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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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 9 to 6 | Template:No | Template:No | Template:Yes | Short film |
| 2019 | 2 Missed Calls | Template:Yes | Template:Yes | Template:Yes | Short film |
| 2021 | Koli Taal | Template:Yes | Template:Yes | Template:Yes | Debut feature film |
| 2024 | Naale Rajaa Koli Majaa | Template:Yes | Template:Yes | Template:No | Also producer[12] |
References
- ↑ Abhilash Shetty's directorial debut is filled with nostalgia and spices — and will soon be available on an OTT platform. South First(16 February 2023). Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ↑ Independent Kannada films need a push: Abhilash Shetty. Deccan Herald(20 May 2022).
- ↑ Koli Taal movie review: Abhilash Shetty's debut explores a simplistic tale about village life(26 May 2022).
- ↑ 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(24 June 2021). Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ↑ Abhilash Shetty's Koli Taal part of the Spotlight section at the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival.(23 February 2022).
- ↑ ನ್ಯೂಯಾರ್ಕ್ ಸಿನಿಮೋತ್ಸವಕ್ಕೆ ಕೋಳಿ ತಾಳ್; ಕುಂದಾಪ್ರ ಭಾಷಾ ಸೊಗಡಿನ ಚಿತ್ರ –, ಸುದ್ದಿಜಾಲ, ವಿಜಯವಾಣಿ(18 May 2021).
- ↑ M'luru: Abhilash Shetty directed film 'Koli Taal' selected for 21st New York Indian film festival.
- ↑ Every character in Koli Taal is based on people I have encountered, says director Abhilash Shetty, Zore, Suyog. Cinestaan.
- ↑ 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).