Abhilash Shetty | |
|---|---|
 Abhilash in 2021 | |
| Born | Shimoga, Karnataka, India |
| Alma mater | Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya ATNCC Shimoga |
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 2020–present |
Abhilash Shetty (born 3 September 1996) 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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
| Year | Film | Director | Writer | Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 to 6 | No | No | Yes | Short film |
| 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[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Ram Rakshith (20 May 2022). "Independent Kannada films need a push: Abhilash Shetty". Deccan Herald.
- ↑ "Koli Taal movie review: Abhilash Shetty's debut explores a simplistic tale about village life". 26 May 2022.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Abhilash Shetty's Koli Taal part of the Spotlight section at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival". 23 February 2022.
- ↑ ಸುದ್ದಿಜಾಲ, ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ (18 May 2021). "ನ್ಯೂಯಾರ್ಕ್ ಸಿನಿಮೋತ್ಸವಕ್ಕೆ ಕೋಳಿ ತಾಳ್; ಕುಂದಾಪ್ರ ಭಾಷಾ ಸೊಗಡಿನ ಚಿತ್ರ –".
- ↑ "M'luru: Abhilash Shetty directed film 'Koli Taal' selected for 21st New York Indian film festival".
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "Exclusive! Theatres, OTT platforms show no interest in festival films, says Koli Taal director Abhilash Shetty". 2 March 2022.
- ↑ "Abhilash Shetty's Koli Taal is now streaming on Jio Cinema". OTTplay. 10 June 2023.
- ↑ "'Koli Taal' director's second feature to release on May 9". Deccan Herald. 8 May 2025.
- ↑ "Our audience does not like to pay to watch independent films: Abhilash Shetty". Times of India. 3 June 2024.