Rishab Shetty makes his Telugu debut in the grand period drama ‘Story of a Rebel,’ directed by Ashwin Gangaraju. Get a glimpse of the powerful first look poster!
In a movie-oriented move that has thousands of fans talking across the country, Rishab Shetty, the writer-director-actor of Kantara, will be making his Telugu cinematic debut in a historical action drama directed by the talented Ashwin Gangaraju. This Production No. 36 is an epic story of rebellion, identity, and resistance, set against the backdrop of 18th-century Bengal.
Produced by the reputable Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas (known for hits like Jersey, Tillu Square, and the upcoming Lucky Bhaskar), this film is, without a doubt, going to be one of the most awaited pan-India films in recent history.
Why This is a Game-Changer for Indian Historical Drama
In recent years, Indian cinema has had a renewed interest in historical fiction. Films like RRR, Tanhaji, and Ponniyin Selvan have demonstrated that historical dramas can be commercially and critically viable. This film, however, brings something new and fresh to the table.
What Makes This Film unique?
Pan-Indian Capacity – shot in Telugu AND Kannada languages simultaneously and dubbed in Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam.
Gifted Collaborators – a directorial debut for Ashwin Gangaraju (an acquaintance of S.S. Rajamouli) and his own feature debut, Aakashavaani.
Epic Stakes: Set in 18th-century Bengal, a time rife with political turmoil, colonization, and revolutions.
Rishab Shetty as a Revolutionary: The first-look poster indicates a masked revolutionary character, and the poster is heavy with cannon smoke and chaos, which suggests a complicated and fierce character arc.
A Look at the Creators
Ashwin Gangaraju – The New Voice
Ashwin Gangaraju, previously an associate director on Baahubali, made his own directorial debut with Aakashavaani, which was surreal and symbolic. If you’re looking for immersive world-building that goes beyond and depth-driven stories, Ashwin is taking an artistic and nuanced approach to the epic genre.
Rishab Shetty – Beyond Kantara
Rishab Shetty had a successful career with Kantara, which enjoyed great success across India due to its combination of myth, folklore, and action. Rishab’s creating a Telugu-language film is a new level in his career, which may suggest further ambition in telling region-based stories on a national level.
The Contextualization: 18th-century Bengal
ನನ್ನ ಮುಂದಿನ ಚಿತ್ರ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ ಎಂದಿನಂತೆ ಸದಾ ಇರಲಿ 😊
— Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) July 30, 2025
Not all Rebels are forged in Battle. ⚔️
Some are chosen by Destiny
And this is that story of a Rebel..💥💥
Directed by @AshwinGangaraju
Produced by @SitharaEnts @vamsi84 & #SaiSoujanya@Fortune4Cinemas #SrikaraStudios pic.twitter.com/rhZUcTcrxU
This film takes a different approach from many historical dramas that focus on royal dynasties and Northern battles. This film takes place in Bengal during the pre-Independence resistance movements.
Expect key themes including:
Colonial Oppression vs Indigenous Revolt
Questions of Identity
Socio-political Turbulence
Personal Sacrifice / Legacy
First Look Poster – Symbols and Hype
The first look poster was released online with some fiery imagery that shows a war-torn land, a shot old cannon, and a masked warrior poised to lead a revolution. Fans are speculating that the masked character is Rishabh Shetty’s rebel persona, warm with bravery and vengeance.
Production Details and Next Steps
Working Title: Production No. 36
Producers: Sithara Entertainments & Fortune Four Cinemas
Director: Ashwin Gangaraju
Starring: Rishab Shetty
Languages: Telugu, Kannada (filming); Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam (dubs)
Genre: Historical Action Drama
Filming Status:
The project is in pre-production and will begin filming in late 2025 in heritage zones in West Bengal and Karnataka.
If we are to believe the poster (and we are), filmmakers Rishab Shetty and Ashwin Gangaraju are about to bake a film that is cooking with fire, folklore, and fierce fairy tales. But this project is laden with a historical lexicon, with cross-cultural affinities and ambitions that are pan-Indian. These ingredients can generate a runaway new epic in Indian cinema.
Why This Film Should Break Records.
From Rishab Shetty’s allegiance with his Kannada fans and territory with a Telugu lead, this film can succeed with the right execution:
Beat box office records in South India.
Create a phenomenon on OTT platforms after releasing in theatres.
The Wait is Over for a Cinematic Revolution
From the poster, it is clear that Rishab Shetty and Ashwin Gangaraju are about to deliver a film that incorporates fire, myth, and ferocity in narration. With historical importance, cross-cultural intersectionality, and a pan-India vision, this project could be the next great epic of Indian cinema.
FAQs
1. What is the name of Rishab Shetty’s new film?
The film is presently titled Production No. 36. The final title will be revealed shortly before the release date.
2. Is this Rishab Shetty’s first Telugu film?
This is Rishab Shetty’s first film in Telugu cinema, though it will simultaneously be shot in Kannada.
3. Who directed it?
Ashwin Gangaraju. Ashwin Gangaraju is known for Aakashavaani and his collaboration with S.S. Rajamouli of Baahubali fame.
4. When will it be released?
They have not released a date yet, though the shooting is scheduled to start at the end of 2025 and is likely to be released in 2026.
5. What is the film about?
The film is a historical action drama set in 18th-century Bengal, exploring resistance, rebellion, and identity.
6. Will the movie be available in other languages?
Yes! The movie will be released in Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam. Therefore, it will be a true pan-India release.