Movies

Rishab Shetty’s Tollywood Debut Project With Naga Vamsi Put on Hold

Rishab Shetty’s big Telugu debut with Sithara Entertainments and director Ashwin Gangaraju is on hold due to scheduling and budget issues, as the star focuses on other major projects.

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Dumtika Editorial

July 29, 2026 · 1 min read

Rishab Shetty’s Tollywood Debut Project With Naga Vamsi Put on Hold

(Image: Dumtika Editorial)

Rishab Shetty’s Telugu debut project with Sithara Entertainments is on hold.

Scheduling conflicts and high budget concerns led to the pause.

Director Ashwin Gangaraju was set to helm the large-scale action drama.

Rishab is currently busy with Jai Hanuman and The Pride of Bharat.

Rishab Shetty’s Telugu Action Drama Faces Uncertainty

Rishab Shetty’s planned entry into Tollywood with a major action drama, produced by Naga Vamsi and backed by Sithara Entertainments, has reportedly been paused. The film, which was to be helmed by director Ashwin Gangaraju, was announced last year as a large-scale, pan-India project aiming to showcase Rishab in a commercial entertainer tailored for Telugu audiences.

According to industry buzz, the project has encountered significant hurdles. Scheduling conflicts have arisen due to Rishab Shetty’s packed calendar, following his rise in popularity after the blockbuster success of Kantara. Sources indicate that the makers found it difficult to align Rishab’s availability with the ambitious production timeline. Additionally, concerns over the film’s high budget have contributed to the decision to put the project on hold, with reports suggesting the team felt the financial risks were too great under current circumstances.

Sithara Entertainments had high hopes for this collaboration, aiming to introduce Rishab to Telugu cinema with a strong commercial vehicle. However, with Rishab already committed to major projects like Jai Hanuman, directed by Prasanth Varma, where he portrays Lord Hanuman, and The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where he takes on the role of the legendary Maratha king, his schedule remains packed. Both of these films demand extensive preparation and lengthy shooting periods, leaving little room for another large-scale venture.

At present, there is no official word on when or if the Tollywood project will be revived, as the team reassesses its feasibility.