Rakshit Shetty
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Rakshit Shetty, born June 6th, 1983, is a prominent Indian actor and filmmaker, making his mark predominantly in Kannada cinema. His impressive accolades include a National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South, two Karnataka State Film Awards, and five SIIMA Awards. While his debut was with "Namm Areal Ond Dina" in 2010, it was "Simple Agi Ondh Love Story" that truly catapulted him to stardom. This success earned him the affectionate moniker, "Simple Star," a reflection of his distinctive filmmaking approach. Beyond his acting prowess, Shetty is also the visionary behind the production and distribution company, Paramvah Studios.
He's solidified his status as a leading hero with critically acclaimed films like "Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu" in 2015, the sensational "Kirik Party" in 2016, the epic "Avane Srimannarayana" in 2019, the heartwarming "777 Charlie" in 2022, and the critically lauded "Sapta Saagaradaache Ello" in 2023. Notably, "777 Charlie" stands as the highest-grossing film of his career.
Born in Udupi on June 6th, 1983, into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family, Rakshit Shetty’s formative years were steeped in the rich cultural traditions of the Tulu Nadu region. He was an accomplished Pili Nalike dancer and folk dancer, an experience that profoundly influenced his creative vision, notably inspiring the significant role of dancers in his 2014 film, "Ulidavaru Kandanthe."
Before embarking on his cinematic journey, Shetty earned a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from N.M.A.M. Institute of Technology. He then spent two years as a software professional before answering the call of acting and theatre.
His acting debut came in 2010 with Aravind Kaushik's "Nam Areal Ond Dina," where he played a parallel lead. The film, despite production delays, garnered critical acclaim for its non-linear narrative. His next collaboration with Kaushik and Meghana Gaonkar was in "Tuglak" (2012), where he portrayed an angry young man, earning positive reviews, though the film itself faced criticism for its screenplay.
The true breakthrough arrived with the 2013 romantic comedy, "Simple Agi Ondh Love Story," directed by Simple Suni. Co-starring Shwetha Srivatsav, the film was a resounding box-office and critical success, cementing his status and earning him the "Simple Star" title. Following this triumph, Shetty ventured into directing and screenwriting with the neo-noir film "Ulidavaru Kandanthe" in 2014. This film was a pioneer in Kannada cinema, being the first to be shot entirely in sync sound technology. Praised for its authentic depiction of Tulu Nadu and its people, the movie earned Shetty the Karnataka State Film Award for Director's First Time Best Film and a Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada. "Ulidavaru Kandanthe" has since achieved cult status, becoming a landmark of new-age Kannada cinema. He later made a cameo appearance in Suni's directorial "Bahuparak."
The year 2015 saw Shetty team up with director Yogaraj Bhat for the satirical comedy "Vaastu Prakaara," alongside Jaggesh. He also appeared as himself in a cameo in "Jaathre." In 2016, he took on the titular role in the romantic thriller "Ricky," the directorial debut of his friend Rishab Shetty, which proved to be a commercial success. This was followed by "Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu" in the same year. Shetty then showcased his multifaceted talent by writing and producing the 2016 college drama "Kirik Party."
In 2022, audiences were captivated by "777 Charlie," where Shetty shared the screen with a Labrador named Charlie. Produced by Shetty himself under Pinaka Studios and directed by Kiranraj K, the film, which took over five years to shoot, explores the profound bond between pets and their owners. In 2023, he starred in Hemanth Rao's "Sapta Saagaradaache Ello," a film released in two parts, co-starring Rukmini Vasanth.
In 2018, Rakshit Shetty, along with Sachin B. Ravi and Abhishek M., established Pinaka Studios as a division of Paramvah Studios. This VFX company offers a comprehensive suite of services including visual effects, CG, animation, color grading, and motion design, catering to film, television, and advertising industries. Initially formed to support Paramvah Studios' productions, Pinaka Studios has also lent its expertise to other films, notably contributing 2000 VFX shots to Shetty's own movie, "Avane Srimannarayana."
During the filming of "Kirik Party," Rakshit Shetty began a relationship with his co-star Rashmika Mandanna. The couple became engaged on July 3rd, 2017, in a private ceremony, but their engagement was mutually called off in September 2018 due to compatibility issues.
