instantly giving the home a spiritual and welcoming vibe.
The grand entrance and cultural touches
Step inside, and the home opens to a 300-kg granite Tulsi katta surrounded by a sunlit atrium. Each of the four corners of this space tells a unique story, from Yakshagana headgear and a rifle prop from Kantara to a cricket bat autographed by Yuvraj Singh. Such souvenirs show Shetty’s love for art, sport, and his homeland’s folk traditions.
But the most intriguing part of the mansion is what Shetty calls the ‘chanting corner.’ According to a report by ETimes, if someone stands on a specific black stone in the northeast corner for seven seconds, the air fills with Bhoota Kola chants, creating an almost mystical experience reminiscent of Kantara’s spiritual energy.
A private theatre
No surprise for a filmmaker like Shetty, the mansion also houses a luxurious private screening room. Equipped with Italian leather recliners, a 150-inch retractable screen, and Dolby Atmos surround sound, it offers a complete cinematic experience. Adding a local touch, the chandelier in the room is made from reclaimed Mangalorean tiles. The projector, named Seleyaraya after the forest spirit from Kantara, adds yet another layer of personal storytelling.
Kitchen, library and modern security
The family’s connection to their roots continues in the kitchen. The black stone counter is polished using homemade coconut oil, and traditional dishes like Kori Gassi (chicken curry) are prepared using heirloom recipes. Upstairs, the loft holds a library of over 1,200 books, ranging from Indian folklore to Stephen King thrillers, reflecting Shetty’s wide-ranging inspirations.
Despite its old-world charm, the mansion is fitted with state-of-the-art security. Facial-recognition cameras guard the entrance, and a retired coastal police canine named Yaksha keeps watch. Visitors are required to deposit their phones in brass lockers before entering, and interestingly, the WiFi password changes every month, inspired by new dialogues from Kantara.
Rishab Shetty’s home is more than just a luxurious residence. It’s a living reflection of the world he creates on screen.
