Did you know KL Rahul's famous celebration has a connection with THIS iconic South blockbuster?

Rishab Shetty’s 'Kantara' has firmly established itself as a major milestone in Kannada cinema, earning rave reviews and even winning a National Award. The film’s cultural impact continues to resonate, and now, as a prequel is being developed, the film is gaining more recognition. Recently, Indian cricketer KL Rahul paid tribute to Kantara by recreating one of its most famous scenes during an IPL 2025 match, which has gone viral across social media.
KL Rahul’s gesture steals the spotlight after Delhi Capitals’ victory
Following a spectacular win with Delhi Capitals, KL Rahul was seen performing a gesture that closely mirrored one of Rishab Shetty's iconic moves in 'Kantara.' In the film, Shetty uses a piece of wood to make a similar gesture, and Rahul recreated it on the cricket field by circling his bat on the ground. Fans were quick to recognize the homage, and Rahul’s act became a topic of widespread discussion online.

KL Rahul opens up about his 'Kantara' gesture in IPL 2025
In an official video shared by his IPL team, KL Rahul revealed the meaning behind his gesture. He explained, “This is a special place for me. That celebration was from one of my favorite movies, 'Kantara.' So yeah, just a tiny reminder that this ground, this home, this turf is where I have grown, and this is mine.” His words showcased the deep connection he felt with both the movie and the match’s significance.
Exciting developments for 'Kantara' and Rishab Shetty’s upcoming projects
As 'Kantara' continues to capture hearts, the prequel titled 'Kantara: Chapter 1' is currently under production and is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2025. The period fantasy action thriller is once again written and directed by Rishab Shetty, who also has other highly anticipated films lined up, including 'Jai Hanuman' and 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,' both promising to be major cinematic events.