Kannada actor Rishab Shetty was rumored to be a part of the cast of Lijo Jose Pellissery’s next, Malaikottai Valiban, which is currently in production. The Kantara filmmaker-actor has now clarified all such rumors.
The rumors are true
Mohanlal and Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery of Jallikattu fame have teamed up for the high-budget Malayalam drama Malaikottai Vaaliban. An important part of the movie was shot in Rajasthan, where Mohanlal recently began filming. Earlier, it was reported that Kamal Haasan and Rishab Shetty would have special cameos in the film as Mohanlal wanted actors from different regional industries. However, recent reports suggest that both Kamal Haasan and Rishab Shetty have turned down the offer and they are not a part of Malaikottai Vaaliban.
If reports are to be believed, Kamal Haasan has said that he wishes to focus only on Indian 2 for the time being. The film has been stuck for quite some time and got postponed after an on-set mishap coupled with budget issues. Therefore, Kamal Haasan does not want to compromise with the filming of Indian 2 any longer.
Rishab responded
On the other hand, Rishab Shetty, whose film Kantara was a greater national success, reportedly wants to be a part of only Kannada films for now. Following the blockbuster success of Kantara, Rishab had removed himself from other prior acting commitments, including Bachelor Party, which is being produced by his close pal Rakshit Shetty, as the former is looking at making a follow-up film for Hombale Films.
“Fake news,” Rishab responded immediately. The Kantara star, who is just back from a holiday with his family and friends, including Rakshit, Pramod Shetty, and Sheetal Shetty, added, “I was approached for the role, no doubt, but I had to decline the same, as I am looking at doing a Kannada film next. I am not sure where the reports of me having okayed the film are coming from.”
Meanwhile, Sonalee Kulkarni, Hareesh Peradi, Katha Nandi, and Danish Sait will all play significant roles in Malaikottai Vaaliban. The producers plan to release the official cast and crew list soon.