Rakshit Shetty's performance in "Ulidavaru Kandanthe" has been recognized as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion. He was named the Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Man in 2017 and has consistently ranked high in subsequent years.
His filmography spans acting, directing, producing, and writing, with notable works across these domains.
Shetty's achievements have been widely recognized, including three Filmfare Awards South for Best Director – Kannada for "Ulidavaru Kandanthe," Best Actor Critics – Kannada for "Kirik Party," and Best Actor – Kannada for "Sapta Saagaradaache Ello." He has also received Karnataka State Film Awards for "Ulidavaru Kandanthe" and "777 Charlie."
In the realm of controversies, Lahari Velu of Lahari Music accused Paramvah Studios of copyright infringement concerning the song "Hey Who Are You" from "Kirik Party." A legal battle ensued, with Paramvah Studios filing a counter-complaint. While the song was initially removed, it was later reinstated after a court deposit. Despite claims of winning the case, a non-bailable warrant was issued for Shetty and the music director for failing to appear in court. Shetty has denied the allegations, emphasizing inspiration rather than copying.
More recently, MRT Music accused Shetty and Paramvah Studios of unauthorized use of two songs in the movie "Bachelor Party," leading to a copyright infringement case. The Delhi High Court took notice, issuing a notice and ordering the removal of promotional content. In August 2024, the court ruled that Rakshit Shetty and Paramvah Studios must pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation to MRT Music for the unauthorized use of their songs.
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Rakshit Shetty (born 6 June 1983) is an Indian actor and filmmaker working predominantly in Kannada cinema. He is the recipient of a National Film Award, two Filmfare Awards South, two Karnataka State Film Awards and five SIIMA Awards. His debut film is Namm Areal Ond Dina (2010) but his breakthrough role was in Simple Agi Ondh Love Story. Shetty is regarded as "Simple Star" for his filmmaking style. He owns the production and distribution company named Paramvah Studios.
He established himself as a leading hero in Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2015), Kirik Party (2016), Avane Srimannarayana (2019), 777 Charlie (2022), and Sapta Saagaradaache Ello (2023), with 777 Charlie becoming the highest-grossing film of his career.
== Early life ==
Shetty was born in Udupi on 6 June 1983 in a Tulu-speaking Bunt family. He completed schooling at his hometown and was a Pili Nalike dancer and folk dancer in the Tulu Nadu region. This experience made him provide a major role for the dancers in his 2014 film Ulidavaru Kandanthe.
Before starting his film career, Shetty completed a bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering at N.M.A.M. Institute of Technology, Nitte, Karkala which is part of Nitte (Deemed to be University). After graduating, he worked as a software professional for two years before pursuing acting and theatre.
== Career ==
=== Debut and breakthrough (2010-2015) ===
Shetty made his acting debut as a parallel lead with Nam Areal Ond Dina (2010) directed by Aravind Kaushik. The film starred Anish Tejeshwar and Meghana Gaonkar in lead roles. Though the filming began in 2008, the film underwent several struggles but was released in July 2010 to critical acclaim due to its non-linear narration. Shetty again collaborated with Aravind Kaushik and Meghana Gaonkar in his next release, Tuglak (2012). He played the role of an angry young man—and garnered positive reviews from critics, although the film was criticized for its screenplay and direction.
Shetty's breakthrough role came with the romance-comedy film Simple Agi Ondh Love Story (2013) directed by Simple Suni and co-starred Shwetha Srivatsav. The film turned out to be a box-office and critical success. The film's success resulted in Shetty fondly being called "Simple Star." Following this, Shetty debuted as a director and screenwriter with the neo-noir film Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014). The film was the first in Kannada to be shot entirely in sync sound technology.. Upon release the movie was praised for its regional authenticity in depicting Tulu Nadu and its people. Shetty won the Karnataka State Film Award for Director's First Time Best Film and Filmfare Award for Best Director – Kannada for his direction. The film holds a cult following and has become a part of a new-age generation of Kannada cinema. Following this experience, Shetty performed a cameo role in Suni's directorial Bahuparak with Srinagar Kitty in the lead role.
=== Critical acclaim and continued success (2015-present) ===
Shetty began 2015 by teaming up with the commercial director Yogaraj Bhat for the satirical comedy film Vaastu Prakaara, co-starring Jaggesh. Following this, Shetty appeared in a cameo as himself in the film Jaathre.
