Abhilash Shetty

Abhilash Shetty
Abhilash in 2021
Born
Alma materJawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya
ATNCC Shimoga
Occupations
  • Director
  • Screenwriter
  • Actor
Years active2020–present

Abhilash Shetty (born 3 September) is an Indian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor.[1] [2][3] He made a remarkable directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Kannada film Koli Taal.[4] followed by Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa, both films received widespread praise and were showcased at prestigious international film festivals.[5][6]

Early life

Shetty was born in Shimoga, Karnataka, into a Kannada speaking Bunt family.[7] He completed his schooling at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Shimoga, a prestigious boarding school. After earning his degree, he worked as a financial analyst for two years at Capgemini in Bengaluru. He eventually left his corporate career to pursue filmmaking.[8]

Career

Shetty started his filmmaking career by making short films, including Crony, Vinashi, and 2 Missed Calls. He wrote, directed, and edited his debut feature film, Koli Taal, in 2021.[9][10]

He directed his sophomore feature, Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa, in 2024. The film garnered attention at various international film festivals before its theatrical release in India on May 9, 2025.[11]

Filmography

Year Film Director Writer Actor Notes
2019 2 Missed Calls Yes Yes Yes Short film
2021 Koli Taal Yes Yes Yes Debut feature film
2024 Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa Yes Yes No Also producer[12]

References

  1. ^ Prutha Chakraborty (16 February 2023). "Abhilash Shetty's directorial debut is filled with nostalgia and spices — and will soon be available on an OTT platform". South First. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  2. ^ Ram Rakshith (20 May 2022). "Independent Kannada films need a push: Abhilash Shetty". Deccan Herald.
  3. ^ "Koli Taal movie review: Abhilash Shetty's debut explores a simplistic tale about village life". 26 May 2022.
  4. ^ Anusha Sundar (24 June 2021). "Koli Taal: Kannada Indie Film Set to Screen at the 18th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart Is a Replication of My Childhood Memories, Says Director Abhilash Shetty". Silver Screen India. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 4 June 2023.
  5. ^ "Abhilash Shetty's Koli Taal part of the Spotlight section at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival". 23 February 2022.
  6. ^ ಸುದ್ದಿಜಾಲ, ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ (18 May 2021). "ನ್ಯೂಯಾರ್ಕ್ ಸಿನಿಮೋತ್ಸವಕ್ಕೆ ಕೋಳಿ ತಾಳ್; ಕುಂದಾಪ್ರ ಭಾಷಾ ಸೊಗಡಿನ ಚಿತ್ರ –".
  7. ^ "M'luru: Abhilash Shetty directed film 'Koli Taal' selected for 21st New York Indian film festival".
  8. ^ Zore, Suyog. "Every character in Koli Taal is based on people I have encountered, says director Abhilash Shetty". Cinestaan. Archived from the original on 21 July 2021.
  9. ^ "Exclusive! Theatres, OTT platforms show no interest in festival films, says Koli Taal director Abhilash Shetty". 2 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Abhilash Shetty's Koli Taal is now streaming on Jio Cinema". OTTplay. 10 June 2023.
  11. ^ "'Koli Taal' director's second feature to release on May 9". Deccan Herald. 8 May 2025.
  12. ^ "Our audience does not like to pay to watch independent films: Abhilash Shetty". Times of India. 3 June 2024.