In 2016, Shetty played the title role in the romantic thriller Ricky, a directorial debut film of his friend Rishab Shetty. The film was a commercial success. This was followed by Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu (2016). Shetty then wrote and produced the 2016 college drama Kirik Party. In 2022, Shetty was seen in 777 Charlie, with his co-star, Charlie, a Labrador. Shetty produced 777 Charlie with the direction of Kiranraj K, under Pinaka Studios and opposite Sangeetha Sringeri. The shooting process of this film took more than five years. The film focuses on the relationship between pets and pet lovers. In 2023, he starred in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello directed by Hemanth Rao and co-starred Rukmini Vasanth. The film was split into two parts with separate release dates.
=== Pinaka Studios ===
In 2018, Rakshit Shetty, Sachin B. Ravi, and Abhishek .M started a VFX company called Pinaka Studios as a division of Paramvah Studios, with Pinaka Studios providing visual effects, CG, animation, color grading,color correction, motion design and other services for the film, TV, brand experience and advertising industries.
Initially started to provide Visual Effects and Post-Production services for the films produced at Paramvah Studios, it also provides its services for other films in the film industry, such as visual effects for the movie Avane Srimannarayana, starring Rakshit Shetty. The film was compiled with 2000 VFX shots.
== Personal life ==
Shetty began dating his co-star Rashmika Mandana during the making of Kirik Party, and the couple got engaged on 3 July 2017 in a private ceremony in her hometown of Virajpet. The couple mutually broke off their engagement in September 2018, citing compatibility issues.
== In the media ==
Shetty's performance in Ulidavaru Kandanthe is regarded as one of the "100 Greatest Performances of the Decade" by Film Companion. He was named the Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Men in 2017. Further, Shetty was placed 2nd in 2018, 3rd in 2019 and 11th in 2020.
== Filmography ==
=== As actor ===
=== As director ===
=== As producer and writer ===
== Accolades ==
Shetty is the recipient of three Filmfare Awards South — Best Director – Kannada for Ulidavaru Kandanthe (2014), Best Actor Critics – Kannada for Kirik Party (2016), and Best Actor – Kannada for Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A & Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side B (2023). He also received Karnataka State Film Awards For Ulidavaru Kandanthe and 777 Charlie.
== Controversies ==
=== Regarding the film Kirik Party ===
Lahari Velu, the director of Lahari Music, accused Shetty's banner Paramvah Studios of copyright infringement when his film Kirik Party was due for release. In his complaint, Velu claimed that the song "Hey Who Are You" is similar to "Madhya Raatrili", a song from the film Shanti Kranti by V. Ravichandran and owned by Velu.
Paramva Studios and the film's music director Ajaneesh Loknath also filed a copyright infringement complaint. Kirik Party was released without the song, but the film's producers were allowed to reintroduce it after they deposited Rs 10 lakh in court. He claims that he and the makers won the copyright infringement case but never made it public. However, in 2020, a non-bailable warrant was issued against him and Ajaneesh after they failed to appear when the court summoned them.
According to Deccan Chronicle, when asked to respond to the allegations, he denied the allegation and said, "We have not copied even a single note of the song. Hamsalekha and Ravichandran have inspired me since childhood. That's why we dedicated the song to them. We both understand each other's point of view."
=== Regarding the movie Bachelor Party ===
MRT Music, a renowned music label, accused Shetty and his Paramvah Studios of using two songs "Nyaya Ellide" and "Omme Ninannu Kantumbha" from Nyaya Ellide and Gaali Maathu films respectively in the movie without permission. Naveen Kumar, partner of MRT Music, filed a complaint, highlighting that the music was used without proper licence, leading to a copyright infringement case against Rakshit Shetty.
As per a report by Pinkvilla the Delhi High Court took note of the situation and issued a notice to Rakshit Shetty and Paramvah Studios after they failed to appear in court. The court also ordered the immediate removal of the social media post in which the production house defended its actions. The court's ruling on August 12, 2024, concluded that Rakshit Shetty and Paramvah Studios must pay Rs 20 lakh as compensation to MRT Music for the unauthorized use of their songs.
== References ==
== External links ==
Rakshit Shetty at IMDb
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